Outdoorsman Opens New Camping, Climbing, Paddling Shop
Just as our winter hibernation is nearing an end and we’re starting to dream of outdoor adventures again, the owner of a new North Loop shop is ready to get us outfitted.
Lake State Mountaineering is now open on the second level of the Kildall Building at 5th and Washington, just above Crisp & Green.
Owner Steve Schreader is an avid outdoorsman and was a long-time employee of Midwest Mountaineering before it closed in 2023. But he used his experience and connections with that company to create his own retail outlet, starting with online sales last April, and now his first brick-and-mortar store.
“Lake State Mountaineering is bringing a lot of things back that Midwest held dear,” he said. “So, quality gear, Thrifty Outfitters is back. That was kind of a coveted jewel of Midwest Mountaineering.”
“The Lake State part will focus primarily on climbing, so all facets of climbing: mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, canyoneering, slack-lining, you name it,” he said. “And then the paddling portion will focus a lot on Boundary Waters traveling.”
Schreader’s dog, Cinna, will be a regular feature in the shop, which is open Wednesdays-Sundays.
He’s still working on signage, both inside and out, but the easiest way to find the shop is to enter by Floyd’s barber shop and look for the black door that leads to a stairway.
While shoppers are welcome to stop by now as he still gets situated, he’s planning a grand opening for May 16-18 with gear demonstrations and drink sampling from Minneapolis Cider and Trail Magic THC.
By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer
