Summertime Mushroom Hunt
2025-08-16 14:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | TBD, but within 1 hour west or northwest of Mpls
Explore a beautiful forest while learning a useful, fun, and lifelong skill of foraging for your own food. Chick of the Woods will help you gain confidence foraging for common, edible mushrooms. We may also discuss berries, plants, or trees we see along the way. Before we head out foraging, we will discuss foraging basics, safety, identifications, and answer any questions. Then we will wander into the woods searching for, discussing, and picking edible mushrooms that we find. After the hunt we will review what’s in your basket and discuss ways to cook your finds. Take home what we find. No experience necessary.
Approximate itinerary:
2:00-3:00 – Educational Foraging Discussion
3:00-3:30 – Break and Gear-Up
3:30-5:00 – Foraging
5:00-5:30 – Review and Questions
5:30 till ?? Optional and on your own – Pack a picnic dinner and stay as long as you like socializing with your new nerdy nature friends!
We will have some foraging gear available for purchase, including bags, knives, books, and other products we love. You will have a chance to purchase these during the break or after class.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*No refunds. If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Foraging Event for Kids
2025-08-20 09:30 - 12:00 | TBD, but within 1 hour south of Mpls
TRIP DETAILS + INFORMATION
Join Chick of the Woods for a fun outdoor adventure that will get your child outside, and interested in going outside more often! Mushroom hunting is like a scavenger hunt, and kids love finding cool mushrooms in the woods. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what some of those mushrooms are, and if they are safe? With just a little proper education, mushrooms are NOT something to be afraid of and Chick of the Woods will be sure to address any concerns you may have.
What will the day look like?
Before embarking on the mushroom hunt, we will learn about safety, mushroom features, a few of the common edible mushrooms we might run into, as well as some of the poisonous ones to steer clear of. We will head out into the woods looking for and collecting mushrooms while filling out a scavenger hunt list. We will discuss mushrooms as we find them, and then again at the end of our foraging adventure. After our hunt, kids will partake in a mushroom art project.
Where will we go mushroom hunting?
Conditions for mushrooms are dependent on several factors so the exact location and more details of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event, but it will be held within 1 hour of Minneapolis.
What will you need?
Bring a basket or cloth bag to put mushrooms in. An Easter basket works great! A knife is also required for cutting the mushrooms, but of course the adult can operate the knife if the child is not comfortable with a knife. Wear clothes suitable for walking through the woods (long pants and close-toed shoes). A more thorough list of suggested items and details will be emailed to you closer to the day of the event.
Disclaimers:
-The event will happen rain or shine. In cases of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the class will be canceled and you can use your credit for a future event with Chick of the Woods. Refunds are not available.
-We always hope to find lots of mushrooms and plants, but it is never guaranteed. However, we do guarantee you will learn and increase your confidence foraging.

Private Hunt
2025-08-23 12:00 - 17:00 | WI
We are on a private foraging adventure today. Interested in learning more?
We offer private foraging adventures tailored to your interests and location. While we specialize in wild mushrooms, we’re also happy to explore edible plants, berries, nuts, and even help with tree identification. These guided experiences are perfect for individuals or groups—whether you have your own land and want to learn what’s edible right in your backyard, or you’re looking to gather a group of curious friends for an off-site foraging outing. We’ve hosted private hunts for a wide range of groups, including corporate outings for companies like Best Buy, schools such as Hennepin Technical College, homeschool kids, senior groups, bachelorette parties, and family get-togethers.
You can choose the location, or we’re happy to suggest one. After the forage, we can prepare a wild mushroom tasting using what we find, or bring along a curated selection of mushrooms to cook on-site. You’ll also get to take home everything we gather.
Pricing starts at $300 for a 3-hour session, and you can use the custom spreadsheet we created (best viewed on a computer) to estimate the cost of your own personalized adventure. Message us at in**@*************ds.com to schedule a phone call and chat about your land, your goals, and what kind of foraging experience you’re looking for.

