In November 2025, Bouldering Project marked a significant milestone by opening its second gym in the Twin Cities, located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This expansion brings the chain to a total of 13 locations, following its establishment in Seattle in 2011 and its subsequent growth to cities such as Austin, Boston, Brooklyn, Washington DC, Salt Lake City, and Tempe. Regional Director Sean Foster emphasized the Minneapolis gym’s role as a pivotal community space for Minnesota climbers since its opening in 2017, stating, “It’s become a key third place for climbers, drawing visitors from as far as Duluth.” Recognizing the need to better serve the local climbing community, the decision to open a St. Paul location was a strategic move.
Foster noted that finding the right property took years, but they ultimately secured a prime location with a supportive landlord. The team transformed a 36,000-square-foot facility into a vibrant climbing gym complete with custom-designed walls constructed in-house by their dedicated team of architects and builders. “This new gym is set in a beautiful, up-and-coming neighborhood near the scenic Harriet Island Regional Park along the Mississippi River,” Foster described, highlighting the accessibility of the site for climbers arriving by car, bike, or even boat, with future plans for nearby amenities like a coffee shop, pizza shop, and brewery.
The St. Paul gym is poised to be North America’s largest new bouldering facility of 2025, featuring 11,300 square feet of climbing wall space. This includes diverse options like crack climbing, a Kilter Board, a Tension Board 2, and bouldering walls exceeding 16 feet. While designed to integrate seamlessly with the Minneapolis gym, St. Paul’s facility includes unique elements such as a higher proportion of overhanging terrain, providing climbers with a broader range of challenges.
The programming at the new gym mirrors that of Minneapolis but also introduces distinct offerings. St. Paul features fitness and yoga classes, including a heated yoga studio absent at the Minneapolis location, along with a fully equipped weight room. To enhance accessibility, Bouldering Project is collaborating with the nearby Esox House apartment complex, engaging its residents with exclusive yoga and fitness programming. Additionally, outdoor classes are being organized at Harriet Island Regional Park, inviting local residents, Esox House tenants, and Bouldering Project members to participate.
This expansion not only strengthens Bouldering Project’s presence in the Twin Cities but also reinforces its commitment to building community connections and providing climbers with exceptional facilities and programming.
