We’re big fans of the great outdoors here at Columbus Navigator.
So the concept of Public Lands, a new outdoor retailer, really spoke to us. Public Lands has a purpose-driven mission to help more people get outside to experience all that America’s public lands have to offer.
From gear to goods, Public Lands has everything you need to get out and explore, whether you’re a beginner or an avid outdoors person. When walking around the various sections of Public Lands, you’ll probably encounter some super friendly people waiting to help you.
They’re called guides and they’ve got expert knowledge in different areas of outdoor life. They can help you learn to set up a tent, test out a new backpack, or teach you how to go for a climb on the 30-foot immersive Climbing Wall with an auto-belay system & bouldering wall.
The pandemic forced us all outside, leading to an intense uptick in visitors to public lands across the country. Beautiful public spaces around Ohio are featured throughout the Polaris store, with beautiful photos of Hocking Hills and maps of trails and greenways acting as feature walls throughout the store.
One of the most unique things about Public Lands is the concierge service they offer. Guests can visit the concierge to rent equipment like paddleboards, YETI coolers, and more. But the concierge can also help you plan the perfect outdoor adventure, offering tips on traveling through parks locally and nationally.
This is only the second Public Lands store in the country. The first opened in Pittsburgh back in September 2021. The Public Lands Fund gets 1% of all sales from the store. Locally, Friends of the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, Project Learning Tree, and Arc of Appalachia will benefit from the fund.
This weekend, the store will host its Grand Opening event. Food Trucks, local breweries, and live music will be happening in the parking lot at Public Lands from November 5-7. There will be giveaways and demos from brands like YETI, The North Face, Cannondale, Patagonia, Kuhl, and more. The Grand Opening is free to attend and you can find out more right here.
