"I personally feel that some of the lessons will stick with the kids for the rest of their lives."
--Parent

"We have only been back a week, and we are already making plans for next year."
--Principal, April 1975

Historical Highlights...


1963	Aitkin County accepts donation of 200 acres of land from the St. Louis Park Kiwanis Club (then the Southwest Minneapolis Kiwanis Club).
1965	LLCC becomes Minnesota's original residential environmental learning center as the Conservation Leadership School (CLS) summer camp begins: 108 boys attend the first year.

1967	Girls attend CLS for the first time.
1970	With a lead grant from the Blandin Foundation, construction begins on the east wing of the Marcum House (formerly the "Lodge").
1972	LLCC initiates the Long Lake Experience (the school year program). Earle Brown Elementary is first to attend with 73 sixth-graders.

1981	LLCC is accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as a Special Function School. The Long Lake Conservation Foundation is chartered.
1984	Minnesota State Legislature awards $160,000 to Marcum House Project.
1986	The Marcum House dormitory is dedicated.
1989	25 years of operation results in a total of nearly 80,000 students, summer campers, teachers and adults.
1992	LLCC's 100,000th student visits.
1997	LLCC completes 25 years of the Long Lake Experience. Construction begins on the new Dining Hall.
1998	The new Dining Hall is dedicated. Construction begins on the new dormitory.
1999	The North Star Lodge dormitory opens.
2000	LLCC celebrates its 35th birthday and 25 years under the leadership of Bob Schwaderer, Executive Director.
2001	Earle Brown Elementary is the first to celebrate a 30 year anniversary for school-year visits.
2002	LLCC's 125,000th student visits.
2003	Bob Schwaderer, Executive Director for nearly 29 years, retires. Todd Roggenkamp becomes Executive Director. 40 year anniversary of the Conservation Leadership School

2005	School House project completed in August. LLCC celebrates 40th year of providing environmental education.
2006	Forkhorn Camps added to the Summer Program in cooperation with Minnesota Deer Hunters Assn. Acquired Eagle's Nest from DNR for display in NSL.

2007	Marcum House Lodge Remodeled increasing the bed capacity at LLCC to 229. Additional Forkhorn Camps added.
2008	LLCC's 45th Anniversary of providing environmental education.
2009	Building completed to store the MAS 31" telescope. First "Northern Nights" Retreat.