The Pathfinder is a family owned and operated outdoor equipment store in Manhattan, Kansas. We opened in 1975 and specialize in gear and clothing for bicycling, backpacking, paddling, climbing, traveling, fly fishing and other outdoor activities. The Pathfinder is located in Downtown Manhattan, Kansas. Our distinctive green awning can be found at 304 Poyntz, just west of the Manhattan Town Center mall.
"Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors"
Our History
In 1975, Bill and Erma Riley opened The Pathfinder at 1111 Moro in Aggieville, to bring to life their desire to help Kansans enjoy outdoor experiences as much as they do. Some of the brands we carried that first year are still key parts of our business today, including The North Face, Wigwam and Kelty. In 1982, Bill and Erma (then living in Parker, Colorado) opened Ski Path, a downhill ski rental business near Stapleton Airport in Denver, which was open until 1984 when the Riley family moved back to Manhattan. In 1992, The Pathfinder moved to its current location at 304 Poyntz in Downtown Manhattan, dramatically increasing floor space, parking, and storage. In the fall of 2015, the Rileys sold the business to Holly and Lisa Hollenbeck of St. Louis, Missouri, and The Pathfinder became part of the Alpine Shop family. Alpine Shop has specialty outdoor stores in Kirkwood, Mo.; Chesterfield, Mo., O'Fallon, Ill., and Columbia, Mo., and now Manhattan, Kan.!
