Have you always wanted to learn about canoeing, but didn't know where to begin? Does a weekend backpacking trip sound like fun, but you don't know how to get started? Have you watched someone cross-country ski, navigate with a compass or fish with a fly rod, and wished you knew how?

Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO) is the focal point of adult outdoor recreation activities in Cleveland Metroparks.   Through the Institute, you can take part in activities that help you develop outdoor skills.   And learning a skill is only one of IGO's features.   While you are having fun canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, or fishing, you will also learn about the environment and the need to be responsible stewards of the great outdoors.

The IGO Mission:

To provide a wide range of enjoyable outdoor experiences which enable participants of all abilities to develop or enhance outdoor skills, knowledge and environmental ethics.

Our goals:

• To provide learning opportunities which promote personal growth, ethical relationships with nature, and low-impact outdoor experiences.
• To offer skill-building and skill-enhancement programs which enable participants to build competency and enjoy safe outdoor experiences.
• To present programs in locations outside of Cleveland Metroparks lands which further participants' understanding of the ecology of North America, environmental problems and potential solutions.

Inclusive Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

All IGO programs have been evaluated regarding accessibility and activity level. With our professionally trained staff and ability to make equipment adaptations, most programs are accessible to anyone who would like to participate. For further information regarding program accessibility, or to schedule an accessible custom program, please contact the IGO office at 216-341-1704.
 

GENERAL RECREATION & SKILLS CLASSES

Hand Cycle Clinics
Hand-cycling is a great way for individuals to use their upper body strength to pedal a bike. Five hand cycles are available and first priority will be given to people with physical disabilities. Riders of all abilities are welcome. Helmets are required. 
Activity Level: easy (2-6 miles, minor inclines)
Ages: 13 years & over (with participating adult)
Dates/Times: September 14 • 5 - 8 p.m.
Brecksville Reservation  OR
September 26 • 1 - 4 p.m.
Boston Store, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Fee: $10

Backpacking Basics
Learn the basics to having a safe, and enjoyable backcountry experience. Our knowledgeable staff will cover topics such as tents, backpacks, water filters, sleeping bags, and more.
Ages: 16 years & older
Dates/Times: September 22 • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Rocky River Nature Center OR
September 29 • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. • North Chagrin Nature Center
OR
October 6 • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Brecksville Nature Center
Fee: $15

Map & Compass
Learn how easy it is to use a map, compass and topography map together to accurately navigate anywhere. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes for an outdoor activity. Class will be held rain or shine.
Activity Level: easy 
Ages: 16 years & up (with participating adult)
Dates/Times: September 26 • 1 - 4 p.m. • South Chagrin Reservation Shelterhouse 
OR
October 16 • 1 - 4 p.m. • Brecksville Nature Center
Fee: $12.50

Backcountry Cooking
Discover new cooking tricks and recipes for your next camping trip. Everyone will be teamed up with their own stove to try their hand at making something new!
Activity Level: easy
Ages: adults
Date/Time: October 5 • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Garfield Park Nature Center 
OR
October 27 • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Rocky River Nature Center
Fee: $15 (includes cookbook)

CPR/AED - Adult/Child/Infant
This American Red Cross class will provide you with skills to help someone showing signs of respiratory problems or cardiac arrest.
Ages: 16 years & over (with participating adult)
Date/Time: October 26 & November 2 • 6 - 10 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Fee: $55 (includes certification card and workbook)

Ohio Boater’s Education Class
Learn tools to make you a better boater. Lessons include safe boating skills, state laws and more. The course meets the mandatory education requirement for those persons born on or after January 1, 1982 planning to operate a watercraft of 10 horsepower or more.
Ages: 16 years & over (with participating adult)
Date/Time: Octoberr 21 & 28 • 6 - 10 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Fee: $15

American Red Cross First Aid
Equip yourself to respond to first aid emergencies. Lessons include: proper wound care, splinting broken bones and more. Bring a lunch.
Ages: 16 years & over (with participating adult)
Date/Time: November 6 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center
Fee: $35 (includes certification card and workbook)

CANOE/KAYAK

Canoe Floats
Join Cleveland Metroparks Chief of Outdoor Education, Bob Hinkle to explore the landscape treasures of fall along the Upper Cuyahoga River. Some previous paddling experience recommended for night paddling.
Activity Level: easy
Ages: adults
Pre-Fall Float • September 11 • 9 a.m. - noon
Full Moon Float • September 24 • 8:30 - 11:30 p.m.
Fall Colors Float • October 17 • 9 a.m. - noon
Fee: $17.50 (boats and equipment included)

Kayak Float & Hike
Enjoy a peaceful evening discovering the natural history of Hubbard Valley Park by boat and land. Start your evening by kayaking this small inland lake followed by a night hike to discover how plants and animals use this resource.
Activity Level: easy
Ages: 16 years & over (with participating adult)
Date/Time: September 8 •  6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Hubbard Valley Park, Medina County
Fee: $20

Canoeing II - Flat Water Fundamentals
This course combines Canoe I and 1.5 and covers paddling basics, boating safety, proper boat control and more. Get wet during capsize drills and rescues while learning these skills safely. Bring a lunch.
Activity Level: easy
Ages: 16 years & over (with participating adult)
Date/Time: September 25 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
OR
October 9 • 10 a.m. -  4 p.m.
Hinckley Reservation
Fee: $55 (boats and equipment included)

Kayak I: Kayaking Basics
Interested in learning to kayak but not sure where to start? This class will cover kayaking basics, boating safety, and paddling techniques. We may even try boat exits, so come prepared to get wet.
Activity Level: easy
Ages: 16 years & over (with participating adult)
Dates/Times: September 12 • 1 - 4 p.m.
Hinckley Reservation
Fee: $40 (boats and equipment included)

