The 38th Annual St. Cloud Sportsman’s Show is an exciting event for anyone who loves the outdoors. Held in St. Cloud, Minnesota, this popular show brings together hunters, anglers, campers, and families for a weekend full of learning, shopping, and fun. People of all ages came to enjoy the many displays, activities, and demonstrations focused on outdoor sports and recreation.

One of the biggest highlights of the Sportsmen’s Show is the wide variety of vendors. Hundreds of booths filled the event space, offering gear and supplies for fishing, hunting, camping, and boating. Visitors could see the newest fishing rods, tackle boxes, bows, firearms, and outdoor clothing. Many vendors also shared tips on how to use their products and answered questions from beginners and experienced outdoor lovers alike.

This year’s event will be held February 6-8^th at the River’s Edge Convention Center. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and Tickets are very inexpensive. Bring the children for great entertainment as well. Families were an important part of the St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show. Kids had their own areas with hands-on activities designed just for them. These included casting games, wildlife education stations, and chances to learn about nature in a fun way. Many parents said they enjoyed bringing their children because the show helped kids learn to respect the outdoors while having a good time.

Fishing fans have plenty to enjoy at the show. Several expert anglers gave live presentations about how to catch more fish in Minnesota lakes and rivers. They talk about choosing the right bait, reading the water, and finding the best fishing spots during different seasons. Some demonstrations even included large fish tanks, where visitors could watch pros show how fish react to certain lures.

Seminars will be going on all weekend with some great featured speakers. The speakers take the stage at different times throughout the weekend so visitors can choose sessions that interest them most. Seminars include hands-on fishing advice, gear tips, and fun, educational performances for families.

Here’s a list of the featured speakers, along with short bios and the topics they’ll be talking about.

🎤 Nick Lindner — Fishing Expert & Content Creator

Who he is:
Nick Lindner is a well-known angler (fishing expert) from central Minnesota. He grew up around a family of legendary fishermen, which helped him learn fishing skills from a young age. Nick spent several years working with Lindner Media Productions before starting his own platform to teach others how to catch fish and enjoy the outdoors. He travels across the Upper Midwest to fish for many types of species, like walleye, bass, panfish, and muskies. Nick does videos and content to share real fishing tips that are easy to understand.

Topics he’ll speak about:

“Dropshot Like a Pro” — Nick will explain how to use the dropshot fishing technique to improve your catch.

“Jig Fishing Tips for Walleye Success” — He’ll talk about the best ways to use jigs when fishing for walleye.

🎣 Joe Henry — Fishing Guide & Outdoor Communicator

Who he is:
Joe Henry is a professional fishing guide, licensed charter captain, and accomplished tournament angler. He has spent years on the water and believes that anglers learn a lot from both successful and tough fishing days. Joe shares fishing techniques through seminars, TV shows, videos, and articles. He also serves as the Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, working with resorts, guides, and local businesses to promote outdoor travel and fishing opportunities.

Topics he’ll speak about:

“Reading the Water: Where Walleyes Live and Why” — Joe will teach how to find the best spots where walleyes are likely to be.

“Simple Tactics, Big Results: Fishing Success for Everyday Anglers” — He’ll share basic fishing strategies that can help beginners and regular anglers catch more fish.

And for the kids…..

🐿️ Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel — Family Entertainment & Safety

Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel isn’t a human speaker, but a live, family-friendly show that performs at the event. Twiggy is a famous water-skiing squirrel who entertains audiences with fun tricks, laughs, and surprises. Her show also teaches important lessons.

Topics

Water Safety and Waterskiing Fun — The show explains basic safety around water and gives fun demonstrations of waterskiing skills.

Interactive Adventure — It’s designed to be fun for kids and adults alike, with laughs and sometimes special appearances from Twiggy’s “lifeguard,” Roxie

Another popular part of the event is the travel and resort section.

 Visitors can talk to representatives from lodges, resorts, and guide services from Minnesota and nearby states. These booths help people plan future fishing trips, hunting adventures, or family vacations. Many guests say this part of the show inspires them to try new outdoor experiences.

The Sportsmen’s Show is also a place to learn about safety and responsibility. Organizations share information about boating safety, firearm safety, and protecting natural resources. Conservation groups remind visitors how important it is to take care of lakes, forests, and wildlife so future generations can enjoy them too.

Food and fun are never far away at the event. Snack stands and local food vendors keep guests fueled throughout the day. There were also giveaways, raffles, and contests that added excitement to the weekend. Many people leave the show with prizes, new gear, or at least a few great ideas for their next outdoor adventure.

Special Gift Giveaway to Hennum’s Oak Island Resort

🎁 Giveaway: Win a Dream Trip to Hennum’s Oak Island Resort

One of the most exciting parts of the 2026 St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show is a big giveaway where visitors can enter to win a vacation-style prize. At the show, people have the chance to sign up for a trip worth $3,000 to Hennum’s Oak Island Resort, a popular outdoor getaway in northern Minnesota.

This giveaway is promoted at the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth during the show. Guests who stop by that booth can enter the contest for a chance to win the trip. The resort is known for great fishing, beautiful views, and fun activities, making this prize something many outdoor lovers would be excited about.

The prize is a $3,000 vacation package that includes lodging and outdoor activities at Hennum’s Oak Island Resort. Here’s how it works:

🎟 Visit the Lake of the Woods Tourism Booth — Attendees can stop by this exhibitor’s space at the show to enter the giveaway.

📍 Enter for a Chance to Win — Signing up at the booth enters people into a drawing for the trip.

✨ Prize: $3,000 Trip to Hennum’s Oak Island Resort — The winner can receive a vacation package valued at $3,000 to enjoy at the resort.

This giveaway is a fun bonus for visitors because it adds a chance to win a real, exciting outdoor experience just for attending the show. It helps encourage people to visit the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth and learn about fishing trips, lodging, and travel opportunities in northern Minnesota.

Many families and outdoor fans at the show enjoy this part of the event because it connects the indoor experience at the convention center with real outdoor adventures they can plan for later. And even if they don’t win, visitors come away with travel information, brochures, and ideas for fishing trips and vacations throughout the year.

Overall, the giveaway adds extra excitement to the show and helps make the 2026 St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show more than just a place to see gear — it becomes a place where people could dream about their-next outdoor adventure.

For more information see www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

For Lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

See our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn