Resources
Organizations
Here are a number of organizations available as resources for the Northern MN climbing scene. Be sure to check these out whether you call the Twin Ports home or visit here on occassion!
he DCC are huge advocates for Duluth climbing and have worked hard to secure Casket Quarry (Quarry Park) for drytooling and ice climbing. Every year they put together the Duluth Ice and Mixed Climbing Festival, which is a great way to get into ice climbing or just try it out, and meet other ice climbers in the area. They are working to create an ice farming operation in Casket to further the accessibility of ice climbing in Duluth. Find out more about their work here: https://duluthclimbers.org/
A true core member of the Duluth climbing scene, Kraig Decker has built a platform to share his knowledge and experience with climbing areas around Northern MN. Here you can find tips on the awesome crags around the northland, from bouldering to rope climbing to drytooling and ice climbing. Check his website out at: https://www.climbduluth.com/
This rad group of Womxn climbers are all about inclusivity and elevating each other whether new, experienced, young, well-seasoned, or any ability of female-identifying climber! Sans-pandemic, they hold climbing nights and potlucks so womxn in the area can connect and find partners, or just break into a sometimes intimidating sport. To catch up on the VertiGals’ latest happenings, check them out on social media (both Instagram and Facebook), or check out their website: https://northshorevertigals.wordpress.com/
University of Minnesota – Duluth’s Recreational Sports Outdoor Program has a great gear rental program for anyone looking to rent climbing gear, camping gear, or just about any other outdoor sport you’d want to pursue in the Northland. They also offer guided day or multi-day trips. Check out their rates here: https://www.d.umn.edu/recreational-sports-outdoor-program/
Just across the bridge, the University of Wisconsin – Superior’s outdoor recreation program also carries a number of items available for rent for great day to multi-day rates. They, too, offer guided adventure trips, and have a repair and maintenance shop prepped for various outdoor activities. Be sure to check them out whether looking for rentable gear, guided trips, or gear maintenance and repair: https://www.uwsuper.edu/recreation/outdooradventure/rental-repair.cfm
The Great Lakes Gear Exchange is the first consignment shop of its kind in the Twin Ports, specifically carrying used outdoor gear sourced from the community. You can find a multitude of used gear there, and yes, that includes rock climbing gear. So far, the GLGE has had chalk bags, shoes, and haul bags. For safety reasons, they do not carry used ropes, harnesses, or protection. Head down to their storefront or look at their website to see what they currently have: https://www.greatlakesgearexchange.com/
Located in Washburn, WI, AdventureUs is an excellent outdoor gear repair shop, specializing in zippers (waterproofing included), alterations, gear modifications, custom jobs, and more. Their high quality work and affordable pricing is just what a dirtbag needs. You can find them at: https://www.getadventureus.com/
Not a Midwest company, but a useful resource, nonetheless! Rock and Resole can repair your blown out climbing shoes, given they’re not too far gone. This is a great way to stretch your dollar and salvage your favorite pair of climbing shoes. They repair mountaineering boots as well! All repairs are done in a very high quality fashion. Check out their website here: https://rockandresole.com/
The Access Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to making sure climbing areas remain accessible to all climbers, working with private and commercial land owners to help gain access to climbing areas otherwise inaccessible, restoring climbing areas, buying lands for climbing, replacing bolts, protecting public lands, and more. There is a lot this organization does and has done that we climbers benefit from. To read more about their mission and what they’ve accomplished, visit their website: https://www.accessfund.org/