New 85,000-Square-Foot Cabela's Opening Soon In Woodbury
WOODBURY, Minn. (WCCO) -- If you love the outdoors and all the sports that go along with it, you've likely stepped inside a Cabela's store. It's known for its hunting, fishing and camping gear -- plus, its elaborate displays.
Two weeks from now, a new location opens in Woodbury, making it the fourth one in Minnesota. Construction started in August, right off of Interstate 94 at Radio Drive.
Up until now, you've had to drive to Rogers or Owatonna or East Grand Forks to go to Cabela's. But now that it's all done, the 85,000-square-foot Woodbury store is something to see.
Cabela's calls this a "next-generation" store, meaning it's much smaller than some of its huge ones, but with just as much stuff and a creative use of space.
"This is more tightly compact, more merchandise. They've put a lot of the taxidermy up in the air to keep the amount the same, but still have as much merchandise as they can," said Pat Mulcahey, of Kraus-Anderson Construction.
You'll find the signature trophy animal mounts, about 200 of them, set on shelves made from reclaimed barn wood, and with a special backdrop.
"These canvases are actually painted by an artist in his studio," said Danny Thompson, manager of Cabela's. "Then he comes in and hangs them up. Hand-painted canvases. Not a wallpaper or something like that."
There's the Power Sports Center, and Cabela's hallmark two-story mountain.
It has a built-in aquarium, and will soon be stocked with freshwater fish. And if you're into archery, you'll find an indoor range.
The gun library is a place you'll find high-end and collectible firearms.
"This is actually a Baretta. An $8,000 shot gun that has some beautiful engraving, beautiful wood on it, as well," Thompson said.
A world of camping gear awaits you, plus hunting gear that allows you to dress the part and get a little help attracting your prey.
And before you leave, you can stop by the fudge shop and deli. The stone columns and cedar and pine sidings and high ceilings, are intended to give the store a cabin feel.
The Woodbury store opens in two weeks, Thursday, May 15 at 11 a.m.
There's a huge grand opening party with giveaways and celebrities, that will last four days.