Audubon Center of the North Woods Audubon Center of the North Woods environmental learning center

Residential Environmental Learning Center and Green Retreat & Conference Facility in east-central Minnesota

Who we are & what we do

Established in 1968, the Audubon Center of the North Woods (ACNW) is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 residential environmental learning center (RELC) and green retreat & conference center on Grindstone Lake near Sandstone, MN – 90 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul. We offer a great variety of outdoor and environmental education experiences for people of all ages – youth, families and adults – and are an ideal K12 school field trip and student travel destination. In addition to our on-site programs and camps, ACNW provides outreach programs throughout the region. All of our facilities are also available for rental – perfect for hosting your own retreat or conference at our beautiful 780-acre lakeside location.

Our Mission: To instill a connection and commitment to the environment in people of all communities through experiential learning.

Our Vision: A healthy planet where all people live in balance with the Earth.

Learn more about us→

Happenings at the Center

K12 school field trips and student travel

Center rentals for retreats and conferences

Why Choose Us?

Location, location, location

Centrally located just 90 miles north of the Twin Cities and 70 miles south of Duluth, our location can’t be beat – close to home yet far enough away! Save time and travel costs. View map and driving directions→

Outstanding Programming

We offer a multitude of programming options for all ages – wildlife, natural history, science, team-building, challenge courses, outdoor skills and environmental education. ACNW is the ideal school field trip choice – most of our K12 classes are aligned with MN Academic Standards. See all of our program options→

Your Green Choice

The Audubon Center has made it a top priority to “walk the walk” and we have implemented a great variety of energy conservation measures and renewable energy sources including a geo-thermal heat pump system, solar PV arrays, solar hot water heating, solar air heat, and a wind generator. Learn more→

What Our Visitors Say

“I didn’t know what to expect. I was blown away! It was a terrific experience–I would definitely recommend to others.”

Chaperone, Poplar Bridge Elementary

“All the staff went above and beyond! We are so appreciative of this quality learning experience.”

Mathis Homeschool teacher

Have you visited ACNW and enjoyed your stay? We invite you to leave review on our Google+ and/or Yelp pages

ACNW is an approved Thrivent Choice Dollars Charity