Programs, Classes, Expos and Events
Upcoming Events
Ladies Bouldering
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Come one come many to the all women, ONLY women, evening of bouldering in the Cave! Shannon, member of the American Alpine Club, will be on hand to answer questions and help provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere. All abilities welcome from the, "I've never done this before", to those who want to set routes, and everyone in-between.
All climbers must have a completed liability waiver on file at Midwest Mountaineering. Liability waivers expire at the end of the calendar year and must be re-submitted every year. Minimum age 15. Climbing shoe rental is $3.
Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) w/ Kim Fishburn
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Join SHT expert Kim Fishburn and learn about the Superior Hiking Trail. He will cover what you need to know for a backpacking trip and the many volunteer opportunities available for maintaining our Minnesotan trail systems!
Lost Coast Trail Presentation
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Northern California’s Lost Coast Trail, the most remote western coastline in the Lower 48, features precipitous 4,000-foot mountains dropping straight down to the Pacific Ocean’s crashing waves. The beautiful 55-mile trail encompasses King Range National Conservation Area and Sinkyone Wilderness State Park.
Backpackers encounter a breathtaking, rugged landscape of sea stacks, remote coves, sweeping views, while crossing or camping in the “Impassable Zones” using tide charts. Witness Roosevelt Elk, sea lions and harbor seals, and perhaps migrating whales, sea otters, and bears.
Michelle Schroeder, Founder of Backpack the Trails LLC, will share tips about permits, planning, resupplying, and what to expect on the spectacular Wonderland Trail.
Michelle has been an outdoor enthusiast for 40+ years and was raised by a father who wished to be a mountain man. Her favorite backpacking trails include the JMT, Grand Canyon, The Wonderland Trail (Mt. Rainier), Mt. Robson (Canada), California’s Lost Coast, and New Zealand. Michelle teaches people how to backpack and is a NOLS-Certified Wilderness First Responder.
Women's Climbing 101
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Women, take yourself to new heights and learn the ropes through hands-on experience in our Climbing Cave. Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to soar! All equipment provided. Led by member of the American Alpine Club, Shannon. Sign up early because these classes are popular!
All climbers must have a completed liability waiver on file at Midwest Mountaineering. Liability waivers expire at the end of the calendar year and must be re-submitted every year. Pre-registration required – limited to 10 participants. Cost $5, no refunds. Minimum age 15.
Note: If no one has registered for the class by 12pm the day-of, we will cancel the class. Register early!
Mindful Mississippi River Hike & Yoga
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Join us for an evening of mindfulness and immerse yourself in nature around the City. Mary, RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher), will guide you through a walking meditation near the Mississippi River- focusing on the sights, sounds and feelings of finding nature in the city. The mindful walk will be followed by a gentle yoga flow near the River, and return to Midwest Mountaineering.
Please wear comfortable clothes for outdoor weather and appropriate shoes to walk in. No yoga mats required. All abilities are welcome, but please be aware that the walk to location may provide a barrier depending on any assisted technology used. Hike roundtrip will be approximately 1.5-2.5 miles.
Suggested donation of $5 cash upon arrival to the instructor. Registration is requested, limited to the first 20 people. Walk-ins will be welcome if there are any unfilled spaces. Be sure to arrive on time, group will leave the store no later than 6:15pm.
To register, please call the store at (612) 339-3433.
Spring Outdoor Adventure Expo Boat Demo
Lake Nokomis Main Beach5001 Nokomis AveMinneapolis, MN55417 Map
Need help picking a canoe, kayak or SUP? Try before you buy! Test-paddle canoes, kayaks & SUPs with our expert staff at the Expo Paddlesports Demo Thursday April 23rd 3-7pm. We bring the boats, paddles, and personal flotation devices. You come dressed to play! Join us out on the waters of Lake Nokomis.
The demo will be on the northwest end of Lake Nokomis. Bring extra warm clothes, the water may be cold. Expect to get your feet wet.
Gather and get geared-up to enjoy your next outdoor adventure with family and friends. Visit midwestmtn.com/mailinglist - and join the Midwest Mountaineering community.