Late Summer Foraging Adventure
2025-08-31 13:00 - 16:30 | Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, WI, 54024, United States
Join us for a hands-on outdoor experience at Big Rock Creek in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin to spark your curiosity and build your confidence foraging for wild mushrooms! This beginner-friendly class is perfect for those new to foraging or anyone looking to hang out with like-minded individuals that love and appreciate nature. Together, we’ll learn all about foraging safely for common, edible mushrooms.
What to Expect

Interactive Education: Start with an engaging presentation discussing everything you need to know to get started foraging. We’ll discuss foraging basics, identification tips, cooking & preservation techniques, safety, technology, and more. Get hands-on with fresh examples (if available) to practice identifying key features before we head out to the forest.
Forest Exploration: Wander through the 1000 acres of woods at Big Rock Creek as we search for and harvest mushrooms. While mushroom and plant growth varies with the environment, we can never guarantee what or how much variety will be found – although we will be hunting in an area that has been known to produce mushrooms and edible plants. The real reward is the knowledge you’ll gain to forage confidently on your own. We will also be identifying important trees along the way.
Potential Finds: Mushrooms like chicken of the woods, hen of the woods, boletes, black trumpet, oysters, and more! Although our hunt will focus on mushrooms, we will keep our eyes out for other edible species. If mushrooms happen to be sparse, we are able to harvest edible plants and berries since we are on private property! Most public land does not allow harvesting of plants.
Community and Sharing: Bring home any mushrooms or plants we find! If we find enough, we’ll divide them evenly to ensure everyone leaves with a treat.
Gear Up: Browse foraging essentials like mushroom knives, books, and other tools available for purchase.

Approximate Itinerary
1:00-2:00 – Educational Presentation
2:00-2:30 – Break & Gear Shopping
2:30-4:00 – Foraging Adventure
4:00-4:30 – Group Review & Q&A

Important Details

Who Can Join: Anyone that is able to walk slowly through the woods, over uneven terrain, for up to two hours is welcome. The event is designed for adults, but children are welcome at the same rate if they’re excited to participate.
Location: Big Rock Creek, 1674 State Highway 87 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024. Meet at the big barn.
A day pass is required for anyone that is not already camping at Big Rock Creek. These can be purchased ahead of time here.
What to Bring: Here is a list of some items to consider bringing along. Items such as mushroom knives, bags, and books will be available for purchase.
What to wear: Sturdy, close-toed footwear and long pants are recommended. If the conditions have been wet, consider waterproof footwear.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Cancel 72+ hours before the event for credit toward a future class.
Cancellations within 72 hours are not eligible for credit.
Severe weather cancellations will result in a credit for future use.
A minimum number of attendees is required; refunds will be issued if the class is canceled due to low enrollment.

This is a rain or shine event—get ready for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors.

Reserve your spot today and join us for this exciting foraging adventure!

Scouting for Mushrooms
2025-09-07 14:30 - 16:30 | Near Stillwater, MN, Stillwater, MN, United States
This is a different version of my normal events. It’s shorter and the price is lower. I’m skipping the intro educational talk and I’m NOT pre-scouting the area. We will be going to a forest I’m not very familiar with. I have no idea what mushrooms will be there or if there will be any at all (extremely unlikely). Just come exploring with me! Learn what I look for when I hunt in a new area. We will spend two hours in the woods looking for common, edible mushrooms and identifying trees important to those mushrooms. Take home what you find. Bring a basket or bag and a knife. No experience necessary.
The exact location of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Fall Mushroom Hunting
2025-09-14 13:00 - 16:00 | TBD, but within 1 hour west or northwest of Mpls
This is an outdoor adventure for those interested in foraging for common wild mushrooms. We will first take about one hour to discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks to successful foraging, cover species of interest, and answer any questions. Then we will wander down the trail and into the woods looking for and discussing any mushrooms we find. If we do find mushrooms, we will split them evenly with the group best we can. We will then meet back where we started to wrap up and go over what we found. No experience necessary.
Approximate Itinerary:
1-2pm: Intro and Discussion
2-3:45pm: Foraging
3:45-4pm: Review mushrooms
The exact location of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Private Mushroom Hunt
2025-09-20 12:00 - 17:00 | WI
We are on a private foraging adventure today. Interested in learning more?
We offer private foraging adventures tailored to your interests and location (Minnesota and Wisconsin). While we specialize in wild mushrooms, we’re also happy to explore edible plants, berries, nuts, and even help with tree identification. These guided experiences are perfect for individuals or groups—whether you have your own land and want to learn what’s edible right in your backyard, or you’re looking to gather a group of curious friends for an off-site foraging outing. We’ve hosted private hunts for a wide range of groups, including corporate outings for companies like Best Buy, schools such as Hennepin Technical College, homeschool kids, senior groups, bachelorette parties, and family get-togethers.
You can choose the location, or we’re happy to suggest one. After the forage, we can prepare a wild mushroom tasting using what we find, or bring along a curated selection of mushrooms to cook on-site. You’ll also get to take home everything we gather.
Pricing starts at $300 for a 3-hour session, and you can use the custom spreadsheet we created (best viewed on a computer) to estimate the cost of your own personalized adventure. Message us at in**@*************ds.com to schedule a phone call and chat about your land, your goals, and what kind of foraging experience you’re looking for.

