Lasting impact — mission and educational philosophy
There are many things a student can learn about the natural world, but in the end it is our goal that every visitor feels connected to the natural environment and feels that the protection of nature is also the protection of mankind. It is our students who will change the world. Between 1971 and 2020, Osprey Wilds educated over 220,000 K-12, college, graduate, family, Road Scholar, and community participants about the environment and our relationships to it.
780-acre campus on the eastern shore of Grindstone Lake in Pine County, east central Minnesota, about 5 miles west of Sandstone, MN.
Founded
1971
Accreditations stated by camp
AdvancED
Activities
Waterfront
Canoeing
Land Sports
Archery
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
Rock climbing
More activities
cross-country skiing
high ropes
ice climbing
ice fishing
snowshoeing
whitewater rafting
wildlife education
Clues to fit
Food & dining — Blandin Dining Hall setting
Our dining hall seats 200 people comfortably and has the most appealing setting with many windows that make you feel a part of the great outdoors even on winter days, when the huge stone fireplace keeps everyone cozy. Covered outdoor dining and seating area on three sides.
Setting & environment — 780-acre lakeside campus on Grindstone Lake
Osprey Wilds' pristine 780-acre campus is situated on picturesque Grindstone Lake in east central Minnesota. The property contains old-growth white and red pine groves, old-growth northern hardwood forests, multi-aged conifer stands, birch and aspen stands, tall-grass prairie, oak savanna, shrub carr, wetlands, and lake and stream habitats. Our unique location puts us in a transition zone where several habitats are present, creating outstanding birding and wildlife spotting opportunities. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded on our property.
Osprey Wilds' core values form the acronym HEAL: Healthy Relationships — respect, care, and passion for the earth, all people, and all living things; Equity — actively incorporating the lenses of equity and representation in education, environmentalism, and leadership; Action — practicing and encouraging informed, intentional living that helps restore and maintain healthy ecosystems; Life-long Learning — promoting life-long learning through positive shared experiences with the natural world.
Lodging — variety of accommodations for overnight campers
Osprey Wilds features a mixture of historic and newly constructed facilities. Crosby Lodge has 14 rooms, each sleeping up to 8 people with solid wood bunks and private bathroom facilities; two rooms are wheelchair accessible. Lowry Lodge sleeps up to 28 with shared bathrooms and a full kitchen. Schwyzer Lodge is a historic lodge on the shores of Grindstone Lake with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fireplace, and a large screened porch facing the lake. Rustic options include a log cabin, yurt, and campground.
Outdoor School For All — statewide access and grant program
Osprey Wilds is part of the Outdoor Schools for All Minnesota coalition — the state's five accredited, overnight Outdoor Schools. In June 2025, Governor Tim Walz signed the Minnesota Outdoor School For All act into law, allocating $848,000 to support accredited residential environmental learning centers in offering multi-day, overnight outdoor education experiences for students in grades 4–12. Osprey Wilds received a grant award of $114,395.20, running through June 30, 2028.
Financial aid — scholarships covering up to 90% of camp fee
Scholarships are available for every camp to cover up to 90% of the program fee. Scholarships for summer camps were provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Visit the registration page of each camp to automatically apply for a grant and receive the scholarship.
Food & dining — scratch-based kitchen with local and organic sourcing
Our kitchen staff provides scratch-cooked meals with a focus on locally grown or organic items. We also grow produce and raise animals on our very own Trapp Farm using organic, no-till practices. You can expect hormone-, antibiotic- and nitrate-free meat; beef from local 100% grass-fed cows; eggs from pasture-raised chickens on our own Trapp Farm; milk from cows not given rBST/rGBH; fish from MSC & ACS certified fisheries; whole grain bread, pastas and cereals; and a fresh salad bar at lunch and dinner. With advanced notice, we can accommodate a variety of dietary needs — let us know of any food restrictions at least two weeks prior to your visit.
Safety & supervision — outdoor safety and free play supervision
Free play at Osprey Wilds Day Camp is supervised play time with our outdoor recreation equipment. Campers also have the option to be indoors doing quiet activities such as coloring, playing card or board games, or reading. All staff and interns are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid.
