Climbing Resources
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!
Duluth Climbers Coalition
The DCC 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 have created an ice farming operation in Casket to further the accessibility of ice climbing in Duluth. In addition to that, they have local climbing guidebook PDFs available (including bouldering!). Find out more about their work here: https://duluthclimbers.org/
Minnesota Climbers Association
These good folks handle broader Minnesota climbing access, stewardship, relations, and organize multiple climbing festivals and cleanups throughout the state! Visit their website to learn more: https://www.mnclimbers.org/
North Shore VertiGals
This rad group of Women, Trans, and Femme climbers are all about inclusivity and elevating each other whether new, experienced, young, well-seasoned, or any ability climber! They host climbing nights and potlucks to connect with others, find partners, or to just get started in climbing. 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/
UMD RSOP
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/
UWS Superior Adventures Rental and Repair
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/student-life/campus-recreation/superior-adventures/
CSS Outdoor Pursuit
The College of Saint Scholastica has their own outdoor recreation program - Outdoor Pursuit! With both guided trips and gear rental, they've got what you need!
Duluth Gear Exchange
The Duluth Gear Exchange is a consignment shop 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. Folks have been known to find chalk bags, shoes, crash pads, and even 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.duluthgearexchange.com/
CragDog Equipment
Have a retired rope you're looking to repurpose (or one that SHOULD be retired)? Look no further!! CragDog Equipment was founded by two climbers in Duluth! They create dog leashes, toys, and other rope accessories from used and recycled climbing ropes to keep them out of the landfill! Not only are they doing their part environmentally, but they donate a portion of their profits to climbing organizations! They also happen to be one of our sponsors (the red blocky Metolius holds)! To check out their products and more of their story, click the link: https://cragdog.org/
AdventureUs
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://adventureus.com/
Black Hole Resole
A new climbing shoe resoler and cobbler, located in South Dakota! Are your shoes wearing down or losing their competitive edge? Do your feet tend to not fit any climbing shoe just right, and you need a Cinderella moment? Look no further! Check it out resoling and custom shoe options for yourself: https://blackholeresole.com/
Rock and Resole
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/
Access Fund
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/
Longleaf Wilderness Medicine
Looking to up your wilderness medicine game? Look no further! Longleaf Wilderness Medicine hosts Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder courses on a nearly annual basis, right here in Duluth, MN. Feel more confident on your outdoor adventures, and check them out!