Rock Climbing Available At MN State Parks

It's a long way to the top.

"This is the first time I've done it for real with real ropes and everything," first-time climber Eleanor Dorn said.

But the I Can! program is helping people in Minnesota take the first step.

"We get them outfitted with harnesses, shoes, talk about what they are going to be doing on the wall," Field Instructor Katie Heimer said.

Across Minnesota state parks, instructors are teaching beginner rock climbing classes.

"We've had anyone from really tiny little kids that we're making sure have their helmets on; they're so little too, for example.  Our next step, we have people in their 50's," said Heimer.

Dorn is just one of many participants eager to get their hands on the rocks after her grandmother suggested she try out the class.

"She said I'd be really interested in it because I like climbing and so she signed me up for it," said Dorn.

And Dorn isn't the only one who's excited. The class had more then 40 participants over the weekend.  And for Heimer, the appeal is obvious.

"It's such a great way to work out and a great way to get outdoors and it's a really great activity for people to do," said Heimer.

The I Can! Program also holds classes at different Minnesota State Parks for fishing, camping, and paddling.