Kayaking 1.5: Supplemental Skills
This class is a continuing education branch to Kayaking I. Anyone who has completed a Kayaking I or II class is invited to learn more advanced paddling strokes, boat exits and rescue techniques.
Activity Level: easy
Ages: 16 years & over (with participating adult)
Dates/Times: September 19 • 2 - 4 p.m. • Hinckley Reservation
Fee: $25 (boats and equipment included)

Kayak Northeast Ohio
Enjoy fall as exploring the beauty of Ohio’s waterways by kayak. Learn paddling tips before heading on the water and experience the natural history of each area. Equipment for kayaking included.
Activity Level: easy
Ages: 16 years & older (with participating adult)
Westbranch Reservoir • September 18 • 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Whiskey Island • September 26 • 9 a.m. - noon
Fee: $20 (boats and equipment included)

FISHING

Accessible Adventures - Fishing
Enjoy a day of fishing designed for individuals with disabilities and their families. (For complete details, see the Family Fishing program description below.)
Ages: 5 years & up with participating adult
Dates/Times: October 9 • 1 - 3 p.m. • Wallace Lake
Fee: $3 first person, $2 each additional sibling (equipment and bait provided)

Family Fishing
Learn basic casting skills, knots and bait selection while trying to catch some fish. Participants age 16 and over  require a current Ohio fishing license and must bring it to fish. A one-day fishing license is available through ODNR’s Division of Wildlife at www.wildohio.com.
Ages: 5 years & up with participating adult
Dates/Times: October 10 • 10 a.m. - noon 
Shadow Lake
Fee: $3 first person, $2 each additional sibling (equipment and bait provided)

Steelhead Fly Fishing Basics
This short, trout-fishing class is designed to give you basic information on fly fishing gear, and casting techniques to make you a better fisherman. Rods will be provided, but participants should bring their own waders to practice on-stream casting.
Ages: adults
October 16 OR October 23 • 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center
Fee: $30

BACKPACKING & CAMPING

Backpacking the Buckeye Trail
This beginner backpacking trip offers a journey along a small section of the 1,445-mile Buckeye Trail. Learn new backpacking skills and camp in luxury at Burr Oak State Park. No previous backpacking experience needed.
Ages: adults
Pre-trip: September 11 • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. AND September 13 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Trip: September 17 - 19
Fee: $85 (gear and camping fees provided)

Camp & Kayak Getaway
Enjoy a camping and kayaking getaway to Salt Fork State Park. Located a few hours south of Cleveland, Salt Fork offers calm waters for kayaking and peaceful campsites. We’ll guide you to places you’ve never visited before. Participants are required to have taken an IGO kayaking class within the last two years.  
Ages: adults
Pre-trip: September 29 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Trip Dates: October 15 - 17
Fee: $85 (includes camping permit, boats, camping gear)

Backpacking in Pennsylvania
Explore the fall beauty of the Allegheny Mountains via the Hickory Creek Wilderness and a section of the Tanbark Trail. This intermediate trip hosts a variety of unique features ranging from historical sites to sheer natural wonders.
Activity Level: moderate (4-6 miles/day, unmaintained terrain)
Ages: adults
Pre-Trip: September 28 • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. AND October 13 • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Trip: October 22 - 24
Fee: $85

ESCAPES TO NATURE

Bikes & Buggies
Travel to the Holmes County trail, where bicycles, pedestrians and Amish buggies travel side-by-side. Stay at Hotel Millersburg, built in 1847, and enjoy an evening program highlighting the rich history of Millersburg. On Saturday, start with breakfast followed by an easy 30-mile ride with a naturalist, discovering fall in Ohio’s Amish Country. Bicycles and helmets required.
Activity Level: easy
Ages: adults           
Pre-trip: September 14 •  6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Trip Date/Times: September 24 - 25
Fee: $110 (includes hotel, breakfast, lunch and professional guides)

Reel Paddling Film Festival
October 8 • 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. • Rocky River Nature Center
Coming to Greater Cleveland - The International Reel Paddling Film Festival presents the world’s best whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking and canoeing films of the year. Enjoy action, scenic journeys and great stories. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 on night of event. To get tickets and a list of films, call 216-341-1704.

IGO Gift Certificates

Looking for a gift for the outdoors person who has it all? Why not send them on a trip. Cleveland Metroparks offers gift certificates of any denomination that can be used for Institute of the Great Outdoors programs. To order, call EarthWords at 216-206-1003         

How to Register

By Mail/Fax: Register immediately for all programs. Complete the registration form including your credit card number or check payable to Cleveland Metroparks.

By Phone: Call 216-341-1704 weekdays between 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with your Visa or MasterCard (some courses may already be filled).

In-Person: Stop by Garfield Park Nature Center in Garfield Heights weekdays between 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(some courses may already be filled).

 IGO Registration form

Registration Information

• For programs with more than one session, note your choice when registering.
• A course reminder and map will be mailed prior to the first class.
• By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the refund policy. Participants must complete and sign a liability waiver and medical emergency form prior to participation in any program. Forms are available for review by calling 216-341-1704.

Registration Policy

• Some courses require a certain level of proficiency and knowledge.
• Prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions. If you have not completed the prerequisite, call 216-341-1704 to discuss skills.
• Plan to attend all classes.

Fees

• Fees must be paid upon registration.
• A 50% deposit may be accepted for some programs (see program descriptions).
• Registration will not be confirmed without fee payment.
• Program fees recover the direct program costs.

Refund Policy

Program fees are not refundable unless Cleveland Metroparks cancels a program. Then a full refund of program fees will be processed.

General Information

IGO programs are listed in the January, March, May, July, September and November Emerald Necklace. For more information, call 216-341-1704.

For more information and to register for any IGO program, call 216-341-1704.