It's almost time to close up shop for the season, help us make it a special outing by exploring the Hickory Ridge with us. Maybe we'll build a smoker from oak and hickory to prepare the best camp meal you've ever had. Maybe take a night hike up a remote ridge. Enjoy the calm nights as the forest prepares for winter; howl with the coyotes and hoot with the owls. 

It's the late season. It's also Halloween weekend. Take advantage of cooler temps and stay warm to the fire. You won't want to wander in the dark after hearing the tale of the Lost Hunter who wanders the Hidden Lakes looking for his hunting dog.

We're serious. DEAD serious.

We're going to need every minute to soak up all the colors the many scenic views will treat us to as we hike this 24 mile loop. We won't want to miss the show so come along.

It's that time of year and the diverse mix of maple, aspen, oak, cottonwood and conifers will surely be a treat for everyone willing to venture into the forest with us. This could be our favorite time of year, come share it with us.

It's the last Adventure Skills Team Challenge of the season. Are you bold enough to take on others in this multi-headed adventure competition? Rally all your confidence, harness all the knowledge and experience you've acquired in your short life and grab your most brazen friend. You'll need every bit of leverage to come out as Chicago's Wildest Duo..

This adventure train doesn't stop. No way, no how. 

It's time to stock up on our outdoor memories before we seek shelter from another notorious Chicago winter. We're taking the long route through the Manistee with stops at towering sandy bluffs and deep, seemingly endless forests. 

Temps are just right for our extended stay in the Hoosier National Forest. We'll need every minute to explore within the 50,000 acre segment of forest we find to be especially special. Grab a pal, the engines running and we're eager to hit the trails with you.

Join us in the peak of outdoor season for a three day seminar on self reliance and skills development. We'll forage, do things the hard way, earn our meals and enjoy a bonfire like never before. 

Like most Chicagoans, you've had an active summer. Let us help you keep the momentum with this 24 miles (or more) of rolling terrain that is sure to challenge even the most fit. Don't tell anyone but the emotional benefits of spending time immersed in a place like the Manistee just might outweigh the physical benefits. 

Labor Day is America's way of saying, "job well done" so we are taking that tradition of hard work reward and spinning into an opportunity to labor harder than anyone! Wait, that came out wrong...we mean, adventure labor. Ummm... just hit the link below, we're going to the enchanting forests of the Manistee to find the wildest duo in Chicago. Could it be you?

The only true way to extend your summer is to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Lucky for you, backpacking and camping have no doors. Let's go. The van is running and your pals are eager to explore with you.

Star gazing doesn't stop over the White River in the Manistee. In fact, life in all of it's beautiful abundance does not stop and should you chose to join us on this gentle waterway, you'll see how the forest around us and each of us truly do flourish in the wild.

Timing is everything, as told by anyone you've ever met. In this case, it is us telling you that timing is indeed the thing because we will be camped under the open skies of the Hidden Lakes to watch the most spectacular light show of the year. If you've never watched shooting stars under the blanket of dark skies, enveloped in a pristine forest, this. is. your. chance. 

This is going to be amazing!

Are you serious? It's the first weekend of August and you still haven't been camping this summer?! We get it, life happens and lucky for you, camping is our life. We'll make sure you forget all about whatever part of life has kept you away from the forest this whole time with a most needed dose of fresh air, sunshine, bonfires and high-fives. Can you dig it?

The White River: Calm and majestic as it is, did you know it has a south branch? With a little encouragement maybe we'll lose the trail, ford the south branch, take a dip and explore the savanna that awaits on the other side. Just maybe...

Come explore the Hickory Ridge area of the Hoosier National Forest. Refresh in the cool, limestone filtered springs and indulge in the abundance of wild raspberries. Finders keepers!

Did you know it's actually cooler in the forest? Seriously, come beat the heat in the mild summer of the Manistee while putting your body and brain to the test in the always challenging, but rewarding, back-country crucible. 

Enter the dog-days of summer. Time to take it easy lakeside, over and over again. The Hidden Lakes of the Manistee will surely reward the hard work of the days hike with cool relaxation. 

Let's escape the chaos of the 4th of July holiday and unwind in the serenity of the White River. Wade in its gentle water and exhale in relaxation. 

Feeling the vibe of summer? Good. Bring those good vibes into the Manistee with your bestie and tackle the fun challenges ahead.

It's the middle of summer, what's your excuse for denying your connection to the outdoors? Lace up the boots, the packs are packed, let's go!

Take the extended stay at any or all of these tranquil bodies of water. Drop a line, take dip and explore routes only we will blaze with a bit curiosity.

Spring is in full swing in the Hoosier. You want want to miss the prime conditions to test your meddle in a conquest of personal growth and exploration.

Make it a 4 day weekend for Memorial Day. Conquer the challenges and return home as the wildest duo in Chicago in time to brag to all your pals at Monday's BBQ. Bring the trophy.

The first Adventure Skills Team Challenge of 2017 - Prepare for victory or go home still having had the time of your life!

Time to cover some ground and welcome the warm weather properly. The Manistee River Trail is 24 miles of pristine woodlands, wetlands and everything in between. Primed for your exploration and wonder.

Time to cover some ground and welcome the warm weather properly. The Manistee River Trail is 24 miles of pristine woodlands, wetlands and everything in between. Primed for your exploration and wonder.

Experience the beginning of spring in this rich, pristine stretch of the Manistee. Explore the river, relax in the savanna, spot bald eagles or otter. It's your world, baby!

Celebrate Earth Day like a true Earthling. Join us for a weekend of exploration and connection in the Hidden Lakes of the Manistee. 

Spring buds are popping up, the animals alive with the excitement of bounties ahead. Let's get in touch with our true primitive nature and see what the buzz is all about.