Filtering by: Plains

Queer Backpacking Gear Basics 101 - Minnesota
Apr
13
11:00 AM11:00

Queer Backpacking Gear Basics 101 - Minnesota

Queer Backpacking Gear Basics 101 - Minnesota

April 13, 2024 — 11:00 - 2:00 pm CT
Last day to register: April 10, 2024

Have you ever wanted to try backpacking, but don't know much (or anything!) about the gear that you would need? This event is for you! Join TVOP Volunteer Canyon (they/them) for this queer gear extravaganza! We’ll have 3 different backpacks full of gear of varying sizes and weights — from a full ultralight setup for one to a traditional packout for group travel — so you can find the right setup for *you*.

We’ll take our weighted packs on a short test drive on a local 3-mile loop. Midway through the hike, we’ll stop at a camp spot to chat through the ins and outs of camp settups relevant to backpacking — including pitching different tents, making a freeze-dried meal, sharing our go-to backpacking snacks, filtering water, and other backpacking basics. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and stylizing your own unique camping systems — from newer ultralight backpacking gear to long-time industry faves.

The 3-mile hike is rated easy and is located at a State Park in Minnesota just a 25 minute drive from the Twin Cities area. This event is beginner friendly.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.



GENERAL INFO

Location: St Paul, MN
(Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) and Wahpekute lands)
Parking: Parking lot
Pets: Dogs are welcome to join on this adventure.
Meet: April 13, 2024
Hike: 2.8 mi, 475ft elevation gain
Cost:
$0-$20 sliding scale + $7 One-day vehicle permit or MN State Park Pass
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Water, lunch, snacks.

COVID SAFETY

Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in an event.

  • Of course you can always hike for free on your own! What we are offering is not just a wilderness trip, but a chance to create community. On a TVOP trip, you will meet people with shared identities, have meaningful experiences and conversations in community, have someone else plan the logistics of your adventures, and have certified Wilderness First Aiders on hand should you ever need one. All of the money we collect goes towards operating costs for our programs.

    Our sliding scale recommendation:

    - Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs

    - Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income

    - High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

    Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

  • Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.

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Queer Cross Country Ski Night - Minnesota
Feb
7
3:30 PM15:30

Queer Cross Country Ski Night - Minnesota

Queer Cross Country Ski Night - Minnesota

Feburary 7, 2024 — 3:30 - 6:00 pm CT
Last day to register: Feb 4, 2024

Winter blues got ya down? Join TVOP volunteers Max and Canyon in collaboration with Dakota County Parks for a night of cross-country skiing at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Whether you're new to cross-country skiing, or looking to meet friends - this event is free and open to all. Instructors from Dakota County will be present to support all participants regardless of their cross-country ski experience.

All equipment (ski boots, poles, & skis) is free and provided by Dakota County. Additionally, winter gear is available for participants to use during the program (snow pants, gloves, jackets, hats). Hand warmers and toe warmers will also be provided.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.



GENERAL INFO

Location: Eagan, MN
(Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) and Wahpekute (Lakota) lands)
Meet: Feburary 7, 2024
Cost:
$0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Parking: Free parking lot - ample parking, handicap parking available
Pets: While we love dogs, we ask you please leave furry friends at home for this event. Tell them we said hi!
Bring: Water - other equipment provided, see caption above for details

COVID SAFETY

Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in an event.

  • Of course you can always hike for free on your own! What we are offering is not just a wilderness trip, but a chance to create community. On a TVOP trip, you will meet people with shared identities, have meaningful experiences and conversations in community, have someone else plan the logistics of your adventures, and have certified Wilderness First Aiders on hand should you ever need one. All of the money we collect goes towards operating costs for our programs.

    Our sliding scale recommendation:

    - Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs

    - Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income

    - High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

    Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

  • Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.

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Queer Winter Night Lake Loop Walk - Minnesota
Feb
2
6:00 PM18:00

Queer Winter Night Lake Loop Walk - Minnesota

Queer Winter Day Hike - Minnesota

Febuary 2, 2024 — 6:00 - 8:00 pm CT
Last day to register: Jan 30, 2024

Join TVOP Volunteer Canyon (they/them) for a February winter night hike around Bde Mka Ska lake in Minneapolis. This popular 3.2 mile loop trail is paved and plowed, for year round access. The trail is flat, but February weather can be frigid, so dress appropriately and wear shoes or boots with good traction.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.



