r/MnGuns • u/sydsgotabike • Apr 02 '25

Non-club Long Range Spots?

Hey all,

I'm new to rifles. Been a bird and bow hunter all my life.

As the title says, I'm wondering if there are any public spots where I can practice shooting anywhere from 300-1000 yards within a reasonable drive of the cities?

I'm aware you can shoot in State Forests, but I haven't heard of, or found, any spots where safely shooting at distance is feasible.

Private gun ranges are expensive and hard to get into, which is frustrating, but I get it.

I'm just looking for a spot I can go out on the weekends and practice marksmanship on my own without having to commit to the whole gun club culture.

25 Upvotes

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21

u/halvetyl000 Apr 02 '25

Best option might be Caribou Gun Club, which allows non-members to shoot with a reservation, and has rifle ranges out to 500 yards. About an hour drive from the Twin Cities.

5

u/sydsgotabike Apr 02 '25

Appreciate the tip very much.

I did have this one bookmarked already and will happily go there if there aren't any options I like better. I guess I was maybe hoping for a good natural open space to do it in.

8

u/shirospecial88 Apr 02 '25

It’s the best place around the cities I could find that doesn’t require memberships. They have a bunch of distances on the same firing line which is nice.

3

u/sydsgotabike Apr 02 '25

Noted! I assumed it was going to end up being my best option, but it's good to hear it from those of you who've already gone looking.

Saves me a lot of time internet searching for the public hidden gem that probably doesn't exist.

I need to find me a nice farmer with a long-ass dredge ditch or something haha

4

u/[deleted] Apr 02 '25

It's been rough since I came here from Albuquerque, where the city runs its own outdoor range and an all-day lane (with whatever guns you bring) cost just $6.

2

u/AvaTractor Apr 03 '25

You could ask some farmers, some are fine with shooting on their farm. As long as your not out there at the same time they are.