Our Mission
To help our friends have fun and be comfortable in the outdoors.
Our Story
In 1983, Great Outdoor Store (GOS) was established as Sioux Falls, South Dakota's only locally-owned, specialty outdoor store. In 2009, GOS moved to the original train depot of Sioux Falls, the Rock Island Depot.
Over the years, GOS has grown in size and product selection. While keeping the local feel, we offer brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Smartwool. We've chosen only the best of the industry and pride ourselves in providing quality products that perform well. We stand behind our products and strive to ensure you have a pleasant shopping experience and are happy with your purchase. We train our staff to help you gear up for any type of adventure.
Whether your pursuits take you around the world or around the corner, let us help you get there in style and comfort. Come and experience our unique shop and friendly staff!
Happy Trails!
James and DeAnn Echols
Owners
Great Outdoor Store
OUR CREW
Meghan
Store Manager
I have been part of the team at Great Outdoor Store for 15 years. My sunny disposition makes me an expert at customer service and teamwork. In my spare time you’ll find me walking my dog Juniper and starting 6 backyard projects at once.
Skylar
Inventory Manager
I've been at GOS since 2017 and am the store hype man, staff moral booster and aspiring-backup-instagram model. My expertise is hiking, running, camping and backpacking. When I was 12, I was the Iowa State Fair mechanical bull riding record holder. I cracked my skull open while achieving this feat, which tells you the distance I will go to in the pursuit of having fun.
Anna
Events Coordinator & Marketing & Website Manager
I started at GOS in 2017 and after a 2 year hiatus to the East Coast I returned in 2023. My passion for working with people and establishing a sense of community led me back to GOS as the new events coordinator and marketing manager. When I'm not at the shop, I enjoy doing anything and everything I can with my dog, Rue; including camping, fishing, skiing, and hiking. I'm also commonly referred to as the shop dog whisperer (so please bring your dogs to the shop <3)!
Avery
Staff Culture Lead
I have been a part of the GOS crew since 2021. If you need help recognizing me, I’m the one who will most likely be wearing overalls. I’m a biology major with an ecology emphasis at Augustana University (Go Vikes!). As an ecology major I am very passionate about nature conservation. When I’m not at school or at work, you can find me enjoying some fresh air, roller skating, hiking, hammocking, or reading. I’ve been on a few amazing adventures, but I’m looking forward to accomplishing my goal of going to all of America’s National Parks!
Mikaela
Senior Sales Staff
I have been a member of the GOS crew since 2015. I am passionate about running, camping, and summer. I have a weakness for fleece and will put Fleetwood Mac on the store playlist any chance I get.
Liz
Part-Time Sales Staff
I joined the GOS crew back in August of 2022. I've been fortunate to travel to 17 countries (and counting) in my life so I am your go-to person for all things travel! My favorite trip so far was to Rome, and I have a 3-page document of recommendations ready to share with anyone who is interested. ;) When I'm not at my day job helping international students study in the United States, you can find me planning out my next adventure!