The Art Of The Mini-Adventure

Two boats filled with anglers float side by side in a river.

min·i ad·ven·ture: noun, an outing into the natural spaces close to home, designed to deepen your connection to the great outdoors.

This year more than ever we all understand the importance of exploring the wildness closest to home and finding an escape in even the smallest outings. We have rediscovered the art of the mini-adventure and have developed a new appreciation for these small-scale excursions with long-term, oversized benefits.


The beauties of a mini-adventure are a lot like those of fly fishing—discovery, challenge, stewardship, gratitude, and life lessons that inspire and transform us. We find greatness in exploring the spaces just beyond our backdoor, and we discover richness when we follow our curiosity without restraining it with expectations.


The first rule of the mini-adventure is to keep it simple; the second is to just go for it. Free yourself of the burdens of overthinking things and take in the deep connections that come with getting lost in each moment. Get out there—the great awaits.

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Have A Blast

No Experience Required

Shooting instructor Paula Moore shows how sporting clays can be a fun, exciting way to enjoy outdoors—even for a complete novice.

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A group of anglers in two boats float in a river.

Legends Of Fall

Four Orvis Fishing Managers share their favorite fly-fishing tips for autumn adventures.

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5 Lessons

From Master Dog Trainers

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A Hunter's Story Begins

Uncover a new way of exploring the outdoors. Upland hunting offers endless unexpected joy (and often motivation to get a new dog).

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The Learn-New-Skills Outing

Rediscover Your Home Water With A Trout-Spey Rod

Have you tried spey fishing? Discover a new way to fish your home water.

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A dog bounding through field in front of three people.

The Dog-Led Ramble

Charley’s Tips For Fun & Safe Mini-Adventures With Dogs

Follow your dog’s lead. Let them motivate you to get outside and rediscover favorite places and explore new territory—it’s hard not to be inspired by a dog’s enthusiasm for nature and instinctual love for adventure.

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A family with their dog squats by the river looking at rocks.

The Family Mini-Adventure

Grab the kids and discover what’s just outside your backdoor. We are here to help with tips and tricks for making outdoor adventures even easier for the busiest of families.

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A child celebrates holding a largemouth bass in canoe.

The Local Fishing Challenge:

Introducing The Local Slam

You don’t need to hitch a plane to the salt flats for a good challenge. Embrace the Local Slam and make your most familiar waters feel like exotic destinations.

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A father and his two daughters standing next to a stream.

The Advocate's Undertaking

Conservation begins at home. Learn how to take care of your local waters with Trout Unlimited.

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Sun Protection To Get You Out There

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