Outdoorsy Stores

Quality gear from Iowa retailers (and where to wear it).

BY MALCOLM MACDOUGALL

If there’s one thing as certain as death and taxes, it’s that your equipment will wear out. Shot strings on a tennis racket, running shoes gone treadless, a broken chain; all things pass, nothing lasts.

So, what to do? Obviously, the easy answer is to head online to some large retailer. But with so many options within just a short drive (or even a walk), why fork over your money to our Amazon overlords?

Racquet Master

702 S Gilbert St, Iowa City

The name says it all: Racquet Master is a neat little specialty shop just south of downtown Iowa City. Whether you’re picking up pickleball supplies, getting your racquet restrung (the restringer is right next to the counter!) or looking for new clothes to hit the court in, you’re sure to find something.

Talk to Craig Carney, the eponymous Racquet Master, for recommendations—he’s been stringing racquets for the University of Iowa since the mid’80s. Once you’ve found your racquet, head over to City Park and check out the six available courts. They’re lit after dark, so not even nightfall can stop your cycle of endless deuces.

SOKO Outfitters

41 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids

If you’re the type that’s already planning your hiking routes before the first sniff of spring, SOKO Outfitters in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village is the place to be. Its merchandise primarily leans towards the outdoorsy style of recreation, with hiking gear, tents, Nalgenes and more. SOKO also recently started offering summer rentals for paddle boards and kayaks. If you can portage ’em, it’s only a 10-minute drive to Prairie Park Fishery, where you can get the rod out for a relaxing Saturday afternoon.

Iowa Running Company

1000 3rd St SE #2, Cedar Rapids

Just a brisk jog over from the NewBo Marketplace in Cedar Rapids, you’ll find the Iowa Running Company, which owner Jim Dwyer and Clifton Smith opened in 2020. Pick up running shoes, work-out clothes or even running-themed coffee to fuel those early morning runs. After your shopping trip, head on down to the trail coming from Czech Village and break ’em in with a quick jog down the riverside!

JS Powersports

823 Rockford Rd SW, Cedar Rapids

If you’ve driven up through Cedar Rapids by way of I-80, you’ve probably caught sight of the sign for JS Powersports, just off of Blairs Ferry. Whether you have mud on your tires, snow on your treads or a shiny chrome motorcycle, all the gear you’ll need is here. Best summer sport idea, pick up a jet ski and head to the Cedar River!

Fin & Feather

125 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City

This locally oriented, family owned alternative to Cabela’s is right off Highway 6 in Iowa City. A surprisingly extensive store considering its location in a strip mall, you can pick up all your hunting, fishing and camping gear for the year. Don’t miss Fin & Feather H2O at nearby Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, where you can rent basically anything with a paddle, Thursdays through Sundays, and spend the day relaxing on Sand Lake.

Active Endeavors

4520 University Ave Suite 130, West Des Moines

920 E 2nd Ave, Ste 110, Coralville 3950 Elmore Ave, Davenport

The Des Moines Active Endeavors (unaffiliated with the Active Endeavors in Eastern Iowa) has been equipping Iowans with a plethora of the best brands for the outdoors since 1993. Head over if you want to stock up on the brands all the gear-crazed crave; from Arc’teryx to OluKai, you’ll have your pick of sustainable, comfortable active gear.

Those located in Eastern Iowa can check out the other Active Endeavors in Davenport and

Recreational Retailer Recommendations

Coralville (formerly in downtown Iowa City), where you can find just as broad a selection of brands. Split the difference between the two when the weather starts to turn chilly, don your new favorite puffer jacket and wool socks, and head to Grinnell’s Rock Creek State Park for a winter campout.

Back Country

2702 Beaver Ave, Des Moines

Dedicated to sustainability in all the clothes they carry, Back Country—the original in Des Moines, not the online brand with a similar name—is a great stop for anyone looking to look good while also doing good. It’s a boutique with a focus on outdoor clothing, and no matter your style, you’re bound to find something fun and useful. Pick up a nicely coordinated outfit, and go one-on-one or two-on-two at Waveland Tennis Park.

Stoked DSM

518 E Grand Ave, Des Moines

For some of us, the hiking trail is just another reason to accessorize, and Stoked DSM is the perfect place to stock up. Right in the heart of Des Moines’ East Village, there’s a ton of cool and comfy clothes that’ll look good on the trails or out on the town. You can find everything from tie-dyed socks and great graphic tees, to practical, hard-wearing clothes tough enough for the thickest underbrush. Once you’ve got your look ironed out, grab your bike and cruise through the High Trestle Trail!

Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5-3L Hip Pack

Price: $25-45

Recommended by:

Cortney Wolter, store manager, SOKO Outfitters, Cedar Rapids

Prism Zenith 5 (5 ft. Delta Kite)

Price: $45 for Zenith 5, other Prism Kite models $30-$95

Recommended by: Heidi Madsen, camping manager, Fin & Feather, Iowa City

OBOZ Sawtooth Lo–Waterproof

Price: $160

Recommended by: Brian Nerad, shop manager, Active Endeavors, Coralville

Super73 Electric Adventure Bikes

Price: $1,295-$4,800

Recommend by: Graham Rush, shop manager, Stoked DSM

Sunday, June 18 at 1 p.m. The Science Festival Trail, Raccoon River Park, Des Moines, Free

Friday-Sunday, June 23-25. Art Festival, Des Moines, Free

Saturday, June 24 at 4 p.m. Block Party, Downtown Iowa City, $10-15

Saturday, July 15 at 7 p.m. Water Lantern Festival, Riverview Park, Des Moines, $36-56

Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30. Harmony Festival, NewBo District, Cedar Rapids, $65-80

Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 10-20. Iowa State Fair, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines

Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. Taste of Iowa City, Downtown

Saturday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. Latino Festival, Downtown Iowa

Saturday, Aug. 26 at 3 p.m. Ingersoll Live, Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, Free

Saturday, Sept. 16 at 12 p.m. Food Truck Fight, Riverside Park, Muscatine, $25

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24. Jaycees Bar-B-QC, Downtown Davenport, Free

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23 and 24, 2023. Latino Heritage Festival, Western Gateway Park, Des Moines, Free

Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 14-15. Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, Winterset, Free