Get ready for a week of KNOWING NATURE
There are several immersive activities planned for you while you’re here. These activities, while not part of the official program, they are designed to complement the conference and offer a way to get out an embrace nature, explore the best of Minnesota and gather with other members and guests of the Izaak Walton League of America.
Sign up for any activity through the official National Convention App.
FISHING ADVENTURES
FIN-TASTIC FISHING ON MILLE LACS
Join a local IWLA chapter member and a professional bass pro for an unforgettable morning on Mille Lacs—one of Minnesota’s legendary fishing lakes. From the comfort of a boat, you’ll cast for trophy walleye while learning about the lake’s ecology and conservation. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this outing offers world-class sport and insider insight into sustaining this iconic fishery.
Trip Details
Depart Bloomington at 5:30 AM, arrive around 7:30 AM, and fish from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, returning by approximately 2:30 to 3:00 PM. All gear, transportation, and basic refreshments are included. Cost: $150 per person. Space is limited to 10 participants, so early registration is encouraged.
ROD & REEL RENDEZVOUS: MINNESOTA RIVER EDITION
Discover the amazing, often-overlooked non-game fish of the Minnesota River on this catch-and-release adventure. Led by IWLA member and 2022 Conservation Award winner Tyler Winter, participants will enjoy a relaxed day of bank fishing while learning about the environmental and recreational value of rough fish such as carp, buffalo, and gar. With all equipment provided and lunch included, this trip blends fun, conservation education, and a fresh perspective on the river’s hidden treasures.
Trip Details
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 8:00 AM and travel together by van to the fishing site. The program runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a picnic lunch before returning to the hotel by 1:30 PM. All rods, tackle, bait, transportation, and lunch are provided. Cost: $75 per person. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged.
OLD-FASHIONED FISHING FEST WITH WILL GILG
Step back in time and cast your line alongside IWLA founder Will Dilg—brought to life by chapter member and filmmaker Steven Marking. From a boat on the Mississippi’s Pool 2, you’ll fish with the same traditional gear Dilg himself would have used, targeting summer species like walleye, sauger, catfish, and bass. With heritage equipment, period methods, and storytelling in character, this living-history adventure blends conservation, history, and hands-on fun.
Trip Details
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 3:00 PM and travel by van to the river access site. Fishing runs from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM, after which the group will return to the hotel by 8:15 PM. All rods, tackle, period gear, transportation, and light refreshments are provided. A stipend for our special “Will Dilg” host is included. Cost: $125 per person. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
FROM PASSION TO PROFESSION: THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP AT THE MINNESOTA ZOO
Created for Green Crew leaders and older youth (ages 14–25), this immersive conservation experience connects Wednesday’s Summit to real-world action. Participants will explore habitat restoration sites and meet Minnesota Zoo conservation professionals leading mussel recovery, endangered butterfly protection, and native bee breeding programs. Each attendee is paired with a conservation mentor for guided learning and career-pathway insight. Following the structured morning program and lunch, participants may remain at the Zoo for the rest of the day—deepening both inspiration and connection to Minnesota’s conservation legacy.
ANIMAL DEEP-DIVE: STEP BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MINNESOTA ZOO
Discover the Minnesota Zoo as both a beloved Minnesota institution and a national leader in wildlife conservation through an exclusive, family-friendly behind-the-scenes experience. Participants will meet Zoo nutritionists, educators, and animal-care teams to learn how diets, feeding routines, and invasive-species management shape healthy ecosystems—then take part in select feeding activities.
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 7:00 AM and travel by van to the Minnesota Zoo. More details to come.
SWING & SUSTAIN AT BAKER NATIONAL
Tee off at the environmentally renowned Baker National Golf Course, the first public course in Minnesota to earn the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification for its excellence in wildlife and habitat management and water conservation. Join a naturalist from Three Rivers Park System and fellow stewards for a round that blends challenging play with sustainable practices and ecological insights, showcasing how golf and conservation can thoughtfully coexist.
Trip Details
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 7:00 AM and travel by van to the course. Tee times begin at 8:00 AM, with the round concluding by 12:30 PM. The group will return to the hotel by 1:15 PM, in time for afternoon activities. All green fees, cart rental, naturalist program, and transportation are included. Cost: $110 per person. Clubs may be rented on-site for an additional fee if needed.
