Orientation Trips are a great way to explore the opportunities available to you at Michigan Tech and the surrounding areas. Outdoor Adventure Programs (OAP) are offering several opportunities to explore on guided trips throughout orientation week. You can choose kayaking trips down local rivers, hiking the local trails or just exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Note: Please register under General Public when purchasing tickets for one of the orientation trips. If you have any questions or difficulties purchasing your ticket(s), please call (906) 487-2073, the central ticketing office.
Date: August 23
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $20.00
Meet: Outdoor Adventure Program at the O'Connor House (Building #51)
Looking to get out and paddle this year, but not confident enough to do it yourself? Come with us on the Orientation Sunset Paddle! We will paddle the Sturgeon Sloughs in Chassell, easy flat water with lots of waterfowl and wildlife. All equipment is included and transportation as well! No need to do it alone, come with us and learn a bit more about paddling!
Recommended Items to Bring: water bottle, jacket, appropriate shoes
Log Rolling
Date: Friday, August 25
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Meet: Prince's Point
Join the OAP for open Log Rolling sessions in the Portage Canal. Yes, log rolling! This is a great sport that focuses on balance, foot speed, reaction, and concentration and focus. No previous experience necessary, just an open mind and the willingness to fall a few times! We will provide all instruction and materials, you just need to be able to swim at least 10 yards unassisted, a swimsuit and a towel. We will be in the water between 4-9 feet deep. We will work with each participant to get up and rolling on the log.
Recommended Items to Bring: water bottle
Morning Sturgeon River Canoe Trip
Date: Saturday, August 26
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
Meet: Outdoor Adventure Program at the O'Connor House (Building #51)
Join the OAP as we head down to Chassell for a relaxing canoe trip down the Sturgeon
River. We will paddle past old farmsteads and fields, with an abundance of wildlife
along the river. Many trips participants have seen deer, ducks, beaver, and geese
along the way. Paddling is easy, with slow moving water and no rapids to navigate.
Basic instruction on canoe strokes and tips for paddling will be provided at the launch
site. Please bring a full water bottle and any snacks that you may need, none are
provided. All equipment is included(canoe, paddle, PFD) with registration and limited
transportation is available.
Recommended Items to Bring: water bottle, appropriate shoes, (sandals are recommended) and a small day pack.
Afternoon Sturgeon River Canoe Trip
Date: Saturday, August 26
Time: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
Meet: Outdoor Adventure Program at the O'Connor House (Building #51).
Join the OAP as we head down to Chassell for a relaxing canoe trip down the Sturgeon
River. We will paddle past old farmsteads and fields, with an abundance of wildlife
along the river. Many trips participants have seen deer, ducks, beaver, and geese
along the way. Paddling is easy, with slow moving water and no rapids to navigate.
Basic instruction on canoe strokes and tips for paddling will be provided at the launch
site. Please bring a full water bottle and any snacks that you may need, none are
provided. All equipment is included(canoe, paddle, PFD) with registration and limited
transportation is available.
Recommended Items to Bring: water bottle, appropriate shoes, (sandals are recommended) and a small day pack.
Paddle Demo
Date: Friday, August 25
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Meet: Outdoor Adventure Program at the O'Connor House (Building #51).
The Portage Canal provides the amazing backdrop for the university and provides for
great recreation opportunities right here on campus! OAP will have kayaks and paddleboards
at Prince’s Point for students to try. Paddling will be limited to the bay near Prince’s
Point so all may come down and have an opportunity. Students can attend at no charge
and may stay however long they wish. Kayaks, paddles, paddleboards, PFD's and transportation
will be provided.
Recommended Items to Bring: water bottle.
Porkies Day Hike
Date: Sunday, August 27
Time: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
Maximum Trip Capacity: 40
The OAP (Outdoor Adventure Program) will be heading over to the largest state park
in Michigan, the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. Over 60,000 acres comprise
the Porkies, with over 87 miles of trails that are perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
We will spend the day hiking on the Escarpment Trail and exploring the Lake of the
Clouds Scenic Area. We will cover about 4 miles of trail during the day, and a short
visit to the big lake to cool off afterward. Lunch is included in this trip.
Recommended Items to Bring: water bottle, jacket, close-toe shoes
Tour of the Keweenaw
Date: Saturday, August 26
Time: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
Meet: Outdoor Adventure Program at the O'Connor House (Building #51)
Maximum Trip Capacity: 40
Join the OAP as we do some Copper Country Cruisin' to some great Keweenaw locations.
Potential locations include Paavola Wetlands, Eagle River Falls, Jacob Falls, Great
Sand Bay, Copper Harbor/Brockway Mountain, Bare Bluff and Bete Gris. We will fill
the vans and head north on Saturday morning at 8am and return to campus by 6 pm. Lunch
is included in this trip
Recommended Items to Bring: water bottle, appropriate shoes(hiking boots are recommended), and a small day pack.