Spring Outdoor Adventure Expo
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Midwest Mountaineering is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year! Join us April 24-26 for our Spring Outdoor Adventure Expo featuring 100 free outdoor adventure presentations, 50 exhibitors, beer & gear raffle, canoe/kayak and SUP auction, Banff film festival and SALE!
Friday April 24th: 2-9:00pm
Saturday April 25th: 9am-6:30pm
Sunday April 26th: 10am-5pm
For more information about Midwest Mountaineering's 50th Anniversary celebration and the Outdoor Adventure Expo - join our mailing list: www.midwestmtn.com/mailinglist/
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Willey Hall225 19th Ave SMinneapolis, MN55455 Map
Sorry, online registration for this Spring's Banff Film Festival is closed, Banff Mountain Film Festival ticket sales have been temporarily suspended by Banff Centre due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We're exploring options relating to rescheduling, we'll have more information available soon. If you cannot make the rescheduled date(s), we'll refund your ticket price.
Climbing 102
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
The Climbing 101 clinic is a prerequisite for this clinic. American Alpine TC Chapter Leader, Steve Schreader will provide this opportunity to expand your technical skills and help prepare you for more advanced climbing. We’ll review knots, commands, and belaying, along with more in-depth explanations and uses of climbing gear. Don’t worry; we will still have time to climb!
All climbers must have a completed liability waiver on file at Midwest Mountaineering. Liability waivers expire at the end of the calendar year and must be re-submitted every year. Pre-registration required – limited to 10 participants. Cost $5, no refunds. Minimum age 15.
Note: If no one has registered for the class by 12pm the day-of, we will cancel the class. Register early!
Bryozoans, Carp and Bass; Fly-fishing the Lower Minnehaha Creek
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Call to all who want to get into fly fishing in the Twin Cities!
Join Mike to get the "need-to-know" on fly-fishing in the lower Minnehaha Creek. He will cover public transit to and from a few good areas, accessibility, regulations, precautions, pratfalls, NiceRide rentals, and even hiking strategies to get you where you need to go for great catches. Necessary fly fishing gear, fishing from a kayak or canoe on the Chain of Lakes, and what to *realistically* expect will all be covered.
Photo from www.southwestjournal.com/focus/2018/06/minnehaha-creek-to-see-tlc/ of Mike.
Climbing 101
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Take yourself to new heights and learn the ropes through hands on experience in our Climbing Cave. Learn the basics of bouldering, top roping and what you need to know to get started in this invigorating sport from American Alpine TC Chapter Leader, Steve Schreader. All equipment provided. Wear comfortable clothing!
All climbers must have a completed liability waiver on file at Midwest Mountaineering. Liability waivers expire at the end of the calendar year and must be re-submitted every year. Pre-registration required – limited to 10 participants. Cost $5, no refunds. Minimum age 15.
Note: If no one has registered for the class by 12pm the day-of, we will cancel the class. Register early!
Backpacking 101 w/ Backpack the Trails
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Want to learn backpacking basics? Want to avoid common rookie mistakes? Join this hands-on classroom training that is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Come learn the ins-and-outs of backpacking with Backpack the Trails!
You will gain information about what to bring (and what not to bring), how to pack a backpack, keep food safe on trail, filter water, operate a stove, trail permits and more!
These events are hosted by Michelle Schroeder, former Midwest Mountaineering employee and founder of Backpack the Trails. Michelle has been an outdoor enthusiast for 40+ years and was raised by a father who wished to be a mountain man. Her favorite backpacking trails include the JMT, Grand Canyon, The Wonderland Trail (Mt. Rainier), Mt. Robson (Canada), California’s Lost Coast, and New Zealand. Michelle teaches people how to backpack and is a NOLS-Certified Wilderness First Responder.
Learn more about Backpack the Trails on their website: www.backpackthetrails.com
CureSearch's Ultimate Hike 10th Anniversary Information Meeting
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
CureSearch's Ultimate Hike is celebrating 10 years of telling children's cancer to take a hike! Join the Ultimate Hike team to learn how you can lace up and hike 25.5 miles in one day. Whether you're an experienced backpacker or just looking for motivation to get off the couch, our local coaches will explain how they'll prepare you for what may be the most impactful weekend of your life. Lace up for the adventure, the lifelong friendships, and to save kids' lives.