MARKSMAN FIELD DAY AT HORSE & HUNT CLUB
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Afternoon
Experience premier outdoor recreation at the Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, one of the nation’s finest shooting venues. Set across 600 scenic acres, the Club offers sporting clays, trap, skeet, and 5-Stand options. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned marksman, enjoy expert guidance, first-class facilities, and rustic hospitality. This outing combines the thrill of the sport with the camaraderie of conservation tradition, making for an unforgettable afternoon.
Trip Details
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 12:30 PM and travel by van to the Horse & Hunt Club. Shooting runs from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, with the group returning to the hotel by 5:45 PM. All course fees, instruction, targets, ammo, transportation, and refreshments are included. Cost: $140 per person. Firearms may be rented onsite for those not bringing their own.
CYCLING ADVENTURE: RIVER BOTTOM RIDE
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Morning or Afternoon Options
Embark on a thrilling 14-mile round-trip ride along Bloomington’s breathtaking Minnesota River Bottom trail. Tailored for experienced riders, this singletrack adventure weaves through the dynamic terrain of sandy flats, log crossings, skinnies, and winding loops—ever changing after river floods.
Trip Details
Participants will meet at the convention hotel and shuttle by van to the trailhead. Two sessions are available: Morning (8:30 AM–12:00 PM) or Afternoon (1:30–5:00 PM). Bikes, helmets, transportation, and guide support are included. Riders should be comfortable with off-road cycling and ready for moderate technical challenges. Cost: $90 per person. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged.
WATER WONDERLAND: KAYAKING THE MINNESOTA RIVER
Thursday, July 16, 2026 – Afternoon
Glide into adventure with a guided kayak trip along the storied Minnesota River. Led by experienced paddlers, this outing showcases the river’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich conservation history. Hear stories of restoration efforts that are bringing new life to the waterway while you experience its quiet bends and sweeping views. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or eager beginner, this journey blends recreation, education, and connection to the river’s living legacy.
Trip Details
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 12:30 PM and travel by van to the launch site. The paddle runs from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, with the group returning to the hotel by 5:30 PM. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, transportation, and guide support are all provided. Cost: $95 per person. Space is limited; advance registration is required.
YOUTH & LEADERSHIP
E.L.F. (Early Learning in the Forest)
Thursday – Saturday, July 16 – 18
Designed specifically for youth ages 5–8, ELF is led by parents who are certified early childhood educators with training in outdoor education. Held concurrently with the Youth Convention, ELF offers guided time in nature where children explore insects, learn about trees and plants, and engage in hands-on activities. The program is designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world.
Camp Details
Participants will meet each morning at the convention hotel at 8:30 AM, with camp activities running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Younger and middle campers will enjoy a full day of projects and activities, while Junior Counselors and Counselors take on leadership and mentoring roles. Lunch, snacks, materials, and transportation for field activities are all provided. This program is free of cost thanks to the generous support of our partners. Space is limited; advance registration is required.
GREEN SUMMER DAY CAMP
July 13 – 15, Before the Convention
The Green Summer Day Camp is a supervised, drop-in daytime program for youth ages 8–18, offered Monday through Wednesday prior to the National Convention. Participants engage in age-appropriate outdoor ethics education, water-quality science, wildlife learning and tracking, and guided conservation projects, supported by trained youth leaders, advisors, and volunteers. The program is designed to be safe, flexible, and enriching—no overnight stay required.
Camp Details
The program begins at the convention hotel on Friday morning at 8:30 AM and concludes Saturday evening at 6:00 PM. Campers enjoy hands-on workshops, outdoor activities, and leadership opportunities matched to their age and role. The overnight camping option is available for Junior Counselors and Counselors, with all meals, snacks, and materials provided. This program is free of cost thanks to the generous support of our partners. Space is limited; advance registration is required.
GREEN CREW SUMMIT
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Full Day
The Green Crew Summit is a one-day gathering for current and future youth leaders ages 14–21. This is where leaders learn from one another how to design, launch, and grow a Green Crew—sharing tools, stories, and strategies from an award-winning, nationally recognized youth conservation and leadership program, while helping lay the groundwork for a growing national movement.
