Sunset over a tranquil lake with partly cloudy skies. The sun's rays radiate through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the water. The reflection of the sky and clouds is visible on the lake's surface, surrounded by a silhouette of trees.

Outdoor U

Saint John’s Outdoor University provides environmental and outdoor education through classes, events, and initiatives with the Abbey Arboretum, Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict.

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Saint John’s Outdoor University provides environmental and outdoor education through classes, events, and initiatives with the Abbey Arboretum, Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Workday Wednesdays
Abbey Conservation Corps

Register Now
2025 Youth Summer Camps

Feb-May 2025
MN Woodland Steward Cohort

Saturday, May 10
Bob Russell Spring Birding Day

Saturday, May 10
Spring Wildflowers

Friday, June 6th
Nocturnal Neighbors

Thursday, July 24
Butterflies of the Abbey Arboretum

August 4-8, 2025
MN Master Naturalist Volunteer Course: Prairies and Potholes

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A single white flower with long petals blooms amidst a background of green moss and dried leaves on a forest floor, illuminated by sunlight.

Key Programs

Youth Programs

Improving youth environmental literacy and connections to the natural world

Our 2,500 acre Classroom

Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum is more than 2,500 acres of lakes, prairie, oak savanna and forest owned by Saint John’s Abbey and surrounding Saint John’s University.

Outdoor Education Programs for CSB+SJU students

Leadership development and outdoor education with the Outdoor Leadership Center, Climbing Wall, Collegebound, and more.

Community Programs

Providing high quality environmental education for students of all ages in the region

Acknowledgement

Both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University occupy the original homelands of the Dakhóta and Anishinaabe peoples. We honor, respect, and acknowledge the Indigenous peoples forcibly removed from this territory, whose connection remains today. Saint Benedict’s Monastery and Saint John’s Abbey previously operated boarding schools for Native children. Now, students, faculty, and staff are working to repair relationships with our Native Nation neighbors.

Helpful Links

Environmental & Racial Justice

Resources to explore the intersection of environmental, racial, and social justice.

Learn & Take Action

Bonfire & Land Use Permissions

Forms to request permission for a variety of activities in the Abbey Arboretum.

Access Forms

Land Policies, Plans & Records

While we love them too, dogs are not allowed at Saint John’s. Review this and other land use policies.

Explore Guidelines