A new climbing gym is opening in Ames and plans to be operational at the end of October or early November. The gym, called Bluestem Boulders, will be located at 539 East 2nd St., near Lincoln Way and Duff Avenue.
“We’re just really excited to be opening, and hope we do get some college students coming and enjoying the space,” said Brian Doscher, owner of Bluestem Boulders and Iowa State alum.
Doscher first fell in love with climbing in 2010 when he was a student at Iowa State.
“It’s problem solving as well as moving and exercise,” he said. “It’s kind of a good creative outlet for people as well, both in movement and then for me as a route setter. I actually have an outlet for designing routes, so [it’s] an artistic outlet.”
According to Doscher, Bluestem Boulders will offer climbing classes, weightlifting equipment, possibly yoga classes, different movement classes and, if there is interest in it, conditioning classes as well. He hopes that the new gym will be a gathering place for folks to come hang out.
“I like to think of bouldering gyms as kind of a third place,” Doscher said. “It’s a great time to socialize with your friends and meet new people… I think [Bluestem Boulders] is going to be a spot that people want to hang out in, not just exercise.”
Doscher also hopes to get involved with Iowa State’s outdoor recreation programs.
“Iowa State does have climbing gyms but… it’s not great for the Ames community as a whole because it’s pretty difficult if you’re not affiliated with Iowa State,” Doscher said. “Hopefully, we can kind of share the facility for any sort of college team they might have.”
Doscher has a background in designing climbs. He started helping his business partner, Keith Rosenliao, open a gym in New York before he got a job offer in Iowa. Now, Doscher and Rosenliao are opening Bluestem Boulders together as business partners. Even though Rosenliao lives in Maryland, he is coming for the opening of the gym.
“He’ll stay pretty hands-off,” Doscher said. “I’m gonna be the owner and general manager.”
Doscher said he plans to have the first week free to everyone but after that, they will have a limited-time deal for a membership.
“We are going to have a founding membership price of $450 for an annual membership,” Doscher stated. “Any founding members will be eligible for future discounted memberships. That founding membership will only be available for a limited time. Our normal day pass price is $18 without rentals and $22 with rentals (shoes and chalk).”
For more information on Bluestem Boulders as well as updates, visit their website and Instagram.
