Challenge Course

Nestled among the natural areas of Lincoln Marsh, the Teams course provides opportunities for individual and group development. Through experiential learning, stretch beyond perceived limits in an atmosphere full of motivation, support and respect. We are dedicated to a hands-on approach to cooperation and teamwork. In an encouraging and positive environment, groups will solve problems, reflect on the experiences and apply the lessons to real-life situations. Staff design fun and enriching experiences that target the goals and objectives identified by each group. These team outings are ideal for schools, scouts, clubs, sports teams, birthday parties and more!


Video clip of Wheaton Park District staff participating in the Teams Course

Cooperative Games

Bring your group to Lincoln Marsh to collaborate, communicate and cooperate! We will get active, have fun and develop team-building skills while playing active group games.

This program incorporates cooperative games and on-ground team building activities. Does not use the permanent physical structures of the teams course.

  • $160 (R); $200 (NR) per group
  • 2 hours
  • Group size 8-15 participants
  • 3 groups/45 participants maximum at one time
  • Ages 3rd grade & up

Cooperative Games Travel Option

Can’t come to Lincoln Marsh? Our staff can bring cooperative games to you! All we need is a large open space indoors or out to set up our team building games.

This program may be booked year-round.

  • $240 (R); $300 (NR) per group, plus travel fees
  • 2 hours
  • Group size 8-15 participants
  • 3 groups/45 participants maximum at one time
  • Ages 3rd grade & up

Team Building

Foster teamwork resulting in individual and group growth with portable team initiatives and low course elements at the Lincoln Marsh! Through a fun, progressive series of physical and mental initiatives, participate in problem-solving activities and challenges. Team building programs are made up of a variety of on or near ground activities and obstacles and may use boards, platforms, cables or other portable initiatives.

This program incorporates activities included in a Cooperative Games program and progresses to the low course elements of the teams course. Does not use any high element features.

  • $240 (R); $300 (NR) per group
  • 3 hours
  • Group size 8-15 participants
  • 3 groups/45 participants maximum at one time
  • Ages 4th grade & up

Adventure Walk

Add more adventure to your team building day. Participants work together to progress through 6 elevated elements without touching the ground. The group must create a strategy, assign roles, work as a team, and assess progress throughout the activity. Elevated elements are 12-24 in. above the ground and may include boards, platforms, cables or other support structures.

Must be added to a 3-hour Team Building program to create a 4-hour experience.

  • Must be added to a 3-hour Team Building program.
  • $80 (R); $100 (NR) per group
  • Up to 1 hour
  • Group size 8-15 participants
  • 3 groups/45 participants maximum at one time
  • Ages 4th grade & up

Climbing Tower

Scale a 50-foot high climbing tower while extending participant comfort zones and promoting encouragement and coaching. Participants will review risk management procedures and be outfitted with harnesses and helmets during the introduction.

  • $240 (R); $300 (NR) per group
  • 2 hours
  • Group size 6-15 participants
  • 1 group/up to 15 participants maximum at one time
  • Ages 1st grade & up

Teaming with Nature

Spend a day discovering the wonders of nature and building team skills. This program combines environmental and experiential education activities to form a unique experience. Activities include two hours of Team Building and choice of Geocaching, Orienteering, or Wetland Ecology & Scavenger Hunt Hike.

  • $350 (R); $438 (NR) for 1 group (8-15 participants)
    $510 (R); $638 (NR) for 2 groups (16-30 participants)
    $860 (R); $1,076 (NR) for 3 groups (31-45 participants)
    $1020 (R); $1,276 (NR) for 4 groups (46-60 participants)
  • 4.5 hours (includes a lunch break)
  • Group size 8-15 participants
  • *4 groups/60 participants maximum at one time
  • Ages 4th grade & up

How do I make a Challenge Course reservation?

  • Important: For Team Building or Cooperative Games, we cannot accommodate more than 45 participants (3 groups of 15 participants) at one time. If your group size is over 45, you will need to book over several dates or an AM/PM rotation. For Climbing Tower, we cannot accommodate more than 15 participants at one time.
  • Decide which of our programs you would like your group to participate in.
  • Choose several dates in the event that your first choice is not available.
  • Contact the Lincoln Marsh office at 630-871-2810 or [email protected] for additional information and reservations or use the reservation inquiry form.
  • Challenge course reservations are available ​from April 1-October 31.
  • Reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance; earlier reservations are appreciated and recommended.
  • One adult chaperone is required per group of 15 minors.
  • Programs are held entirely outdoors and are conducted rain or shine except when inclement weather creates unsafe conditions.
  • Reservation information will be emailed to you prior to your program. Review it carefully and call us as soon as possible if anything is incorrect or changes (i.e. number of participants).

Reservation Inquiry Form

If you would like to begin a reservation online, please complete the reservation inquiry form.

Planning to participate in one of our courses?

See our Forms & Waivers page for important information for group leaders, participants, chaperones, and drivers.

The Lincoln Marsh is a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT)

ACCT is a trade organization, serving Challenge Course professionals all over the world. The purpose of the association is to promote the use of Challenge Courses and to set minimum standards for Challenge Course installation, operation and inspection. ACCT has been setting challenge course standards since 1993, and is now accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a standards developer.

Testimonials

"Thank you so much for the awesome program! All of our students did truly enjoy it! My colleagues loved it and are hoping to come back! Thanks again for providing a great time."
Washington Elementary School
"Our facilitators were great. Patient, kind, firm, funny, understanding, encouraging and skilled. Top Notch!"
DuPage Probation and Court Services
"The activities and how they were run was exactly the type of program we were looking for. My fellow team members and I enjoyed the time for bonding and team building."
Wight and Co
"We love coming to Lincoln Marsh! The kids had a great time and learned a lot about problem solving and leadership"
Downers Grove South High School Key Club