🐏Lakes, Loons & Lamb Chops

Your Weekend Forecast

Loons & Lakes Festival

6/20 - 21

Spend a grounded weekend in Cross Lake soaking up nature and loons. Join guided paddle excursions and pontoon loon-watching tours out on the water, then stroll into Town Square for a casual fair with around 40 vendors, art booths, food trucks, and mellow live music. Catch laid-back nature talks on hummingbirds, swans, pollinators, even loon calls. There’s family-friendly painting, stone‑skipping, and even a lighthearted “triath‑loon” race—just good, easygoing lakeside fun.

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MN 101: Rock Climbing

⚙️ Step 1: Gear Up

Most beginners start at an indoor climbing gym—and that’s the easiest way to go. Places like Vertical Endeavors or the REI wall in Bloomington provide everything you need: shoes, harness, chalk, and ropes. You don’t need to buy anything, and the staff can help get you started with a quick intro or class. It’s a low-stress way to learn the basics in a safe, controlled setting.

If you’d rather try climbing outdoors, you’ll need to plan ahead. You can rent gear—like shoes, a helmet, and a harness—at outdoor stores like REI, but you’ll also need to bring along someone experienced. Outdoor climbing isn’t the place to wing it. Knowing how to belay, set anchors, and assess safety is crucial. The gear is important, but guidance matters even more when you’re on real rock. Whether indoors or out, the goal is the same: have fun, stay safe, and learn something new every time you climb.

🗺️Step 2: Where to Go

The best place to start climbing is indoors. Gyms offer padded floors, color-coded routes, and staff who can walk you through the basics. Around the Twin Cities, great beginner options include Vertical Endeavors (with locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth) and REI in Bloomington. Both offer gear rentals, intro classes, and a supportive environment to help you get started. If you’re into bouldering, check out the Minneapolis Bouldering Project—no ropes, just shorter climbs and soft landings.

Once you’re comfortable, you might be ready to try climbing outside. Taylors Falls is one of the most popular outdoor spots near the Twin Cities, with beautiful scenery and plenty of routes for top-rope or bouldering. Other options include Blue Mounds State Park and Quarry Park in St. Cloud. Just remember, climbing outdoors is a bigger leap—go with someone who knows the ropes, or consider joining a guided trip or class to learn how to do it safely.

🧗 Step 3: How to Climb

Climbing might look intense, but it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly—especially indoors. Most people start with bouldering (shorter climbs without ropes) or top-rope climbing (where you’re secured by a rope from above). Indoor gyms make it easy to learn, offering classes that teach basic skills like how to belay, tie knots, and move efficiently on the wall.

Bouldering helps build strength and confidence quickly, since the climbs are short and you don’t need a partner. Top-rope climbing introduces teamwork, communication, and rope skills—all essential if you want to eventually climb outside.

As you gain experience, you’ll improve your balance, footwork, and route-reading skills. If you’re ready to move outdoors, make sure you learn how to manage ropes, set up anchors, and assess safety. Climbing outside is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also more complex—so go with a guide or experienced friend. Whether indoors or out, the most important thing is to start slow, stay safe, and enjoy the climb.

🏕️Now, go for it.

The best way to learn is by doing—so pencil it on the calendar and just go. And when you do, I’d genuinely love to hear about your Up Yonder adventures! Reply here anytime to share your stories or ask any questions that come up while you're planning.

Until next week—happy trails!

–Joe

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• Two Spirit Powwow

• 13th Annual Pride Beer Dabbler

PS: If your 2025 plans include buying or selling a home around the Twin Cites… 🙋‍♂️😃