By Wunmi Alowonle
As a long time athlete and sports fan, seeking out a wellness lifestyle has always been important to me. From the earlier days of soccer teams and basketball tournaments, to present day gym memberships and hiking trails. And throughout all of my peaks & valleys on my journey with “wellness”, there is one store that has been a constant resource for me – Dick’s Sporting Goods!
I recently visited the Dick’s House of Sport at Ridgedale Mall in Minnetonka and got to experience the store’s evolution into a true athletic community. The iconic spot, which opened in Summer 2022, combines the traditional Dick’s store with an interactive sporting experience where people can come to gather and learn together.
You can find everything from an indoor rock climbing wall, simulation baseball, to a mini putting golf course. And they recently introduced a new addition to the interactive experiences that is sure to be a popular one with families this winter. A a state-of-the-art outdoor ice rink!
I brought my nephews along with me and they had a blast trying out the multi-use rink.
We all know it can be challenging to find things to do in Minnesota during the colder months. Checking out the Dick’s House of Sport is the perfect way to spend a winter day. If you’re curious to know what the hype is all about, keep reading to hear all about our recent experience there!
Ice rink and outdoor field
One of the main attractions and the newest addition to Minnetonka’s Dick’s House of Sport is their outdoor rink and field. We spent some time gliding on the freshly frozen ice rink and we have to say, she’s beautiful!
You’ll feel like a professional getting to skate underneath the stadium style lights (even if you’re like me and staying standing is a victory).
How it works?
On the bottom floor of the Ridgedale Mall Dick’s Store, you’ll find a sliding door that welcomes you to the outdoor ice rink. They have open skate available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for only $8 per person. You can even rent your own skates for an additional $5.
A pretty amazing value for a full afternoon activity! You can find additional information about the rentals plus their schedule on their website.
In the warmer months, the rink is converted to an outdoor field to host things like soccer, lacrosse, and football. You can bet we will be retuning to check out the space in the spring and summer!
Shop till you drop
When you need a break from the outdoor ice skating (and the cold winters), spend some time pursuing the multi-story shopping center.
Everything in the store is thoughtfully curated and designed for an experience. It’s a one stop shop for all of your sports needs!
Any soccer fans out there?
Soccer was always my sport so you can imagine my reaction when I saw their House of Cleats shop. An indoor dome lined with every soccer cleat brand, color, and price point you could imagine. A soccer players dream!!
A nod to MN
It was also fun to see all of the Minnesota sports teams so intentionally represented in the store.
They do such a great job bringing the Minnesota presence to life, it’s hard to miss! You can even find some of your favorite local brands at the Minnetonka Dick’s Sporting Goods.
We love supporting local MN and Wisconsin brands so it was awesome to see so many of them represented in the store.
A chance to practice your skills
What makes the Dick’s House of Sport store so unique is the many interactive and immersive sporting activities they have there. They not only want this to feel like a place to shop, but a place to be active and express yourself through sports. To practice your skills and leave with the best gear.
Rock Climbing Wall
One of the most notable features inside the store is the giant rock climbing wall located in the back of the building. Customers can pay $10 to get harnessed up and attempt to climb the massive climbing structure.
Other interactive experiences
If rock climbing isn’t your thing, you can try your luck at the indoor batting cage. You can see how strong your swing is and practice your timing. We especially liked the golf putting area which allows you to try out different putting clubs (for FREE) on their mini putting green before buying.
Final thoughts…
It’s easy to spend a full afternoon in this store without breaking the bank! This is the perfect time of year to check out Dick’s House of Sport in Minnetonka. Not only is if the ideal spot to get all of your holiday shopping done, but it makes for a fun filled day of activities for all ages. We can’t wait for you to check it out!
Let us know which of the interactive experiences are your favorite!