Explore Minnesota More

Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Stories about the outdoor recreation experience in Minnesota.  New episodes every other Thursday!Have an idea for a show? Let us know! Contact: randolph.briley@state.mn.us

  1. Built to Last: Arctic Cat, Thief River Falls, and the People Who Wouldn't Quit

    Jun 25

    Built to Last: Arctic Cat, Thief River Falls, and the People Who Wouldn't Quit

    Send us Fan Mail In a town of about 9,000 people in Minnesota's northwest corner, one company has shared space with the place for more than 60 years. This episode tells the story of Arctic Cat and Thief River Falls — a restless founder, a bankruptcy that impacted the town, and not one but two resurrections, the second sealed on a date almost too perfect to be true. Host Randolph Briley sits down with Troy Halverson, Director of Product Strategy at Arctic Cat. Troy grew up in Thief River Falls watching his dad build snowmobiles, got turned down for an Arctic Cat job out of high school, spent six years in the Marine Corps, and finally landed the job of his dreams in 1997. He's been there ever since — and there's nobody better to explain what this company means to the people who build it and the town built around it. In this episode: How founder Edgar Hetteen left Polaris, struck out in Alaska, and circled back to a group of Thief River Falls businessmen to start what became Arctic Cat (Polar Manufacturing → Arctic Enterprises, April 23, 1962)The 1982 bankruptcy — and the diehard locals who refused to let the brand die, bringing it back in 1984Textron's 2017 acquisition and 2024 exit — and the anxiety that ran through the plant and the townThe full-circle ending: Brad Darling and a group of investors acquiring Arctic Cat on April 23, 2025 — exactly 63 years to the day — and the sprint back into production on the new Catalyst platformThe "Battle of Brooks Avenue": a charity hockey rivalry with neighbor Digi-Key, played for a trophy welded from an exhaust pipe and circuit boardsWhy the real threat to Minnesota's trail system isn't funding — it's an aging volunteer base, and what it takes to bring young and old riders togetherA line that stuck with us: Troy recalls a quote attributed to Edgar Hetteen — that snowmobiling is "just shy of a religious experience," and once you've ridden, winter holds no terror for you. The machines are built to last. Whether the culture around them lasts is up to the next generation — on the trails, in the clubs, and on the line. Follow Explore Minnesota More wherever you get your podcasts, leave a review, and share this one with anyone who appreciates a good North Country comeback story. Credits:  Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson  Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    22 min
  2. 1K Miles, gummy clusters, and a pair of Gnomes: Kari Gibbons, Wild Winter Women, and Minnesota's Ultra Spirit

    Jun 16

    1K Miles, gummy clusters, and a pair of Gnomes: Kari Gibbons, Wild Winter Women, and Minnesota's Ultra Spirit

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to walk a thousand miles across Alaska in winter — and finish wishing you could keep going? In this episode, we sit down with Kari Gibbons, a North Minneapolis artist, winter ultra athlete, and founder of Wild Winter Women. Kari made history in February 2025 as the fourth woman ever to complete the Iditarod Trail Invitational 1000 — 1,000 miles on foot from Knik Lake outside Anchorage to Nome — in 27 days, 6 hours, and 42 minutes. She pulled a sled with 55 pounds of gear the entire way. But Kari's story is as much about community as it is about competition. She founded Wild Winter Women after six women gathered for a post-race dinner in Roseville to swap stories and gear tips. Today, it's a 500-person community dedicated to getting more women into winter ultra racing — through shared knowledge, mentorship, equipment lending, scholarships, and a free annual weekend she hosts at her house called Wild Winter Women University, where women sleep outside, talk gear, and build enough confidence to toe the starting line for the first time. This episode covers the full arc: what called Kari to the Boundary Waters as a kid, how she found trail running in her 30s, what it actually looks and feels like to race across Alaska in February, and why she believes Minnesota's seasons — and Minnesota's culture — produce some of the world's great endurance athletes. Connect with Kari and Wild Winter Women Facebook Group: Search "Wild Winter Women" (women-only group; join to access the full community conversations)Instagram: @wildwinterwomenYouTube: Wild Winter Women (race interviews, athlete stories, and resources for women getting into winter ultra racing) Want to Try Winter Ultra Racing? Kari recommends the Saint Croix 40 Winter Ultra at Saint Croix State Park as the best entry point for women curious about this style of racing. Search "St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra" to learn more. Other key races mentioned in this episode: Arrowhead 135 — International Falls to Tower, MN (foot, ski, or bike)Tuscobia Winter Ultra — Rice Lake, WI (80- and 160-mile options)Iditarod Trail Invitational — Anchorage to McGrath (350 miles) or Nome (1,000 miles)Credits:  Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson  Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    1 hr
  3. The Superior Hiking Trail at 40

