Meet the Team

  • Ben Williams

    Co-Founder

  • Christopher Deal

    Co-Founder

  • Parker McCracken

    Head Route Setter

  • Brenden Gust

    Manager

  • Jena Marcolina

    Route Setter

  • Johnine Abarte

    Route Setter

  • Amro Heshmat

    Social Media Intern

  • Jonah Heyer

    Customer Service & Route Setting

  • Gage Markel

    Guest Route Setter

Our Story!

While Fargo Climbing’s official story begins November 8th, 2021. Climbing in Fargo, ND started long before.

Pre 1990 - Much is unknown before the 90’s, and if you have stories and information we would love to add them here. Notable climbing includes the sandstone pillars of bridges, like “Shakedome” off of 2nd street, near Oak Grove.

1990s- Schlossman YMCA builds rock climbing wall. One of the earlier examples of climbing walls in the United States.

2000s- NDSU Wallman Welless Center adds Nicros A.R.T. Wall to it’s recreation offerings. MSUM does the same, during this time.

2010s- A growing climbing community starts to gain momentum. Home walls start to appear. Climbers begin breaking into 5.12a, 5.13a, and V8.

2013-The siege on the NDSU “Naturals” (climbing the NDSU wall with just the natural features) begins.

2015- The first Moon Board appears in Fargo, although it was just the black holds, and entirely way too steep, marks a pivotal moment in Fargo’s climbing story. The infamous “Paul Wall” is erected. “America”, becomes the first benchmark, small wooden edges with straight forward climbing becomes the sought after climb.

2016- “Legendary Climbing”, the first attempt at Fargo Climbing begins to take shape. A group of friends decide Fargo needs a proper Indoor Rock Climbing Gym. A business plan is created, local investors are pitched to, and team members travel to Colorado to tour gyms and talk to Eldorado Climbing (climbing wall manufacturer).

2017- Team members struggle to find direction. Finances become biggest hurdle to overcome. The NDSU “Natural’s” Siege ends with rope 14 eleminate, 5.13b, marking the end of a nearly 4.5 year endeavor.

2018- “Legendary Climbing” becomes Fargo Climbing and a concept is “born”. The original idea, a 20-30 foot training spray wall. Going from 60 degrees overhanging to 10 degrees. A place for the community to come together and climb together.

2019-Things start to get serious, the first Kickstarter video is shot for Fargo Climbing (click here to watch). Fargo has its first official Moon Board. Tucked away in a garage in North Fargo, the 2016 Moon Board, with its shallow pour yellows, and 48 degree overhang (should be 40) became a staple in the home wall tour. Fargo Climbing took on potential new partners, but ultimately was put on hold to help start “Nature of the North”

2020- Nature of the North, home to nearly 750 square feet of climbing, and the first Kilter Board in Minnesota. Gave the community its first commercial climbing experience. Becoming the hub for all things climbing. From youth programming to competitions. The modern holds, setting, hangboards, campus board, and Kilter Board launched the community into the 21st century.

2021- As old potential partners leave, a new partner joins. Fargo Climbing begins testing texture and creating volumes. The first OG logo t-shirts are created, and the logo is born. After visiting MW Climbing in Lincoln Nebraska, the two co-founders realize a gym is closer (and cheaper) than they think. The hunt for a building is on. Co-founders toured countless buildings and brought business plans to countless banks. Having saved for years, they just needed somebody to believe in them. In October they received news, that they would receive a small business loan from Town and Country Credit Union. Now the race to secure a building. A small warehouse in South Fargo was availiable, but in high demand. November 8th, 2021, Fargo Climbing officially moved in. They worked relentlessly, 7 days a week, upwards of 12 hours per day to transform this warehouse into a climbing gym. Thanksgiving was celebrated with a Moon Board session in the new space.

2022- Countless hours, with help from very generous volunteers and the walls started to take shape. Foam was delivered, walls were erected, carpet laid, front desks built, and holds set. In anticipation for grand opening

March 26th 2022- Grand Opening, 100+ climbers came to experience 4,000+ square feet of climbing. With nearly 100 routes.

October 1st 2022- The First Ever “Wood Chipper” Climbing Competition is held! Sponsored by Vanna Adventure Vans, a generous cash purse is awarded to the open finalists!

Today-15,000+ unique customers have climbed on our walls! Countless classes have been taught, birthday parties hosted, and memories made!

The Future?- We can’t wait to see what else is in store for Fargo Climbing! Thanks for being a part of it!

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