Programs, Classes and Events
Upcoming Events
Thrifty Outfitters Winter Garage Sale
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Thrifty Outfitters Winter Garage Sale - our big year-end clearance this weekend - January 19th, 20th, and 21st. Over $100,000 at retail of new merchandise yellow tagged at 75% OFF retail price. Lots of men's medium and women's small winter apparel at 75% OFF. Lots of kid's medium winter apparel at 75% OFF. Merchandise is new and first quality. You'll find garage sale clothing, outerwear, camping gear, and accessories and more upstairs in Thrifty Outfitters. You’re sure to find some really great deals! The yellow-tagged merchandise in non-returnable, the orange-tagged merchandise is returnable.
Midwest Mountaineering Customer Gear Swap
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Get a great deal on used outdoor gear and clothing at Midwest Mountaineering's Customer Gear Swap this Saturday, January 19th from 10am to 2pm! Buy, sell, or trade - all transactions are between customers - seller keeps 100% of the sale price. Seller gets two feet of table space and must specify how the customer can pay them: cash, check, or charge. (If seller wants to take credit cards, they must have a Square or other device.) No merchandise will go through Midwest Mountaineering registers. Sponsored and organized by the American Alpine Club - Twin Cities Chapter, our Customer Gear Swap will be held in our Expedition Room (basement beneath our Camping dept). Seller space limited, first come first served. Set-up will be from 9am-10am. For more info, contact Steve Schreader at twincitieschapter@americanalpineclub.org
Women's Climbing 101
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 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 Minneapolis Bouldering Project instructor Hillary. 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!
Winter Camping: Beyond the Basics
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
This clinic is for those that have already attended Winter Camping: The Basics or those who have winter camped a few times and are looking to expand their knowledge. Bear Paulsen will discuss choosing a campsite, shelter options and the all important – how to sleep comfortably through the long winter nights. He'll cover winter travel from backpacking on foot to pulling a pulk sled through the BWCA. Sled design will also be covered.
How to Plan a Road Trip
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
This is an interactive clinic! Please make sure to bring a notebook or computer. Brainstorming! Budgeting! Itinerary! Packing! There is so much to do when planning a road trip. Sit down with Midwest Mountaineering employee and experienced road-tripper Abby and she'll fill you in on her planning process and walk you through how to lay a good foundation for a fun-filled adventure.
Iyengar Yoga ($5)
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Iyengar Yoga, named after the late B.K.S. Iyengar, is Hatha Yoga with the aid of many props and attention to detail. It is a slower-paced class that focuses on alignment within the poses which creates stability in the joints while strengthening the muscles. This method helps to cure and prevent injuries, allowing it to be accessible to all despite age or physical limitation. Shannyn Joy Potter is a certified Iyengar yoga instructor, one of only twenty-six in the state of Minnesota. The store opens at 10:00, but a manager will let you in between 8:50 and 9:05a.m.** No sign up required. Pay at register. **Yoga will take place at 9:05am from January 12th to Spring Expo mid-April, after which it will move back to 8:05am.
Climbing 102
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
The Climbing 101 clinic is a prerequisite for this clinic. Minneapolis Bouldering Project instructor Hillary 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!
Intro to the Camino de Santiago
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Jim McCaffrey, the coordinator of the American Pilgrims on the Camino-Minneapolis Chapter, walks you through the basics of a trip to hike El Camino—with pictures of previous trips, and info on travel, gear, safety, and what to expect.
Volunteer for Wilderness 2019
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Picture yourself in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this spring! Volunteer with a clearing crew on the historic Powwow Trail in the Superior National Forest. Are you a novice boundary waters visitor? Experienced crew leaders will get you prepared and confident for wilderness travel. Are you already a backpacker or paddler? Expand your skills and share your expertise in the wonder of a post-megafire healthy forest. The Boundary Waters Advisory Committee, an all-volunteer Minnesota nonprofit, has been organizing outdoor enthusiasts to steward wilderness trails since 2002. We invite you to be one of our hundreds of amazing, all walks-of-life volunteers giving back to the wilderness. In 2019 your help is needed as we “open the loop” of the thirty mile Powwow Trail. Join us at Midwest Mountaineering to learn more.
Climbing 101
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 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 Minneapolis Bouldering Project instructor Hillary! 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!
MWM Book Club Meeting
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
We will be discussing The Singing Wilderness by Sigurd Olson. March book forthcoming.
Dawn Wall Film Screening
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Midwest Mountaineering is Hosting a Screening of Dawn Wall Feb 9th at Wiley Hall. $10 per ticket for a crazy night !!! Told you we would get the film back to Minneapolis!! Get you tickets before they are sold out!!!
Ladies Bouldering Night
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Come one come many to the all women, ONLY women, evening of bouldering in the Cave! Minneapolis Bouldering Project instructor Hillary 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.
Winter Camping: The Basics
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Don't let cold weather stop you from traveling outdoors for half the year. Learning how to camp comfortably in the winter will allow you to see a whole new world. Please join Bear Paulsen for an evening of learning about how to stay warm in the cold. He'll cover how to dress, different clothing strategies and share tips and tricks from hundreds of nights of winter camping. He'll also discuss food, water and give some basic safety information.
Superior Hiking Trail with Kim Fishburn
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 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!
Women's Climbing 101
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 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 Minneapolis Bouldering Project instructor Hillary. 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!
Winter Camping: Beyond the Basics
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
This clinic is for those that have already attended Winter Camping: The Basics or those who have winter camped a few times and are looking to expand their knowledge. Bear Paulsen will discuss choosing a campsite, shelter options and the all important – how to sleep comfortably through the long winter nights. He'll cover winter travel from backpacking on foot to pulling a pulk sled through the BWCA. Sled design will also be covered.
Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
John Wilcox had recently retired from a 36 year military career when he started hiking the Appalachian Trail. He is eager to share his experiences and advice with future generations of thru-hikers. Of his experience on the trail, John says: "My experience on the trail with fellow hikers, trail supporters and hostel owners was universally positive and truly rekindled my faith in humankind." Come hear what he has to say!
Climbing 102
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
The Climbing 101 clinic is a prerequisite for this clinic. Minneapolis Bouldering Project instructor Hillary 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!
Trail Advice from a Triple Crowner
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Midwest Mountaineering employee Ben is a triple crowner—meaning that he has hiked the country's three largest trails: the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Ask away! Ben is ready to answer any and all questions you have about his experiences, motivations, gear, highs and lows. Please come prepared with questions for him!
Isle Royale: Wolves, Moose, and Wilderness
Midwest Mountaineering
309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Map
Isle Royale National Park is an isolated archipelago in Lake Superior - a 45-mile-long island surrounded by countless smaller islands. The ecology of its famous wildlife residents plays out in a unique and beautiful wilderness ecosystem. Famous for its rugged backpacking or canoeing potential, Isle Royale is one of the least-visited national parks - and also boasts the highest return rate for visitors. Join us at Midwest to learn everything you need to plan your own adventure there, and get the latest insights on the wolf-moose study!