Luther has nearly 700 acres of natural areas, accessible by stepping off the main campus and directly onto the trails.

The woodlands, prairies, and river access provide an opportunity for students and community members to investigate biology, writing, art, recreation, and more. Students, faculty, and staff use the natural areas for classes, research, and recreation. The natural areas are actively managed to promote native diversity and improve the ecological health of the land, including restoring oak and oak-hickory woodlands, and converting land back into bottom land forests and prairies.