"What a wonderful idea this organization is - connecting people with similar interests."
~ Carol

"With kayaking I have taken a big step toward resolving some of my fears, and am actually enjoying the water ways and other areas of the great outdoors."
~ Bonne, age 69

"As I've said before, your programs...have changed me. I am forever grateful."
~ Susan

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Hiking, Biking & More

Hike to Learn

  • Tree Identification
  • Spring Flowers
  • Small Birds

Moonlight Hikes
Road Trips

  • State Parks – near and far; spring and fall
  • Overnight Autumn Hiking Trip
  • Biking in Amish country

Summer Bike Trip complete with sag wagon
Bike Trails – near and far

Please note: MEMBERS PAY HALF PRICE!

CLINICS $24

  • Geocaching Clinic Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played by GPS device owners. We offer a one-hour clinic followed by hands-on learning with other experienced and addicted Geocaching members. It’s fun and exciting. Some of the gals have shared what they learn with husbands, children and grandchildren. If you liked hide & seek and scavenger games as a kid, this might take you back to that happy place.  A GPS is not required for this clinic.
  • Fishing Clinic The goal is to touch a fish up close and personal and to bait a hook! My husband, Gene, will take us out and teach us to fish for…well…fish!   Fishing license required. And you may want to bring your garden gloves!
  • Orienteering Clinic Orienteering is the international sport of navigation with a map and compass. This could also be called Hiking Basics 101, as it’s the practical old-school way of knowing which direction you are headed. Compass skills are good to know; not all of us carry a GPS. Old-school trail signs will be reviewed so when your cell phone doesn’t work you will be able to tell others following you which way you went. This is a valuable skill and we have used it many times on our hiking adventures…as we don’t have bread crumbs!
  • Bike Maintenance Clinic A local bike shop walks us through the steps of maintaining your bike like how to change a tire, and how to choose a bike that’s right for you.
  • Clothing Clinic A local sporting goods shop owner will share her knowledge of the importance of outdoor clothing.  She discusses the fabric content and the rationale behind it.  What will keep you warm in cold and cool in warm weather.

“I bought a new bike at Blue Heron Bike Shop in March.  Kevin had 2 different bikes for me to try. ( I am glad I didn’t have any more choices. It gets too confusing).  I have a 15-inch frame to match my height and upright handle bars to keep stress off  my back. I rode both bikes to decide which one I liked the best. I have never had a bike of my own that actually fit my height and body size. I feel safe on the bike and it feels so comfortable.  I am anxious to go bike riding this spring and summer.” ~ Diane

STAFF-ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES WITH PAT Most activities are $24

  • Road Trips We travel to new as well as favorite locations where we enjoy hiking and biking.
    • Mississippi Flyway Birding With the appearance and disappearance of ice comes many opportunities to view all kinds of birds. The Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Refuge has been a haven for over 350 birds like eagles, swans, pelicans, blue herons, egrets, and many more! They are here for us to enjoy! Let’s do it!
    • Crane Foundation Take a day to visit the Crane Foundation in Baraboo, where all 15 species of cranes can be seen.
    • Garden Trips We travel to several beautiful gardens in our area.  We’ll go to place where we can buy our spring plantings.
    • Art Tour Come join us as we visit local artists and shops. Go home with a ‘treasure!’
    • Small Town Tourist We visit distinct small towns and drink in their flavor!
    • Etcetera!

  • Hike to Learn Become a student of nature!  Learn to identify the sounds, sights and names of birds, trees and flowers. We’ll take you on a 2-hour hike through the woods of Wisconsin in the spring – before the state bird, the mosquito, appears.
  • Spring Birding Trip We visit places like the Platte River in Nebraska, to celebrate the returning of the cranes.  You need to see this to believe it! It’s a 2 day/3 night trip leaving Thursday and returning Sunday. Bring your binoculars and your sense of awe.
  • Autumn Hiking Trip Our annual hiking trip to a scenic hiking location comes every fall. It’s a 3 day/4 night trip leaving on Wednesday night and returning Sunday.  Our goal is to hike in the peak autumn colors of the north. Feel the spray of waterfalls while enjoying the colors. Beautiful and fun!

“The hike at Hixon this afternoon was wonderful. We saw lots of Jack-in-the-Pulpits, yellow, purple and white wild violets, and even a pileated woodpecker. We hiked for about two hours; beautiful day.” ~ Karen

Often our hiking, biking, and Geocaching activities are organized by members, thus they are free for members!  Nonmembers are required to pay $12 for member-organized activities and are always required to sign a release form.


“The Autumn hiking trip was a first for me. I had never really done anything like that before. The waterfalls were awesome, the beauty of the fall leaves was inspiring and I discovered  that I really enjoy hiking!! I couldn’t tell you what I enjoyed most: walking in peak-color woods and enjoying the trees at ground level, or going to the top and looking down on the woods. The waterfalls were at springtime water flow so they were amazing. Set Free is repeating this trip again and personally I will be returning with my family.” ~ Pat