GENERAL INFO

Location: Minneapolis, MN
(Dakota land)
Parking: Paved lot with metered parking
Pets:
Pets are welcome on this adventure. Please be sure to clean up after them!
Meet: Febuary 2, 2024
Hike: 3.2 mi, 32 ft elevation gain
Cost:
$0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Water, warm layers

COVID SAFETY

Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in an event.

  • Of course you can always hike for free on your own! What we are offering is not just a wilderness trip, but a chance to create community. On a TVOP trip, you will meet people with shared identities, have meaningful experiences and conversations in community, have someone else plan the logistics of your adventures, and have certified Wilderness First Aiders on hand should you ever need one. All of the money we collect goes towards operating costs for our programs.

    Our sliding scale recommendation:

    - Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs

    - Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income

    - High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

    Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

  • Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.

View Event →
Gay in the BWCA - Minnesota
Jan
18
6:00 PM18:00

Gay in the BWCA - Minnesota

Gay in the BWCA - Minnesota

January 18, 2024 — 6:00 - 7:30 pm CT
Last day to register: January 15, 2024

The BWCA - a Minnesotan's right of passage. TVOP Volunteers Max (he/they) and Canyon (they/them) will be hosting a facilitated skillshare to learn about the ins and outs of planning a BWCA trip.

Accessible primarily by canoe, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) Wilderness is considered one of the '50 Places of a Lifetime' by National Geographic. Its vast wilderness extends 150 miles along the U.S.- Canada border, covering approximately 1,098,000 acres with over 1,100 lakes and 1,500 miles of canoe routes.

From gear and permits to routes and portages - planning a trip to the BWCA can feel daunting and overwhelming. Gay in the BWCA is an introduction to planning your 1st (or 10th) BWCA trek.

Topics discussed will include: gear, permits, route planning, food and cooking, and portaging

This event is free and open to all (especially BWCA 1st timers). Gay in the BWCA hopes to provide insight and resources for anyone to plan a BWCA trip - particularly our queer and trans+ kin.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.



GENERAL INFO

Location: Minneapolis, MN
(Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) and Wahpekute (Lakota) lands)
Parking: Paved parking lot available
Pets: While we love dogs, we ask you please leave furry friends at home for this event. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: January 18, 2024
Cost:
$0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Waterbottle, notebook, & writing utensil

COVID SAFETY

Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in an event.

  • Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.

    Our sliding scale recommendation:

    - Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs

    - Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income

    - High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

    Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

  • Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.

View Event →
Queer New Year Winter Hike - Minnesota
Jan
7
10:00 AM10:00

Queer New Year Winter Hike - Minnesota

Queer New Year Winter Hike - Minnesota

January 7, 2024 — 10:00 - 1:00 pm CT
Last day to register: January 4, 2024

Kick of 2024's first weekend with a 3.2 loop hike the first weekend in January with TVOP volunteer, Canyon (they/them)! This exact same hike will be offered on both January 4th and January 5th (Saturday and Sunday) starting at 10am, so pick the date that works best for you. This hike is mostly flat, and located just 30 minutes South of the Minneapolis area. Be prepared for winter conditions and hopefully some fresh snow! This is a very well-traveled loop, and although it is not paved, it is usually packed down well enough that hiking boots will be sufficient.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.



GENERAL INFO

Location: Minneapolis, MN
(Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Wahpekute lands)
Parking: Paved parking lot
Pets: Dogs are welcome on this adventure. Please keep them leashed and be sure to clean up after them. :)
Meet: January 7, 2024
Hike: 3.2 miles, 164 ft elevation gain
Cost:
$0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Water (at least 1 liter), lunch or snacks, sunscreen, hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and trekking poles and/or microspikes if desired.

COVID SAFETY

Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in a hike.

  • Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.

    Our sliding scale recommendation:

    - Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs

    - Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income

    - High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

    Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

  • Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.