    Jun 2

    The Superior Hiking Trail at 40

    Send us Fan Mail Guests: Lisa Luokkala, Executive Director, Superior Hiking Trail AssociationJohn Storkamp, Trail runner, race Director/owner of Rocksteady Running and volunteer crew leader on the SHT since 1995Episode Summary The Superior Hiking Trail — 300 miles of ridgeline bluffs, river valleys, eight state parks, and some of the most dramatic views of Lake Superior on the planet — turns 40 this year. In this episode, host Randolph Briley talks with Lisa and John about how the trail came to be, what keeps it running, and what the next 40 years will require. What We Cover Origins of the SHT: The idea predates the 1986 founding of the Association, surfacing in federal and state recreation plans as early as the late 1960s. A U.S. Forest Service planner named Lee Shah wrote what became an early blueprint for the trail — and crucially, called for an association to manage it rather than a single entity.Land and stakeholder complexity: Unlike the Appalachian Trail, the SHT was built without eminent domain. The Association manages relationships with more than 200 private landowners, in addition to federal, state, and county land — requiring constant communication, flexible agreements, and active relationship maintenance.Volunteers and the social contract: More than 600 volunteers contribute 10,000+ hours annually. The trail ran on 100% volunteer labor for years before paid staff were brought on. John describes how falling in love with the trail naturally leads people to want to give back — and how that goodwill extends well beyond the super users.Usage data: In 2023, the Association undertook its first-ever master plan and deployed trail counters in partnership with University of Minnesota researcher Dr. Greg Lindsay. Current estimate: approximately 400,000 user visits between May and October annually.Economic impact: No statistically valid economic impact study yet exists, but one is planned for 2027. Anecdotally, John's trail races regularly draw participants from 25 to nearly all 50 states, and people routinely cite the trail as a factor in relocating to Duluth or the North Shore.What makes it second best (and maybe first): Access — running parallel to the North Shore Scenic Byway, with 60+ trailheads — combined with genuinely challenging, rewarding terrain. The pattern of climbing 300-400 feet to panoramic bluff views, then descending into river gorges, repeats across the full length of the trail. The #1 ranked trail in that Backpacker poll: the Wonderland Trail at Mount Rainier (93 miles).40th anniversary activations:Hike 40 Challenge — Log 40 miles on the trail at any point in 2025; earn a commemorative patch.June 6 Birthday Hike (National Trails Day) — A community-wide effort to have every section of the SHT hiked on the same day, capped by birthday parties at four locations: Voyageur Brewing (Grand Marais), Bluefin Bay Resort (Tofte), Castle Danger Brewery (Two Harbors), and Ursa Minor Brewing (Duluth). Free and all ages. Trail legends, including the first-ever SHT through-hiker, will be in attendance.What the trail needs most: Membership and financial support to sustain the fee-free model; volunteer labor; and long-term land protection strategies including permanent easements, possible land acquisition, and preservation of the scenic viewshed — not just the trail corridor itself.Links and Resources Superior Hiking Trail Association: superiorrhiking.orgAvailable on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon MusicCredits:  Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson  Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    59 min
  4. Outdoor Retailer Comes to Minnesota: A Show, Not a Trade Show

