James Wornson and Diana Kiel-Wornson first opened the doors of Back Country May 1974 in Ames, Iowa. After celebrating their 10-year anniversary, Jamie and Diana packed up the operation and hauled it 34 miles south to Des Moines. After years building a devoted clientele and developing a strong relationship with their beloved Beaverdale neighborhood, the pair expanded in 1990 to take over the entire building at 2702 Beaver Ave, the charming brick storefront that Back Country calls home to this day.
After handing management duties to their eldest daughter Lexi, Back Country has evolved its look and feel, striving to carry the aesthetic and innovational vanguard in sartorial and technical goods. While we have witnessed and weathered the many fleeting fads of the industry, we have remained dedicated to our core values that inspired Jamie and Diana to open the store over 35 years ago. We aim to carry companies with a conscience that provide our customers with the best in function and fashion for their globetrotting travels and everyday lifestyles of adventure. Whether your next journey is a week on the Superior Trail, a study-abroad in Tanzania, or simply an evening on the town with friends, we are here to provide you with the accouterments and expertise you need.
It was with our firm local roots and eye toward the global community in mind that we chose our motto, from the great American writer, Mark Twain:
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrowmindedness."
![](<a"http://www.flickr.com/photos/65994958@N03/6215164604/" "IMG_9777 by Back Country, on Flickr")
The Lagoule and Helle knives come to us from France and Norway and make a lovely gift for fishermen, picnic goers, and anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted tools. We recommend a nice cheese and bottle of wine to pair with one for a memorable gift.
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