Outdoor Activities
We want to foster an appreciation of the natural world, help build meaningful relationships, and ensure the outdoors are inclusive for everyone.
Some students arrive onto campus with a love of the outdoors, while others acquire it while they are here with us. All equipment required to participate in our programs and activities is free for our students to reserve. The only thing a student needs to bring to our outdoor recreation programs is a desire to explore.
Two students getting ready to paddle. Students are able to use kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards for free at the Buccaneer Boathouse.
Gear Shack takes many trips each school year, including this off campus trail riding trip.
The Sinnissippi Cruisers, our bike share program, can be used for team building activities.
Student kayaking on the Rock River. Students have free access to paddling opportunities at the Buccaneer Boathouse!
Beloit’s student-run bike share program, Sinnissippi Cruisers, offers students free access to bikes to explore the city of Beloit.
Programs
- Buccaneer Boathouse: reserve canoes and kayaks for use on the Rock River
- Sinnissippi Cruisers: borrow bikes to casually explore Beloit and the local area
- Gear Shack: borrow equipment for your own adventure, or join a trip to go hiking, rock climbing, or cross country skiiing
- Outdoor Recreation Grant: get funding for your own outdoor events and trips.
Local Opportunities
Beloit College is surrounded by local and state parks where our students can explore the outdoors. Here’s a sampling:
- Parks within the city of Beloit: Here’s a listing of Beloit’s more than 40 parks.
- Big Hill Park: One of Beloit’s most scenic sites! Located on the bluffs of the Rock River, this 190-acre park boasts nature and hiking trails, an environmental education center, restrooms, cross-country ski trails, softball, sand volleyball and a scenic overlook with spectacular vistas. Free Admission.
- Trails: Beloit offers great access to biking, hiking, birding and water trails.
- Rock Cut State Park: Located about 30 minutes from campus, Rock Cut provides the opportunity to do everything from camping, swimming, exploring trails, to picnicking.