The Adventure Program offers a variety of bold activities and services for those wanting to try new things, explore new places, and build their knowledge of the world. Whether you go on a trip or workshop, climb the top rope or bouldering walls, utilize our equipment for rent, or just need a bike repair, you have the ability to make it your own at Iowa State University. Stop in and see us at State Gym - our main office is located on the lower mezzanine of State Gym 0185.

At the current time paddle sport rentals including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards have been suspended.  

Jump to Section

Trips and Workshops
Climbing Wall
Equipment Rental
Bike Maintenance
Upcoming Events, Trips, and Workshops

 

Pictured rocks backpacking

Trips & Workshops

Explore the beautiful vistas the United States has to offer with an Adventure Program trip, or hone your outdoor skills with a workshop.

Trips include transportation, food at the destination, technical equipment, logistics and reservations, and a trip leader to plan and manage the trip. Hiking, kayaking, biking, and camping trips are available at various destinations throughout the United States. Trips range in length from a day trip to a week or more.

Register for a Trip/Workshop

The Pictured Rocks Michigan Backpacking Trip was my first backpacking experience. Thanks to the skills I learned on the adventure, I now feel confident getting out and doing trips like this with friends.

Adventure Trip Participant

A women reaching for a hold on the State Gym climbing wall

Climbing Walls

Recreation Services at Iowa State University has climbing walls at State Gym and Lied Rec Center. Top Rope wall is open when staff is there to supervise while Bouldering walls open anytime facilities are open.

Top-Rope at State Gym is available with all needed equipment available on-site, free of charge. 

Climbing Wall Waiver

  • All climbers must both have a waiver on file and go through an orientation annually. 
  • Climbers will check in using climbing wall entrance to the left of facility entrance. 
  • Climbers are welcome to use personal harness, chalk bags, helmets, shoes while climbing. No personal belay devices are allowed.
Biking

Equipment Rental

Equipment rental is available at the Adventure Program desk in State Gym. Equipment rental is available for a small fee and is open to both Recreation Services members and non-members.

Equipment available for rent includes camping supplies, game equipment like sports balls and nets, bicycles, and climbing equipment. 

Equipment Request Form
Bicycle maintenance at Recreation Services

Bike Maintenance

If you're in need of a brake adjustment, quick tune, or are wanting a safety inspection on your bike, the Adventure Program has you covered. Book an appointment and bring your bike in today so you can get back to your adventure!

Make an Appointment

Upcoming Events, Trips, and Workshops

Trip Name Start Date End Date Time
XC Skiing Clinic2/3/20262/3/20262:00pm-4:30pm
Winona MN Ice Climbing2/6/20262/7/2026NA
XC Skiing Clinic2/10/20262/10/20262:00pm-4:30pm
Day Downhill Skiing Adventure Boone2/15/20262/15/202610:00am - 4:00pm
XC Skiing Clinic2/17/20262/17/20262:00pm-4:30pm
XC Skiing Clinic2/24/20262/24/20262:00pm-4:30pm
Boulder Bash Bouldering Competition3/7/20263/7/20268:00am-4:00pm
Intro to Outdoor Climbing Horseshoe Canyon Ranch3/14/20263/19/2026NA
Wilderness First Responder Certification Course3/15/20263/19/2026Daily Times TBD
Green River Utah Labyrinth Canyon Canoeing3/14/20263/21/2026NA
Outdoor Cooking Clinic3/25/20263/25/20265:00pm-7:30pm
Horse Back Riding at Riverside4/11/20264/11/20268:30am-2:00pm
Red Wing Minnesota Climbing4/17/20264/19/2026NA
Intro to Caving Eastern Iowa Day Trip4/19/20264/19/20267:30am - 7:30pm
Intro to Backpacking Yellow River State Forest Iowa4/25/20264/26/2026NA
Mountain Biking Basics4/26/20264/26/20269:00am - 4:00pm
Des Moines River Kayak Day Trip4/28/20264/28/20262:00pm-6:00pm
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic2/12/20262/12/20266:00pm-8:00pm
Rock 2 Lead Climbing Clinic2/21/20262/21/202610:00am-2:00pm
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic3/10/20263/10/20266:00pm-8:00pm
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic4/14/20264/14/20266:00pm-8:00pm
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic4/2/20264/2/20266:00pm-8:00pm
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic4/30/20264/30/20266:00pm-8:00pm