Explore Minnesota More

Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership
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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. The Ski Hill That Came Back: Steeplechase Ski Area in Rochester

    3D AGO

    The Ski Hill That Came Back: Steeplechase Ski Area in Rochester

    Send a text Episode Summary What does it take to resurrect a ski hill that's been dormant for 15 years? In this episode, we sit down with the owner of Steeplechase Ski Area — a Rochester native who grew up racing snowmobiles on this very property, walked away from a career in roofing and real estate, and quietly turned an overgrown, animal-inhabited building on 172 acres into one of Southeast Minnesota's most talked-about winter destinations. It's a story about patience, snowmaking, and what happens when a community finally gets its ski hill back. In This Episode How Steeplechase started as a wedding venue and stumbled into snow tubing — and why that gamble paid off bigger than anyone expectedWhy holiday break is "the Super Bowl" for Midwest ski hills, and how missing it twice in a row was enough to sink the original operationThe "Super Hill" — a tubing run so long it required custom-designed tubes and safety testing before the public could ride itWhat it actually takes to bring a chairlift back from the dead: miles of pipe, miles of electrical, and a whole lot of disassemblyHow the Rochester community is still discovering Steeplechase exists — even three seasons into its ski hill revivalGuest Justin Steck, the owner of Steeplechase Ski Area, Rochester, MN. Born and raised in Rochester. Former professional snowmobile racer. Reformed roofer and real estate investor. Now: full-time ski hill operator. Why This Matters Steeplechase is more than a nostalgia project. It's a case study in what outdoor recreation access looks like for mid-size cities that aren't Minneapolis or Duluth. Rochester — home to Mayo Clinic and one of the fastest-growing metros in the state — had zero lift-served skiing within an hour's drive for over 15 years. Getting that back matters for families, schools, and the winter economy of Southeast Minnesota. It also raises a broader question this podcast cares about: What does it mean for a community when outdoor recreation infrastructure disappears — and what does it take to bring it back? Explore Minnesota More is produced by the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership (ORIP). New episodes explore the people, places, and ideas shaping outdoor recreation across the state. Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    32 min
  2. From Gravel Pit to Climbing Hit: Building Quarry Park into NE Minnesota's Premiere Ice Park

    FEB 19

    From Gravel Pit to Climbing Hit: Building Quarry Park into NE Minnesota's Premiere Ice Park

    Send a text What happens when a group of underground ice climbers — who spent decades wondering if their next visit to an abandoned quarry might be their last — decide to stop waiting and start organizing? You get one of the most remarkable outdoor recreation comeback stories in Minnesota.  In this episode, we head to Duluth to explore Quarry Park (also known as Casket Quarry), a former gravel mine turned beloved city park and world-class ice climbing destination. We’re joined by Dave Pagel, a Duluth-based writer and outdoor advocate who’s been climbing at the quarry since 1978, and Hansi Johnson, Engagement Director for the Minnesota Land Trust, who helped orchestrate the public-private partnership that made the park a reality. Together, they trace the quarry’s journey from industrial eyesore to neighborhood hangout to legitimate, nationally recognized ice and mixed climbing venue — and share the near-miss moments that almost derailed it all.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode The quarry’s fascinating history — From its origins as the Duluth Stone Company in the early 1900s, to decades as a neighborhood party spot, to an informal climbing destination discovered in the late 1970s — including how the “Casket Quarry” nickname came to be.How a ragtag climbing community became an organized coalition — The story of how the Duluth Climbers Coalition (DCC) formed as a 501(c)(3) in 2015, galvanized by the Saint Louis River Corridor Initiative and $18 million in state funding.The critical moments that almost ended it all — Hansi recounts four pivotal junctures where the project could have collapsed: getting DCC to formally organize, discovering the quarry was split between the county and a cemetery association (who didn’t even know they owned it), navigating years of liability concerns, and finding an obscure 19th-century pipe that was the only legal way to route water to the park.The ice farming innovation that’s changing the sport — Quarry Park’s smartphone-controlled ice farming system can be operational in three hours rather than the days it takes elsewhere — and as a bonus, actually gave the surrounding neighborhood better water pressure than it had ever had before.A park for everyone, not just climbers — How community input expanded the vision to include disc golf (drawing players from as far as Nebraska), hiking trail connections to the Duluth Traverse, dog walking, foraging, and more.Key Organizations & Resources Mentioned Duluth Climbers Coalition (DCC) — The nonprofit partner that helped transform Quarry Park. Their signature annual event, the Duluth Ice and Mix Fest, draws climbers from across the region each February.Minnesota Land Trust — Hansi’s organization, which played a central role in the public-private partnership process.The Access Fund — The national climbing access organization that provided critical legal guidance throughout the liability negotiations.COGGS (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores) — Duluth’s mountain bike trail-building organization, whose success inspired the city to invest in other outdoor recreation opportunities.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with someone who loves the outdoors. Until next time, we’ll see you outside. Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    47 min
  3. Listener Questions: Your Guide to Winter Adventure in Minnesota

