Outdoor Activities
We want to foster an appreciation of the natural world, help build meaningful relationships, and ensure the outdoors are inclusive of everyone.
Some students arrive to campus with a love of the outdoors, while others acquire it while they are here. All equipment required to participate in our programs and activities is free. The only thing a student needs to bring to our outdoor recreation programs is a desire to explore.
![Gear Shack takes many trips each school year, including this off campus trail riding trip.](/live/image/gid/93/width/900/height/600/crop/1/9107_IMG-2637.rev.1641489814.jpg)
Gear Shack takes many trips each school year, including this off campus trail riding trip.
![Student kayaking on the Rock River. Students have free access to paddling opportunities at the Buccaneer Boathouse!](/live/image/gid/93/width/900/height/600/crop/1/9106_IMG-2643.rev.1641488412.jpg)
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.](/live/image/gid/93/width/900/height/600/crop/1/src_region/704,0,2841,2136/7427__DSC6718.rev.1613164410.jpg)
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 skiing
- 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.