WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Archery Range In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Archery has seen its popularity increase in recent years thanks to notable pop culture appearances; whether in Panem at "The Hunger Games," Westeros from "Game of Thrones," or in Pixar's "Brave."

All the heroes are masters of the bow and arrow. But at your pick for best archery range, you can just be, well, average!

Average Joes Archery in Coon Rapids is one of the largest indoor ranges in Minnesota, and they will help you hit the bullseye -- every time.

"Everything from target archery, to hunting, to lessons, birthday parties, groups, corporate events. We do it all," owner Joe Caminati said.

Not only does he own and run the range, he is also a full-time firefighter in Coon Rapids. As for the nickname "Average Joe," it is an old one that just stuck.

"Firefighters are like schoolyard boys. If they find out something bugs you, that name kind of sticks and they kind of poke and prod at it," he said.

But there was something to that name. And just like in life, it stuck in business, too.

"We want this place accessible to everybody. So it's not necessarily about a person, but it's, you know, about your average Joes being able to come and enjoy the sport of archery," Joe said.

For Joe, he started with archery at 9-years-old. More than 30 years later, it is still his passion.

"My wife would call it more of an obsession, or addiction than a passion," Joe said.

As addictions go, it is a pretty safe one. But it keeps him running, working two full-time jobs and having a family.

"I do work a lot of hours, but everything I do is something I love to do, and I'm very passionate about," Joe said. "Whether I'm firefighting or at the archery store, I'm helping people."

Average Joes welcomes archers of all ages and skill levels. Open shooting for two hours is $8. They also sell bows, arrows and can tune up any equipment you have.

Your other favorite ranges are the Saratoga Archery Club in Tracy and Little Crow Archery Club in Hutchinson.