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Retailer Spotlight: Midwest Mountaineering’s November Outdoor Adventure Expo is a mecca for active outdoor enthusiasts.

Located in the University district of Minneapolis on Cedar Avenue, Midwest Mountaineering follows one overarching principle; “Ask us, we’ve been there.”  This credo has guided the store ever since, and everyone who works at Midwest Mountaineering follows this principle.

Rod Johnson founded Midwest Mountaineering in 1971, providing Minneapolis a storefront where outdoor enthusiasts could get the proper equipment for their adventures.  The storefront has grown over the years to add Thrifty Outfitters – with great deals on past-season apparel - and has taken over the entire block on Cedar Avenue. The mammoth store now includes several spectacular rooms chock full of the world’s best outdoor equipment – including a great number of PrimaLoft®-insulated styles from Arc’Teryx, Black Diamond, Merrell, Manzella, Marmot, The North Face, and Patagonia.

November 18th through 20th is the 53rd annual November Outdoor Adventure Expo, and the event is a three-day hub for 10,000 outdoor enthusiasts in the area. Multiple speakers provide added entertainment -  polar explorer Lonnie Dupre, adventurer Charlie Whittmack, adventurer/blogger David Liechty, and The Gear Junkie’s Stephen Regenold are all included as part of the event’s presentation roster.

Midwest Mountaineering owners, Rod and Sharon Johnson, also provide tips and clinics related to Utah canyoneering, adventures in New Zealand,  and ultralight backpacking.  The Banff Film Festival World Tour – a global showing of outdoor adventure films of incredible production value – is in town throughout the weekend.

Rod Johnson initially conceptualized the expo as a way to encourage people to get outdoors.  Over the years, the event has morphed into an inspiring weekend focused on love of all things outdoors held at the beginning of the winter season, the peak time for destination vacations, cross-country skiing, and every snow sport imaginable.  If you ever are in Minneapolis, Midwest Mountaineering is an absolute must-see, and their Outdoor Adventure Expo does not disappoint.

For all information on this year’s November Outdoor Adventure Expo clinics and programs, check out the Expo newspaper here.

//Nick Martin