Summit Details
Summit participants will meet at the convention hotel at 8:30 AM and travel by van to the summit site. The program runs from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with all workshops, materials, and meals provided. Younger participants (under 18) will be grouped with peer leaders and supported by adult mentors. Cost: $25 per participant. Space is limited; advance registration is required.
ROOTS & RECIPROCITY: TEK GATHERING
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Afternoon
Join Indigenous leaders and IWLA members for an immersive summit on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Through storytelling, dialogue, and hands-on engagement, participants will explore time-honored practices of reciprocity and stewardship that continue to shape conservation today. This is more than a seminar—it’s a working session that deepens understanding, fosters respect, and builds partnerships rooted in the wisdom of living in balance with the land.
Event Details
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 12:30 PM and travel by van to the gathering site. The program runs from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, with all materials and light refreshments provided. Cost: $45 per person. Space is limited; advance registration is required.
ARTS & INSPIRATION
KOUBA GALLERY NATIONAL ART SHOW
Thursday, July 16, 2026 – Late Afternoon
Celebrate world renowned artists at the Kouba Gallery Art Show in the stunning Confluence Gallery at the Bloomington Wildlife Refuge. This formal reception features the presentation of juried awards—including Best of Show—alongside opportunities to meet artists and judges. Co-sponsored with Artistry, the exhibition highlights the power of art to inspire conservation, featuring works that connect creativity and habitat.
Event Details
The reception will run from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Confluence Gallery, located in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. Light refreshments are included, and transportation will be provided from the convention hotel. Cost: $30 per person. Space is limited; advance registration is encouraged.
NATURAL PIGMENTS ON PAPER
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Morning
Sip tea and unleash your creativity at this participatory workshop in the Kouba Gallery. Using organic, nature-sourced watercolor paints, participants will explore the interplay of art and ecology in a guided lecture and practicum. Surrounded by the gallery’s inspiring works, you’ll experiment with color, texture, and natural themes while reflecting on biodiversity.
Event Details
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 9:00 AM and travel by van to the Kouba Gallery. The workshop runs from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, with light refreshments (including tea) provided. All materials, transportation, and instruction are included. Cost: $35 per person. Space is limited; advance registration is required.
LET THE MUSIC FLOW: SONGS ON THE RIVERBANK
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Evening
Close the day with music, fellowship, and the beauty of the Minnesota River. This riverside gathering offers a relaxed social atmosphere enriched by live performances that celebrate nature, conservation, and community. From the gentle flow of the water to the rhythm of song, participants will experience the river in a whole new way—relaxed, inspired, and connected. .
Event Detail
Participants will meet at the convention hotel at 7:30 PM and travel by van to the riverbank venue. The program runs from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with transportation back to the hotel afterward. Seating, refreshments, and entertainment are included. Cost: $25 per person. Space is limited; advance registration is encouraged.
COMMUNITY & SERVICE
ECUMENICAL SERVICE: BREAD OF LIFE, WATER OF EARTH
Sunday, July 19, 2026 – Morning
Gather outdoors in a setting of natural beauty for an ecumenical service celebrating our shared spiritual connection to the earth. Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Indigenous leaders will join voices in prayer, reflection, and song, honoring diverse traditions that call us to stewardship and reverence for creation. Open to all, this service offers inspiration, unity, and a call to care for our common home as the convention closes.
Event Details
The service begins at 8:30 AM and concludes by 9:30 AM, held in an outdoor location near the convention hotel. Transportation and seating will be provided. There is no cost for this event, and all are welcome to attend.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE DIRT: SUNDAY SERVICE PROJECTS
Sunday, July 19, 2026 – Late Morning
Roll up your sleeves and join IWLA members in hands-on service across our metro chapters. At Bush Lake, volunteers will plant native species to restore habitat. At Breckenridge, teams will improve river access. At the Minnesota Valley Chapter, crews will work on trail restoration. These projects invite convention participants to leave a tangible legacy by caring for local habitats, building community, and advancing conservation through direct action.
Event Details
Participants will gather at the convention hotel at 9:30 AM and depart by van for their project sites. Work will run from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a shared Community Lunch from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. All tools, materials, lunch, and transportation are provided. There is no cost for this event, but advance registration is required to ensure project placement.