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Guide To Twin Cities Indoor Climbing Walls & Caves

If you're looking for unique ways to stay in shape or challenge your agility as the weather gets cooler here in Minnesota -- no problem. Why not take a stab at rock climbing?

I've always been intrigued by the indoor climbing walls and maybe it's time to try them out. And we're in the right place. The Twin Cities has some fabulous indoor rock climbing options for those of you who are on the adventurous and daring side.

Whether you are newly interested or an avid rock climber, these locations have something to offer every climber.

10/11 Shopping & Style Fall Sport Coats
(credit: Minnesota Climbing Co-op)

Minnesota Climbing Co-op (MNCC)

1620 Central Ave, Suite 178
Minneapolis, MN 55413
915. 247.6622
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 Day Pass; $60 Monthly Pass; $125 Quarterly Pass; $220 6 Month Pass; $350 Annual Pass; and $400 Annual Installment Pass; $20 Membership
Website

MNCC offers 2,000 square feet of climbing surface; 16 foot high top-outs along 35 feet of climbing wall; 60, 50, 45, 30 and 10 degree walls; 100 square foot cave; free loaner shoes in sizes 5-12; and much more. MNCC is open to those 18 years and older. There is even access to free Wi-Fi here. Those who purchase a Membership and an Access Pass can climb 24/7.

University of Minnesota Climbing/Bouldering Walls

St. Paul Gym
University Recreation Center
1906 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 625-8790
Monday – Thursday 3:00 -10:00 p.m.
Friday 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Sunday 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $4 Daily Pass; $25 15 Week Pass
Website

At the St. Paul Gym, you'll find over 900 square feet of climbing surface, 25 feet high and equipped with five top ropes. Children are allowed on the climbing wall only during Family Day times from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sundays when accompanied by an adult. Additionally, there is a bouldering wall In the University Recreation Center. This wall provides over 390 square feet of bouldering surface with a variety of steep terrains. The gear is free to use at both walls. Experienced climbers are on staff and on hand to assist or answer questions during open wall hours.

10/11 Shopping & Style Fall Sport Coats
(credit: Vertical Endeavors)

Vertical Endeavors

855 Phalen Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55106
651.776.1430
Monday - Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $13 – $15 Daily Passes; $100 10 visit Punchcard; $999 - $179 Memberships
Website

Vertical Endeavors boasts almost 20,000 square feet of climbing and bouldering walls with 60 separate ropes and 15 Auto Belays. Vertical Endeavors is a great place for beginners too with a specific area for new climbers, not to mention the great selection of classes ranging from basic safety to movement and technique to private lessons. This indoor climbing spot can host all kinds of events, including birthday parties, team building events, scouting groups and even home school groups.

[NOTE: A new Minneapolis location opens on Nov. 12. Click here for more information.]

Midwest Mountaineering

309 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612.339.3433
Hours: Monday – Friday -10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free for Bouldering Cave; $3 Shoe Rental; Check Schedule for Clinic Costs
Website

This location is primarily a store, selling every kind of mountaineering gear imaginable. However, Midwest Mountaineering does have a bouldering cave available for use too. There are regularly scheduled climbing clinics each month, and the second Thursday of each month is Bouldering Divas (Ladies Night). The cave is free to use during open times, but the shoes will cost you $3.

10/11 Shopping & Style Fall Sport Coats
(credit: Vertical Endeavors)

REI Bloomington Pinnacle

750 W. American Blvd.
Bloomington, MN 55420
952.884.4315
Wednesday Reserved for Climbing Classes
Thursday – Friday 5:00 -8:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Members Free 1 Time Per Day; Non-Members $10; Classes Members $20; Non-Members $30
Website

REI offers open climb times, classes and group events at their Pinnacle climbing wall. Many of the classes are taught by Vertical Endeavors staff members. There are classes for women, families, beginners and more. This is a great spot for your bigger kids. Children at least 42 inches tall are allowed to climb this wall with a waiver signed by a parent. For children under 14, parents need to be present while the child is climbing.

Anna Berend is an attorney and the author of Motherly Law Blog. On Motherly Law, Anna writes about legal issues that affect families and offers tips and resources that pertain to those legal topics. On occasion, inspiration strikes and Anna writes about something totally unrelated to the law.You can find Anna at motherlylaw.com, on Facebook at Motherly Law and on Twitter at @MotherlyLaw.

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