Get Outside!
Cultural History
We offer a variety of Cultural History classes, many of which are available year 'round, some seasonally. To varying degrees, these broad themes are the focus of each Cultural History class. See a complete list of Wolf Ridge's core curriculum themes and concepts.
Human Culture and History
Humans and the environment are interrelated.
- The natural environment has many obvious and subtle impacts upon human history and culture.
- Natural beauty enhances the quality of human life.
- Different cultures hold varying beliefs on environmental issues.
- Art is an expression of human thoughts and feelings.
- Humans have a great ability to alter natural systems, and a responsibility to consider the effects of our actions.
- Awareness, knowledge and appreciation lead to understanding of our impact.
- A growing human population is making increasing demands on natural resources.
- Waste and pollution are by-products of human society.
- Both poverty and affluence can cause environmental problems.
- Economic and political considerations have an influence on human actions.
- Sustainable technology and development must be appropriate to resources and equitable to people.
- Stewardship of the earth benefits humans as well as the environment.
Three-Hour Morning or Afternoon Classes
Ojibwe Heritage or Ojibwe Snowshoe
Students will travel to a recreated Ojibwe site where they will practice skills common 200 years ago. Skills include firestarting using a bow drill or flint and steel, preparation of wild rice and raspberry tea, making basswood twine and black ash baskets. Students will be introduced to Ojibwe history and language. Stories will be told to give insight into the Ojibwe perception of natural events. One adult is recommended to attend this class. See Ojibwe Heritage description. During the winter, we offer Ojibwe Snowshoe, which is features fewer cultural activities, but spends more time on the history of snowshoes as developed by the Ojibwe and time snowshoeing through the forest to the Ojibwe site while looking at cultural uses of the various available resources.
Voyageur Life
Students will learn the history of early exploration and the fur trade of this northern region by becoming Voyageurs. After paddling a voyageur canoe to an encampment, they will learn about the life-style of the colorful voyageur who provided the muscle behind the development of the upper midwest. Skills of the voyageur and the fur trade will be practiced. We recommend that an adult from your group accompany this class. See full description.
1 Hour Evening Naturalist Program
Logging Camp Life
Take a trip back in time to 1901 and visit the cook in a Minnesota logging camp. While full of complaints, the cook is also full of stories and information about Minnesota logging history. Laugh as an audience member gets dressed up as an old logger. Watch a newly recruited team of sawyers tackle the cross-cut saw. You'll learn as you participate in this active program. Songs and stories help set the mood. See full description.
History of the North Shore
Guest speakers come back from the past to share with the audience their occupations. Learn about the fur trade, mining, logging, commercial fishing and modern tourism from the people who shaped the culture of the Minnesota's north shore of Lake Superior. Program includes costumes, music, poetry, stories and slides. See full description.
Fur Trade
Students will meet three characters from the fur trade era of 1793, including Alexander Mackenzie, a voyageur, and a Ojibwe . In order to explain the important roles each character in the business of fashion , transport, and trade, students will be invited to join the Northwest Company as a clerk, voyageur, and an Ojibwe trader, and to participate in a paddle dance. See full description.