This place would be a total testosterone fest if it weren’t for the heady aroma of vanilla-roasted almonds

I’m not into hunting. Fishing is only fun when I reel in the biggest catch of the day, which has happened a sum total of once. I don’t mind camping, but only if there’s running water and a clean toilet within walking distance. In other words, I’m not really sure why I have so much fun at Cabela’s . But I do.

I’ve spent the better part of an hour pinging targets in the shooting gallery. I’ve learned more than I ever imagined possible about the wonders of firearms, moose calls, campfire cooking and scent control. I’ve stood in front of the enormous aquarium and experienced moments of zen, courtesy of crappie gliding through the water. I’ve found killer deals on hiking shoes and water bottles. I’ve skipped around the store wearing a Ghillie jacket (seriously, how could I not?). I’ve looked into the cold, plastic eyes of a stuffed Musk Ox. And I’ve discovered that it’s pretty much impossible to want to sit at home watching TV when there are so many outdoor gizmos and gadgets begging to be played with.


If you go, be prepared. You can lose an afternoon in this cavern of camouflage. And you can lose long-standing perceptions about yourself … Me? Gut a fish? Well, maybe just this once. Seriously, there is something for everyone. Cripes, there’s even an in-house candy store and a restaurant that serves Bison Bratwurst.

You’ll find Cabella’s at 101 N. Cabela Way, at the State Line. Yeah, it’s so big they named a street after it.