As you already know, archery has been around for ages. It began as a skilled art of survival, evolving into today’s world as a competitive sport and a way to enjoy outdoor leisure time. If you have been searching for a way to connect with your child, archery could be what you have been looking for. Archery is on the rise, mainly due to the popularity of the children’s movie Brave and The Hunger Games series. These movies have been the fuel driving the growing interest for younger archers, particularly among girls.

Getting Your Child Started

Our family started with a Genesis™ Original Bow built for kids, beginners and adults. This bow style has what is called a “zero let-off” with a light draw weight, making it easy to shoot for virtually everyone. Each member of our family was able to test their target skills without having to adjust settings. You can find the right bow for your needs on their website.

Helpful Tips Before Using A Bow

• Do not draw the string back and release it without an arrow. This is called a “Dry Fire” and can be extremely harmful to the shooter, plus it can damage the bow.
• Aim only at archery targets.
• Do not shoot arrows straight up in the the air.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing while operating your bow and arrow.
• Do not draw the bow beyond it’s maximum draw length.
• Wait to be sure the area is clear before retrieving your arrows.

MN Archery Locations

Minnesota offers archery clubs, competition leagues and many locations to exercise your accuracy. Here is a list of locations where you can work on your aim around the Twin Cities. In most cases you must provide your own bow and arrows, however if you are signed up for a class there is the chance they will provide items needed.

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Open year round Stationary ranges offer targets at a variety of distances, as well as a shooting tower. You can also test your marksmanship by using Elm Creek’s archery loop. It’s a simple walk–through range featuring multiple shooting stations.

This facility uses a pay box located at the entrance based on the honor system.

Three Rivers Park District – 763-694-7894

13387 129th Avenue North
Dayton, MN 55327

Carver Park Reserve

Carver range is open April 1st–November 15th. You will find stationary ranges that offer targets at a variety of distances, as well as a shooting tower. Like Elm Creek this Three Rivers Park also provides a walk–through range featuring multiple shooting stations.

$5 daily pass or $35 season pass required for archery range.

Three Rivers Park District – 763-694-7650

7025 Victoria Drive
Victoria, MN 55386

Bunker Hills Regional Park

Bunker Hills Archery has indoor and outdoor ranges. They also offer leagues, lessons, and tournaments. The outdoor range is open from 6 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset in March – November. The outdoor range is closed during the cross-country ski season (December – February).

$3 per visit, per person for indoor or outdoor.

Bunker Hills Regional – 763-757-3920

550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW
Andover, MN 55304

Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Trailhead

Lower Spring Lake Park is available through the Dakota County Park. It has six practice targets, two 14-station trail loops and handicap accessible targets! You can expect to see 4–80 yards with wooded, fan and elevated shot opportunities. They are open May 1st–November 30th, 8 a.m. to sunset each day.

Daily Pass: $5 Each user age 18 years and older needs to purchase a pass.

Dakota County Park – 952-891-7000

8395 127th Street East
Hastings, MN 55033

Marsden Archery Range

Marsden Archery Range is a part of Ramsey’s County Park and Recreation program. It’s located in the northwestern part of Ramsey County in the city of Arden Hills. The 8-acre site is entirely fenced in and contains 15 archery lanes. Lengths of lanes vary from 10-40 yards.

Ramsey County Park & Rec – 651-633-5676

5101 Lexington Avenue
Arden Hills, MN 55126

Family Archery Events/Classes

Baker Park

 Watch An Archer In Action

Perhaps, you have seen the modern day Robin Hood archery video, however if you have not I encourage you to watch it. This man has spent endless hours perfecting his skills and he is quite impressive to watch.

This post was sponsored by Genesis™ Original Bow.