    JAN 29

    Listener Questions: Your Guide to Winter Adventure in Minnesota

    Send a text Winter in Minnesota isn’t something to survive—it’s something to explore. In this first-ever Listener Questions episode of Explore Minnesota More, host Randolph Briley, Deputy Director at Explore Minnesota, answers questions from listeners across the state who are curious about trying new winter activities for the first time. From ice climbing and ice fishing to Nordic skiing, cold plunging, fat tire biking, and winter camping, this episode breaks down the basics—what gear you need, how to stay safe, and why Minnesota is one of the best places in the country to embrace winter recreation. Whether you’re brand new to winter outdoor adventures or just looking for a little confidence boost, this episode is designed to make winter feel more approachable, more fun, and a lot less intimidating. ❄️ Topics Covered Ice Climbing: Where beginners can start, how safe it is, and why technique matters more than strengthIce Fishing: Minimum gear, ice safety basics, and why it’s about more than catching fishNordic (Cross-Country) Skiing: Classic vs. skate skiing, beginner-friendly trails, and rental optionsCold Plunge: Why people do it, how to stay safe, and what to wearFat Tire Biking: Why Minnesota is the birthplace of fat biking and where to rideWinter Camping: How to ease into it, essential gear, and why it’s worth trying at least once🧊 Key Takeaway Minnesota winter opens the door to unforgettable experiences. With the right information—and the right mindset—anyone can find a winter activity that fits their comfort level and sense of adventure. 👉 Start planning your next winter outing at Explore Minnesota or the Minnesota DNR, where you’ll find trip ideas, events, trail info, and beginner resources. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share it with a friend, and join us next time as we continue exploring the people, places, and experiences that make Minnesota special. Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    56 min
  4. Building Community: She Ascends Reaches the Summit

    11/18/2025

    Building Community: She Ascends Reaches the Summit

    Send a text In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring team behind She Ascends, a fast-growing women’s hiking and wellness community that started right here in Minnesota and has already expanded across the Upper Midwest. Founder Mindi Jenson and Central Region Lead Jamie Broll share the origin story of She Ascends, how a few solo hikes sparked a thriving movement, and why building community on the trail matters now more than ever. From the first few meet-ups to glacier hikes in Iceland, She Ascends is proof that outdoor recreation creates connection, belonging, confidence, and joy. Mindi and Jamie talk about combating loneliness, creating judgment-free spaces for women, and the powerful friendships that form mile after mile. Whether you’re joining your first 1-mile county-park hike or traveling across the country on a “big adventure,” She Ascends offers a welcoming, supportive space for every woman at every skill level. You’ll also hear how their weekend adventures, wellness retreats, and regional community hubs are transforming the way women show up for themselves — and for each other — through nature. In This Episode: The personal journey that sparked the creation of She AscendsWhy community, belonging, and judgment-free spaces matterHow hiking becomes a gateway to confidence, wellness, and new experiencesThe beauty of Minnesota’s trails, parks, and unexpected hidden gemsWhat it means to build a community of women through shared outdoor experiencesHow to join your first hike — and why your tennis shoes are good enoughIf You Enjoyed This Episode: 🍃 Subscribe to Explore Minnesota More so you never miss a new story 🍃 Share this episode with someone who could use a welcoming outdoor community 🍃 Leave us a review — it helps more listeners discover the joy of Minnesota’s outdoors Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    38 min
  5. Empowering Women Through Conservation: Inside MCF's Women in Conservation Leadership Program

