Portage Wilderness Expedition for Incoming Raiders
Your journey begins here. Portage is an exclusive wilderness experience for incoming freshmen and transfer students. Spend 8 days canoeing in Minnesota's Boundary Waters while also:
- Setting goals for your Northwestern education
- Gaining confidence as you try new things
- Making your first Raider friendships
- Seeking a deeper faith in Christ
Portage is facilitated by the Coldwater Foundation, a faith and leadership development organization that has served NWC with experiential programming since 2006. Coldwater instructors hold Wilderness First Responder certification and are trained guides in the Boundary Waters wilderness. Portage participants do not need previous wilderness experience. All equipment is provided, and Coldwater's packing list tells you what to bring along.
Portage 2025, Aug. 11-21
| Aug. 11 | Move into Northwestern College campus housing Pre-trip meetings (includes parents) Travel to Coldwater Foundation/Mink Lake Wilderness Camp, Grand Marais, MN |
| Aug. 12-19 | Guided expedition, BWCAW (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) |
| Aug. 20 | Return to Northwestern's campus |
| Aug. 21 | Debrief with NWC faculty and staff Local service project Raider Nation Orientation begins Aug. 22 |
Early bird pricing: $545
Beginning March 2, 2025, pricing will increase to $795. Scholarships are available for students who have a Pell Grant as part of their financial aid. Contact your counselor with questions.
