Residential Programs
Residential Programs help people of all ages and abilities foster a deep connection to and appreciation of the natural world through engaging and interactive programming during overnight experiences. Our programs shape young adults and youth to become responsible land stewards and passionate conservationists while encouraging teamwork and life skill development.
Our staff work with group leaders to plan an overnight experience at the Discovery Center that will help to foster a deeper connection and appreciation of nature, and a better understanding of environmental stewardship.
We customize every residential program to meet the unique needs and interests of your group; whether your focus is on environmental science, team building, or just getting people outdoors, we will work with you to design a program that fits your objectives.
Our programs are designed to support and complement Wisconsin’s academic standards. We integrate hands-on activities and real-world applications that align with specific learning goals, ensuring your students gain valuable knowledge and skills.
Our staff leverage our unique Northwoods location and offer both indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Our campus sits on 850 acres of undeveloped forest with lakes, wetlands, and bog habitats with access to thousands of acres of state and federal land.
Our facility offers bunkhouse-style cabins that include recently renovated ADA-accessible bathrooms and showers for year-round accommodation. Each cabin can sleep up to 10 people. Participants have to bring their own toiletries, towels, and bedding.
Pricing for groups is based on the size of the group, length of the stay, facility use, meal options, and the amount of programming required.
Contact Hannah hannah@discoverycenter.net or fill out the contact form below to reserve program dates or receive more information!
The biggest testament to how much my students liked this trip was how quickly the trip filled up for our second-year visit and how many of the same students wanted to return! Our students are actively engaged with the program staff indoors and outdoors throughout the day, learning about flora, fauna, adaptations, and winter recreational activities in northern Wisconsin. The staff at NLDC not only share information with our students but they also show them how to actively experience it. One of my students wrote in their trip journal, “Winter Discovery was not an escape from real life, but rather a return to it!” The amount of work put in preparation for our trip was evident with a detailed itinerary that met our needs and exceeded our expected outcomes. The staff members are excellent communicators and demonstrate an exceptional ability to work well with adults and students to provide memories to last a lifetime.
Patrick Kain, School Counselor, Vanguard School of Personalized Learning
The programming offered by NLDC has had a profound effect on our students, providing them with valuable experiences and skills that they may not have had the opportunity to acquire otherwise. One of the key takeaways from the NLDC programs has been the development of teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills such as building a fire, setting up tents and cooking over an open fire. These experiences have not only enriched their outdoor adventure knowledge but have also fostered personal growth and self-confidence.
Carla Gerstenberger, Former Wausau West High School Outdoor Adventure Club Advisor