    10/28/2025

    Empowering Women Through Conservation: Inside MCF's Women in Conservation Leadership Program

    Send a text In this episode of Explore Minnesota More we sit down with Brad Gausman and Julia Schrenkler from the Minnesota Conservation Federation to explore the Women in Conservation Leadership Program. The initiative is designed to give women a welcoming entry point into hunting, outdoor recreation, and conservation leadership — combining classroom learning with hands-on field experiences, including an upcoming pheasant hunt in Renville County. Through this conversation, you’ll hear how the program is: Breaking down barriers for women entering the outdoorsBuilding confidence, mentorship, and lifelong communityConnecting participants directly to Minnesota’s conservation legacyShowing how hunting, stewardship, and habitat protection are deeply intertwinedWhether you’re a seasoned outdoorsperson or brand new to the field, this episode is an inspiring look at how inclusive programs can strengthen both conservation and community in Minnesota. Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    37 min
  6. Born in MN: Waterskiing's History and Future

    10/09/2025

    Born in MN: Waterskiing's History and Future

    Send a text In this episode, we head to Lake City—where it all began—to explore the invention and evolution of waterskiing in Minnesota. Host Randolph Briley sits down with Betsy Anderson Gilman, competitive barefoot skier and board member of the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation, to discuss how one Minnesotan’s curiosity forever changed recreation on the water. From Ralph Samuelson’s first wooden skis on Lake Pepin to barefoot competitions in France, Betsy shares the sport’s remarkable journey and her own lifelong love affair with the water. Key Topics: How Ralph Samuelson invented waterskiing on Lake Pepin in 1922The role of Minnesota’s lakes in shaping modern water sportsThe golden age of water-ski shows and innovation at Cypress GardensThe enduring joy of barefoot skiing and its global communityTeaching the next generation to ski — and why it mattersWhy Listen: Whether you’re a lifelong boater or just someone who loves Minnesota’s lakes, this episode dives into one of the state’s proudest recreational inventions — and reminds us why getting out on the water never goes out of style. Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    37 min
  7. Stories from the Great Minnesota Get-Together

    09/25/2025

    Stories from the Great Minnesota Get-Together

    Send a text What happens when you bring the spirit of Minnesota’s outdoors to the middle of the State Fair? In this special episode of Explore Minnesota More, hosts Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty set up at the DNR booth to capture real stories from fairgoers about their most memorable outdoor moments. From magical sunsets on the St. Croix and close encounters with wolves in Voyageurs, to childhood swims across Lake Pepin and rediscovering hiking with adaptive track chairs, Minnesotans share how nature continues to inspire, heal, and connect us. Pull up a chair, imagine the sounds of the fair around you, and enjoy this collection of joyful, funny, and moving stories that remind us why the outdoors is at the heart of Minnesota. Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    18 min
  8. Seven Species in 35 Minutes: Fishing the Mississippi at Fort Snelling

    09/11/2025

    Seven Species in 35 Minutes: Fishing the Mississippi at Fort Snelling

    Send a text This special field episode of Explore Minnesota More takes you to the banks of the Mississippi River at Fort Snelling, where hosts Sarah Strommen and Randolph Briley join Tyler Winter of Native Fish for Tomorrow for an afternoon of fishing and conversation. Instead of the usual studio setup, rods were in the water—and bending fast. In just 35 minutes, the crew landed seven different native species, from redhorse to freshwater drum to channel catfish. Along the way, they explore: The surprising diversity of Minnesota’s rivers—143 native species statewide.Why underappreciated fish like the freshwater drum are ecological heroes.How simple, shore-based fishing makes the outdoors accessible for families.New legislation giving long-overlooked species the respect they deserve.Whether you’re an avid angler, conservationist, or just curious about the hidden world beneath the surface, this episode will change the way you think about Minnesota’s native fish. Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

    53 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
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Explore Minnesota More
  • Show Website
    Explore Minnesota More

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