View Event →
Queer New Year Winter Hike - Minnesota
Jan
6
10:00 AM10:00

Queer New Year Winter Hike - Minnesota

Queer New Year Winter Hike - Minnesota

January 6, 2024 — 10:00 - 1:00 pm CT
Last day to register: January 3, 2024

Kick of 2024's first weekend with a 3.2 loop hike the first weekend in January with TVOP volunteer, Canyon (they/them)! This exact same hike will be offered on both January 4th and January 5th (Saturday and Sunday) starting at 10am, so pick the date that works best for you. This hike is mostly flat, and located just 30 minutes South of the Minneapolis area. Be prepared for winter conditions and hopefully some fresh snow! This is a very well-traveled loop, and although it is not paved, it is usually packed down well enough that hiking boots will be sufficient.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.



GENERAL INFO

Location: Minneapolis, MN
(Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Wahpekute lands)
Parking: Paved parking lot
Pets: Dogs are welcome on this adventure. Please keep them leashed and be sure to clean up after them. :)
Meet: January 6, 2024
Hike: 3.2 miles, 164 ft elevation gain
Cost:
$0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Water (at least 1 liter), lunch or snacks, sunscreen, hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and trekking poles and/or microspikes if desired.

COVID SAFETY

Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in a hike.

  • Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.

    Our sliding scale recommendation:

    - Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs

    - Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income

    - High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

    Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

  • Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.

View Event →
Queer Fall Foliage Day Hike - Minnesota (Waitlist)
Oct
8
9:00 AM09:00

Queer Fall Foliage Day Hike - Minnesota (Waitlist)

Queer Fall Foliage Day Hike - Minnesota

October 8, 2023 — 9:00 - 12:00 pm CT

Come fall for fall colors with TVOP and Volunteer Canyon on this short day hike near Minneapolis, Minnesota on a bluffside trail! Fall in Minnesota can be spectacular, and this will be a great hike for picture taking.

Wrapped around a tiny town, the Minnesota State Park we will be visiting has several distinct segments, includes a variety of ecosystems, and has a shoreline along the Mississippi River where it becomes Lake Pepin.

Come wander through the woods with us on this 3 mile loop!

There is a $7 parking fee for folks who do not have a MN State Park Pass. If you have the pass, it is free parking!

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.



GENERAL INFO

Location: Frontenac area, MN
(Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Dakota, Sioux) lands)
Pets: Furry friends are welcome to come along on this adventure. Please make sure to clean up after them!
Meet: October 8, 2023
Hike: 2.9 miles, 426 ft elevation gain
Cost:
$0-$20 sliding scale + $7 parking fee for folks without a MN State Park Pass
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and trekking poles if desired.

COVID SAFETY

Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in a hike.

  • Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.

    Our sliding scale recommendation:

    - Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs

    - Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income

    - High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

    Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

  • Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.

View Event →
Queer Day Hike - Minnesota
Aug
6
9:00 AM09:00

Queer Day Hike - Minnesota

Queer Day Hike - Minnesota

August 6, 2023 — 9:00 - 4:00 pm CT

Join TVOP's local volunteer, Canyon (they/them) for this 7.2-mile loop trail just outside of the Twin Cities. This beautifully unique hike follows a river, and folks can expect to see diverse ecology, including prairie and forested land, river beaches, and so much more. Using a challenge-by-choice framework, we’ll be taking this adventure at a slow pace to meet people where they’re at.

There is a $7 parking fee for folks who do not have a MN State Park Pass. If you have the pass, it is free parking!

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.



GENERAL INFO

Location: Twin Cities, MN
(Očhéthi Šakówiŋ
Wahpekute lands)
Pets: While we love dogs, we ask you please leave furry friends at home for this event. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: August 6, 2023
Hike: 7.2 miles, 950 ft elevation gain
Cost:
$0-$20 sliding scale + $7 parking fee for folks without a MN State Park Pass
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Water (at least 1 liter), lunch or snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and trekking poles if desired.

COVID SAFETY

Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in a hike.

  • Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.

    Our sliding scale recommendation:

    - Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs

    - Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income

    - High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

    Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

  • Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.

View Event →