Wilderness Inquiry is a nonprofit Twin Cities-based organization that plans outdoor adventure trips across the region with adaptations for those with special needs. Trips generally run four to seven days and are geared toward women, adults and families with kids (themed trips are also available). Camaraderie among the campers is a given and one of the main attractions. Among our group of 20 was a city mom and her young sons who were camping for the first time and a man with severe cerebral palsy who couldn’t talk, but would beam with joy whenever he was out on the water.

Camping accommodations include tents built on platforms, nearly odor-free composting toilets and outdoor showers—a welcome feature after spending half the day in a sandy wetsuit. Activities vary by trip but may include practicing kayak evacuations in Little Sand Bay, paddling to the bones of a shipwreck near Redcliff and exploring sandstone caves.

Four-day inclusive trips are $195 for kids, $395 for adults; adults-only trips start at $435. The lessons guests learn about the wilderness—and themselves—are well worth the money.