November Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Greetings, colleagues!

Halloween is barely in the rearview, but it’s already time to look ahead to what outdoor industry data enthusiasts fondly call “numbers season.” November typically brings the federal government’s much-anticipated release of outdoor recreation economic impact data. Due to current events, the timing of that release remains uncertain. Rest assured, we’ll share those numbers the moment they’re published.

In the meantime, there’s plenty happening across Minnesota’s outdoor economy. Outdoor Retailer—now proudly calling Minneapolis home—has released new details about next year’s big show. We’ve finalized dates for our statewide outreach tour through 2026, dropped a fantastic new podcast episode featuring women leaders in conservation, and the Outdoor Industry Association has shared its 2025 holiday forecast. You’ll find details on each below.

That’s all from me for now. Enjoy November, and we’ll see you on the trail soon!  

Headline Note:

Outdoor Retailer Unveils Vision for Minneapolis: Innovation, Collaboration, and Outdoor Experiences at the Heart of 2026 Event
Outdoor Retailer is taking its next big step forward — and it’s happening right here in Minnesota. The nation’s largest business gathering for the country’s $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation industry announced new details this month about its move to Minneapolis in August 2026, unveiling a bold vision that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and the city’s vibrant outdoor culture.

The show’s reimagined “Leadership Village” will feature industry trailblazers such as Cotopaxi CEO Lindsay Shumlas, Gear Junkie founder Stephen Regenold, mountaineer Tyrhee Moore, and Minneapolis climbing coach Xavier Abdullah, alongside leaders like Sunny Stroeer and Paul Gagner. Together, they’ll help shape a platform where ideas, creativity, and community drive the future of the outdoor industry.

In partnership with Garage Grown Gear (GGG) — the St. Paul–based marketplace supporting small and cottage brands — Outdoor Retailer will also debut the Garage Grown Gear Summit and Campsite Pavilion, spotlighting more than 200 independent outdoor founders and up to 100 small-batch brands. The collaboration underscores a growing focus on empowering entrepreneurs and emerging makers across North America.

To showcase Minnesota’s own outdoor spirit, attendees will also be invited to take part in “Celebrate Minnesota Outdoors,” a new program of guided morning climbing, biking, and trail-running experiences led by local outfitters and athletes.

With Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy contributing $13.5 billion annually, Outdoor Retailer’s arrival represents a milestone moment — not only for our state but for the entire region. From industry panels on AI and sustainability to scholarships and innovation awards, the 2026 event will serve as the hub for collaboration and growth in the modern outdoor economy.

Outdoor Retailer Minneapolis takes place August 19–21, 2026. Learn more at outdoorretailer.com.

Partnership Updates:

Connect with us in Fergus Falls!
Join ORIP on Nov. 20, in Fergus Falls for an afternoon discussion about the economic impact of outdoor recreation in central Minnesota counties. We’ll also explore the future of the region’s outdoor industry and how we can work together to support its growth. The event runs from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Fergus Falls Public Library. Space is limited, and RSVPs are requested by Nov. 15.

Schedule for Upcoming Outreach Events
If you can’t make it to Fergus Falls on Nov. 20, don’t worry — we’re taking our outreach events on the road across Minnesota over the next year. See the full schedule below, and we hope to connect with you at an event near you soon.

• Winona, location TBD — Dec. 17
• Duluth, location TBD — Jan. 21
• Detroit Lakes, location TBD — Feb. 25
• Mankato, location TBD — March 25
• Brainerd, location TBD — April 22
• Grand Rapids, location TBD — May 27
• Bemidji, location TBD — June 24

Don’t see your town listed? Send us a note — we’d be happy to visit and meet with your local outdoor recreation and economic development community.

Empowering Women Through Conservation: Inside Minnesota’s Women in Conservation Leadership Program
In the latest episode of Explore Minnesota More, we sit down with Brad Gausman and Julia Schrenkler from the Minnesota Conservation Federation to explore the new 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.

Whether you are a seasoned outdoors-person or brand new to the field, this episode is an inspiring look at how inclusive programs can strengthen both conservation and community in Minnesota.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | exploreminnesotamore.com

Outdoor Industry News:

Forecast for the Holiday Season
The Outdoor Industry Association reports that the U.S. outdoor market heads into the 2025 holiday season with mixed signals shaped by inflation, income disparities, and changing consumer behavior. Higher-income consumers — who stand for 35% of the outdoor market — continue to drive spending thanks to 3.6% wage growth and larger discretionary budgets. Lower-income consumers, about 34% of the base, face slower wage growth and higher costs for essentials such as food, housing, and energy.

Despite economic pressures, outdoor sales climbed 5.5% in July, led by strong gains in footwear—particularly road and trail running shoes — showing that shoppers are prioritizing high-value, versatile products. Consumers are buying fewer items overall but are willing to pay more for gear that supports health and recreation.

Resource Highlights:

Nature as Medicine
On October 17, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable hosted a webinar entitled: Nature as Medicine: The Lesser-Known Physical Health Benefits of Time Outside. The discussion explored how outdoor recreation in natural environments positively affects physical, mental, and societal health and makes the case that outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of preventative health. View a recording of the webinar.

Randolph Briley (he/him)  |  Deputy Director - Outdoor Recreation

121 7th Place East, Suite 360, St. Paul, MN 55101 

C: 320-319-6692

randolph.briley@state.mn.us  |  exploreminnesota.com | outdoorindustrypartnership.com