Visit www.ultimatehike.org/sht20 to learn more or to RSVP.
Ladies Bouldering
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Come one come many to the all women, ONLY women, evening of bouldering in the Cave! Shannon, member of the American Alpine Club, will be on hand to answer questions and help provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere. All abilities welcome from the, "I've never done this before", to those who want to set routes, and everyone in-between.
All climbers must have a completed liability waiver on file at Midwest Mountaineering. Liability waivers expire at the end of the calendar year and must be re-submitted every year. Minimum age 15. Climbing shoe rental is $3.
Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) w/ Kim Fishburn
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Join SHT expert Kim Fishburn and learn about the Superior Hiking Trail. He will cover what you need to know for a backpacking trip and the many volunteer opportunities available for maintaining our Minnesotan trail systems!
Map & Compass Navigation
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
In the Backcountry wilderness you should always carry a compass and the appropriate maps, and know how to use them. But this can be a pretty daunting task if you have never been taught the correct methods in map reading and compass technology. Join Long-time Employee Robert who has navigated all over the globe, in this clinic will ensure to provide you with the features and use of a compass, map interpretation, how to locate yourself on a map, how to plot a bearing, and tips for following it; all so you know exactly how to navigate through your next backcountry adventure.
Women's Climbing 101
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Women, take yourself to new heights and learn the ropes through hands-on experience in our Climbing Cave. Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to soar! All equipment provided. Led by member of the American Alpine Club, Shannon. Sign up early because these classes are popular!
All climbers must have a completed liability waiver on file at Midwest Mountaineering. Liability waivers expire at the end of the calendar year and must be re-submitted every year. Pre-registration required – limited to 10 participants. Cost $5, no refunds. Minimum age 15.
Note: If no one has registered for the class by 12pm the day-of, we will cancel the class. Register early!
Mindful Mississippi River Hike & Yoga
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Join us for an evening of mindfulness and immerse yourself in nature around the City. Mary, RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher), will guide you through a walking meditation near the Mississippi River- focusing on the sights, sounds and feelings of finding nature in the city. The mindful walk will be followed by a gentle yoga flow near the River, and return to Midwest Mountaineering.
Please wear comfortable clothes for outdoor weather and appropriate shoes to walk in. No yoga mats required. All abilities are welcome, but please be aware that the walk to location may provide a barrier depending on any assisted technology used. Hike roundtrip will be approximately 2.5 miles.
Suggested donation of $5 cash upon arrival to the instructor. Registration is requested, limited to the first 20 people. Walk-ins will be welcome if there are any unfilled spaces. Be sure to arrive on time, group will leave the store no later than 6:15pm.
To register, please call the store at (612) 339-3433.
BWCA: What You Need to Know
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Find out everything you need to know about paddling in the BWCAW. Bear Paulsen, General Manager of Northstar Canoes, will share his knowledge of permits, routes, wilderness tripping techniques, and mix in a dose of BWCA history. He'll give you hints on avoiding the crowds whether you're base-camping or traveling daily. He'll also share ways to avoid the two most threatening parts of canoe country – bugs and bears.
Backcountry Photography
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Want to get that perfect shot on your next backcountry trip? Join Adan as he discusses backcountry hiking and gear selection for photographers. Narrow down your gear and still get that shot, hike faster and lighter! Whether your interest is in wildlife, landscape, or outdoor recreation photography, Adan will cover what you need to know to safely and efficiently pack your gear on trail.
Exploring Isle Royale NP: Wolves, Moose, & Wilderness
Midwest Mountaineering309 Cedar Ave SMinneapolis, MN55454 Map
Learn everything you need to plan an adventure to this remote wilderness island, and hear updates on the island's charismatic and somewhat-famous wolf and moose residents.
Isle Royale National Park is a 45-mile-long island surrounded by smaller islands in Lake Superior, almost entirely designated wilderness, and open to the public from April to October.
The talk will be led by Liz Dengate, an ecologist and science educator who worked as a park ranger on Isle Royale for three seasons.
How does one get to the island? What are the highlights of this wild archipelago? When to go, what to pack, and how many wolves are there now? Get all of your questions answered, and meet other island enthusiasts!