    May 15

    Outdoor Retailer Comes to Minnesota: A Show, Not a Trade Show

    Send us Fan Mail For the first time, Outdoor Retailer — the outdoor industry's signature national gathering — is coming to Minneapolis. Running August 19–21, 2026 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the show marks a major shift for an event that has long lived in the Mountain West. In this episode, host Randolph Briley sits down with three guests who bring complementary vantage points: a Minnesota brand-builder, a longtime industry journalist who built his career on the show, and the Outdoor Retailer leader shaping the 2026 experience. Together they unpack what the move means for the industry, for Minnesota, and for every outdoor business and nonprofit in the state. Guests Aaron Keller — Founder of Capsule, a Minneapolis-based special projects agency that has worked with outdoor brands including Patagonia, Osprey, and Arc'Teryx.Stephen Regenold — Founder of GearJunkie and a journalist who has covered the outdoor industry for 20-plus years.Sunny Stroeer — Outdoor entrepreneur, professional adventure athlete, and co-head of the Leadership Village for Outdoor Retailer.What You'll Hear What Outdoor Retailer is — and why this move matters. The guests describe OR as the CES, Detroit Auto Show, or South by Southwest of the outdoor world: a  gathering where the industry reboots, new gear is unveiled, and relationships are built. After stints in Reno, Salt Lake City, and Denver, Minneapolis becomes the new home — a shift the panel frames as a deliberate reset for a show, and an industry, ready for new energy. Why Minnesota is the right fit. Outdoor recreation contributes roughly $14 billion to Minnesota's GDP and supports about 100,000 jobs. Minnesota ranks #2 nationally for growth in hiking, camping, and climbing, and #1 in boats per capita. Stephen calls Minnesota a "sleeper" in outdoor adventure, pointing to a deep endurance culture — cross-country skiing, gravel, fat biking — and to athletes from Lindsey Vonn to Jessie Diggins to Will Steger. Aaron makes the case that Minnesota's extreme seasons breed creativity, which is part of why the state ranks high on the creative culture index. What's new and different about OR 2026. Sunny walks through the initiatives that make this edition distinct: Minneapolis Urban Outdoor Experiences — Morning programming that gets attendees off the show floor and into the city's lakes, rivers, and trails.University of Minnesota collaboration: Outdoor Lab — Innovation around new fabrics, materials, and design techniques.Discovery focus — Centering emerging and discoverable brands rather than only the established names.Wild Reach Initiative — Bringing 150 creators to the show floor to connect the creator economy with brands and retailers, a meaningful departure for what has traditionally been a strictly B2B event.Nonprofit programming — Curated booth space plus dedicated programming, including a Save the Boundary Waters event on Tuesday, August 19.Practical advice for Minnesota brands and nonprofits. Aaron's counsel: get as close to the center of the show as you can. Stephen adds that local brands will get special attention from out-of-state attendees curious about the Minnesota scene — so lean in, show up, and represent. For nonprofits, Sunny outlines the application process and the commitment to programming that goes beyond a booth. Event Details Outdoor Retailer 2026 August 19–21, 2026 Minneapolis Convention Center Tagline: Yours to Shape Credits:  Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson  Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    33 min
  5. Star Tribune Unbound: How Minnesota's Paper of Record Is Bringing Outdoor Journalism to Life

    Apr 27

    Star Tribune Unbound: How Minnesota's Paper of Record Is Bringing Outdoor Journalism to Life

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a major regional newspaper decides the outdoors deserves its own seat at the table? Randolph sits down with Mark Baumgarten, outdoors editor at the Minnesota Star Tribune, Travis Tufte from business development, and Lauren Pahl from brand and events marketing to talk outdoor journalism, community building, and the return of Star Tribune Unbound on May 9th. What we cover: How the Star Tribune reorganized its outdoor desk three years ago — pulling hunting and fishing, outdoor recreation, and conservation into one coordinated teamThe editorial/sales divide that makes an event like Unbound possible, and why that separation mattersWhat drove the idea for Unbound, including the gap left by Midwest Mountaineering's event and inspiration from the Great Lakes Outdoor SummitThe issues the outdoor desk is tracking right now: the federal mining ban near the Boundary Waters, water quality, and duck population concerns heading into hunting seasonWhat to expect at Unbound on May 9th: Live podcast recordings, including an episode of The Dirtbag DiariesCamp cooking demos with Chef Gustavo Romero and Nate P of Shore Lunch with Nate PFire starting, bike riding, canoe portaging, and other hands-on activationsThe possible Twin Cities debut of dead fish polo (yes, really — Sanborn Canoe is bringing it)Over 2,500 attendees expected at the Trailhead in MinneapolisBreakout hits from year one: Birding walks were among the most popular activities — multiple attendees said it sparked a new hobby. Settlers of Catan also made a surprise appearance. Star Tribune Unbound takes place May 9th at the Trailhead at Theodore Wirth. For more information, see HERE.  Credits:  Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson  Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    55 min
  6. Let's Dive into the Latest Outdoor Rec Economic Numbers!

    Apr 16

    Let's Dive into the Latest Outdoor Rec Economic Numbers!

