Climbing is a fun activity that combines the physicality of sport with the analysis of logic games and the mental control of tightrope. Not only this, but it’s a full body workout using balance and movement. Vertical Endeavors is a full service climbing facility offering a full line of indoor and outdoor lessons, youth programs, group events and experiential programs for corporate and non-profit groups all at their two locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. A complete pro shop makes fulfilling all your climbing needs affordable and convenient. (Members receive a special discount.) Vertical Endeavors also offers weight equipment, showers, lockers, and year-round climate control.

Real rock climbers will tell you outdoor climbing trumps indoor routes every time. But we live in Minnesota, which means eight months out of the year the cliffs are out of commission—unless you have ice-climbing gear, but that’s a whole different beast. So where do climbers go when winter has taken their sport captive? The Minnesota Climbing Cooperative, “a rock climbing co-op built for climbers, by climbers.” Located in the same building as Diamonds Coffee Shoppe in Northeast Minneapolis, the co-op has perks not found anywhere else in the state: 24/7 member access, slacklines, new routes set twice a month, ladies-only nights, an exercise room.

Get some exercise while you shop at REI in Bloomington. The location features the REI Bloomington Pinnacle, a unique indoor rock-climbing wall, right there in the store. Open climbs are on a first come, first served basis during Thursday and Friday evenings and throughout the day on the weekends. REI supplies chalk, bags, shoes and harnesses for climbers, as well as certified staff to monitor your climb.