“Wilderness ignites a sense of power and forges tenacious resolve to harness that power for the good of all.”
– Will Steger

Located in the Northwoods of Ely, Minnesota with proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), the Steger Wilderness Center is fulfilling polar explorer Will Steger’s mission to provide a unique wilderness setting that connects leaders, inspires innovation, and fosters bold discovery.

The Steger Wilderness Center is a one-of-a-kind setting where Master building instructors lead multi-week work teams of carpenters, stone masons, electricians, plumbers, and other artisans for hands-on training. Each learning session focuses on recruiting and educating people who are often underrepresented in the trades, such as women and minorities. Each work team, comprised of one master and several students, collaborates, creates, and implements an appropriate construction plan.

Having hosted thousands of educators and students has resulted in the near completion of an off the grid, energy efficient, five-story wilderness retreat center which nurtures community, cares for the earth, and inspires leaders to solve real-world problems.