    Send us Fan Mail This episode is for the wonks out there. Outdoor recreation is a massive economic powerhouse in MN. It eclipses a number of traditional industries and yet few people (except for those of us who are rec nerds) understand the scale of the impact.  Every year the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis releases data quantifying the impact of the outdoor recreation industry.  The 2025 release was published on March 5, 2026 (don't ask, long story). As always the report supplied us with a wealth of data to tell the story of the value of our outdoor recreation industry.  In this episode we sit down with Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). Chris is an expert on outdoor recreation economic development. He is the perfect person to provide a clear picture of what exactly the latest data means for MN.  If you're interested in the value of outdoor recreation, or just curious about why outdoor recreation is considered such a success story, now and into the future, this is an episode for you.  Credits:  Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson  Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    33 min
  7. From Sand to Snow: How Minnesota Became the Fat Tire Bike Capital

    Apr 9

    From Sand to Snow: How Minnesota Became the Fat Tire Bike Capital

    Send us Fan Mail What do New Mexico sand dunes, a snowmobile trail in International Falls, and single track in Cuyuna have in common? They're all part of the wild origin story of fat tire biking — and Minnesota is at the center of all of it. In this episode we trace the fat tire bike from its scrappy beginnings as a 60-pound Franken-bike prototype to a legitimate winter sport that's reshaping communities across the state. You'll hear from: David Gabrys, Founder/Brand Director of 45 North at Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) — the largest bicycle parts distributor in North America — on how Surly's Pugsley brought fat biking to the masses, and how 45 North's pioneering studded tire technology opened up winter trails for good. Stephen Regenold, founder of Gear Junkie and reportedly the first journalist in America to ride a Pugsley prototype — including a brutal Arrowhead 135 attempt in 2006, in the dark, at 20 below zero, on a bike that felt like a motorcycle. Aaron Hautala, the "unofficial Mayor of Cuyuna Adventure Town" who helped grow the area from 25 miles of trail to 70, and who worked with the Minnesota DNR to launch one of the first groomed fat tire singletrack systems in the country — turning Cuyuna into a year-round outdoor recreation destination. Topics covered include: the desert-to-snowbelt origin story of fat tire tech, how groomed singletrack changed everything, Cuyuna's model for building a winter economy, the e-bike frontier, climate change and shifting winter seasons, and tips for first-time buyers. Key takeaway: Fat biking didn't just create a new sport. In communities like Cuyuna, it turned off-season into on-season — and empty main streets into something that looks like a mountain town out west. Explore Minnesota More is produced by the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership (ORIP), a collaboration of the Minnesota DNR, DEED, Explore Minnesota Tourism, and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. Credits:  Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson  Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    38 min
  8. Leveraging Outdoor Recreation for Destination Placemaking

    Apr 3

    Leveraging Outdoor Recreation for Destination Placemaking

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Overview What separates a community that has outdoor recreation from one that is defined by it? That's the question at the heart of this special episode, recorded live at world famous Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference 2026. Host Randolph Briley — Director of Minnesota's Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership (ORIP) — facilitates a conversation with three practitioners who have done the hard, on-the-ground work of turning outdoor assets into lasting community identity. The panel explores two case studies: the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships in La Crescent/La Crosse, and the transformation of Minnesota's Iron Range into one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the country. Guests A.J. Frels — Executive Director, Explore La Crosse; led the community bid process for the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships James Longhurst — Professor of History, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; volunteer bike advocate and architect of the La Crescent/Driftless gravel route library Pete Kero — Engineer and community champion behind the Iron Range's mountain bike trail system, including the Redhead, Tioga, and Giants Ridge parks Key Takeaways Outdoor recreation gives people a reason to show up. Placemaking gives them a reason to return.Casual outdoor recreation participation has now surpassed core participation for the first time — and casual recreators gravitate toward strong placemaking.You don't build a destination by building a trail. You build it with intentionality, scale, and community buy-in.Find your "champagne of gravel" — the unique asset your community is sitting on — and leverage it.Community champions are your most valuable resource. They're usually working for free.Full Video Want to see the slides? A link to the full session recording is available HERE. About ORIP The Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership (ORIP) is a four-agency collaboration between the DNR, DEED, Explore Minnesota Tourism, and IRRR. Learn more at HERE. Credits:  Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson  Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    44 min
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About

Stories about the outdoor recreation experience in Minnesota.  New episodes every other Thursday!Have an idea for a show? Let us know! Contact: randolph.briley@state.mn.us

Information

  • Creator
    Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Explore Minnesota More
  • Show Website
    Explore Minnesota More

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