Posted 11:23 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025
Seven ways to stay well, connected and curious on campus this season
Summertime at UW-La Crosse is much quieter, but the campus still offers countless ways to stay active, connected and inspired throughout the season. From group fitness classes to peaceful walks and professional development opportunities, campus has more to offer than you might expect. Check out these seven ways to make the most of your summer at UWL.
1. Pedal power: free summer cycle classes at the REC
Looking for a fun way to stay active? Hop on a bike and ride indoors with Rec Sports' free group cycling classes open to all faculty and staff. Whether you're a seasoned spinner or a newbie, all fitness levels are welcome. No sign-up is required—just arrive a few minutes early to claim your seat and set up your bike.
Time and place: 4:45–5:30 p.m. at REC Conditioning Room (Room 150).
Dates: Monday, June 2; Wednesday, June 18; Tuesday, July 1; Thursday, July 17; and Wednesday, July 30
The Recreational Eagle Center (REC) is open all summer, offering a great time to explore its facilities with fewer crowds. Students enrolled in summer classes have free access. Faculty, staff, and students not enrolled can purchase a membership.
Not quite ready to commit? No problem—faculty and staff can try it out with a free one-week trial! Learn more. Check out REC summer hours.
2. Walk the Hįnųkwas Tree Trail
Looking for a peaceful and educational way to enjoy campus this summer? Take a stroll along the Hįnųkwas Tree Trail, a loop featuring around 30 native trees marked with interpretive signs. Learn how trees are known and valued in Ho-Chunk culture and discover how to identify species you might walk past every day.
The trail starts and ends at the Student Union and winds through the heart of campus. Whether you’re on a lunch break, out for a weekend walk or with colleagues, this self-guided trail invites you to slow down and connect with nature. Learn more on the sustainability webpage.
3. Grow your skills with Graduate & Extended Learning
Summer is a great time to invest in personal or professional growth. Through UWL’s Graduate & Extended Learning programs, you can:
- Enroll in quick, affordable online professional development courses
- Sign up kids for hands-on summer camps—scholarships available
- Begin a graduate or certificate program—many have rolling admissions
4. Celebrate disability pride month with UWL
Join us for the first event in the UWL Celebrates Summer Edition series, featuring presentations by Jake Speer and Neal Meier in honor of Disability Pride Month. They’ll share perspectives on advocacy, disability identity, and inclusion in a welcoming, small-group setting.
Time and place: 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., room 3310, Student Union
Date: Tuesday, July 15
Note: This is a BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch)
Registration: Reserve your spot (limit 50 participants)
5. Lunch outdoors with Patio Days
Patio Days return this July! Bring your lunch crew and enjoy a relaxing midday break on the lawn outside the Student Union. Each week features a rotating menu (shared in Campus Connection).
Time and place: 11 a.m.–1 p.m., outside the Student Union
Dates: July 16, July 23, July 30, and August 6
Price: $7 per meal
6. Relax and read—or create—at Murphy Library
Murphy Library stays open all summer, offering more than academic resources:
- Browse the Leisure Reading Collection for novels, nonfiction, and more
- Visit the Zine Reading Room (Murphy 113) to discover or create DIY self-published works
- Spending summer away from campus? Use the Libby app to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from anywhere using your NetID.
Explore the creative side of campus in a welcoming space. More on Murphy Library.
7. Take a breather with free ‘Intro to Mindfulness Course’
Life moves fast — so why not hit pause and learn how to be more present? This summer, UWL Counseling & Testing, Wellness & Health Advocacy, and Rec Sports are teaming up to offer a free, non-credit "Intro to Mindfulness" course for students, faculty, and staff. Mindfulness might sound simple, but building it into your daily routine takes practice. That’s where this four-week, lunchtime series comes in. You'll learn practical mindfulness techniques to help manage stress, get better sleep, increase self compassion, and bring more calm into your day-to-day life.
Time and place: Over the lunch hour at the REC
Dates: Wednesdays, starting June 11 (four total classes)
Registration deadline: Wednesday, June 4. Learn more and register.