Hen Fest
2025-09-28 10:30 - 17:00 | within an hour of minneapolis
Maitake (also known as Hen of the Woods) is a prized mushroom you’ll find in many fine dining establishments —and luckily for us, it can also be found right here in the forest each fall. With its rich, earthy flavor and versatility in the kitchen, maitake makes the perfect centerpiece for a seasonal gathering. And we have the perfect place to do just that – Big Rock Creek in St. Criox Falls Wisconsin. We’d love for you to join us in celebrating this incredible mushroom!
Your day will include:

Mushroom education and identification tips
A guided hunt for fall mushrooms
Live cooking demo
A delicious maitake-focused lunch
Creative ways to cook and preserve maitake
Happy Hour with more maitake tastings and optional cocktails

The Fabulous Chef Jodi with Borealle will be creating the dishes
and Jaime will be educating and leading the mushroom hunt.
While nature never guarantees what we’ll find, there’s a good chance you’ll head home with some valuable mushrooms—and plenty of inspiration.
Reserve your Maitake Experience today!
Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Itinerary
10:30–12:15 Educational Presentation & Cooking Demo
12:15–1:30 Lunch
1:30–3:30 Mushroom Hunt
3:30-4:00 Mushroom Review
4:00–5:00 Happy Hour with maitake snacks (cocktails available for purchase)
Important Notes

This is a rain-or-shine event. In the case of severe weather, you’ll receive credit toward a future event.
A day pass is required for this location and can be purchased here.
This will be a plant-based (vegan) experience. Please email us with any food restrictions before registering so we can confirm accommodations.
Be prepared to walk off-trail on uneven terrain.
Mushroom finds are never guaranteed.
If minimum attendance isn’t met, the event may be cancelled and refunds provided.
No refunds for cancellations, but with at least one week’s notice, we will provide credit to a future event.

Last Chance Mushroom Hunt
2025-10-05 13:00 - 16:00 | within an hour of minneapolis
The last mushroom foraging class of the year! An outdoor adventure for those interested in learning how to forage for wild, edible mushrooms. We will first take about one hour to discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks to successful foraging, cover species of interest, and answer any questions. Then we will wander down the trail and into the woods looking for, discussing, and harvesting any edible mushrooms we find. We will meet back where we started to wrap up and go over what we found and answer any last minute questions. No experience necessary. We will split any mushrooms we find evenly with the group.
Approximate Itinerary:
1-2pm: Intro and Discussion
2-3:45pm: Foraging
3:45-4pm: Review mushrooms
The exact location of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

2025 Holiday Forest Fair
2025-12-13 | Mustard Seed Garden Center, 10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska, MN, 55318, United States
The 4th Annual Holiday Forest Fair, hosted by Chick of the Woods, will take place on December 13, 2025 at the warm greenhouses of Mustard Seed Garden Center in Chaska, MN. This festive event is FREE and is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Please RSVP below for tickets and to be updated on the event. Many more details to come.

With 40+ nature-themed vendors, attendees can browse and shop for unique gifts and treasures. The event will also feature expert demonstrations from nature enthusiasts, including special guests Robin Greenfield, ForagerChef, Sam Thayer, and Hank Shaw who will share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors. Visitors can enjoy interactive activities for all ages, delicious food and beverages, and festive photo opportunities with Santa and the Morel Man. Visit the Holiday Forest Fair Instagram Page or Facebook Event to see samples of the unique items vendors will be bringing and more information on demonstrations and events.

Please contact Chick of the Woods if you or someone you know would be interested in vending or conducting a demonstration. *Must be nature-themed.*
