Gander Mountain is opening a new location in Champaign, marking its sixth Illinois location. The store will open in the spring of 2014.

“For many years, Gander Mountain has been a well-known and trusted name in Illinois among those who love the outdoors, and who enjoy great traditions like hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and camping,” said David Pratt, Gander Mountain’s Chairman and CEO. “We are thrilled to bring another new Gander Mountain store to the state, and give our friends in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding region more opportunities to experience our top-quality gear and knowledgeable service at great prices.”

The store will be located in an existing facility of approximately 40,000 square feet at 2006 N Prospect Ave., between Super Target and Lowe’s, just north of I-74 at exit 181. It will be the sixth Gander Mountain location in Illinois, joining existing stores in Geneva, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford and Springfield.

“In recent years Champaign has become home to world-class film festivals, music festivals, marathons and more. Visitors are drawn to our city for many reasons, and by adding Gander Mountain to our retail spectrum, there will be yet another outstanding reason to make Champaign a destination,” said Don Gerard, Mayor of Champaign. “I am proud and excited to welcome Gander Mountain to the best small city in America.”

“We appreciate the warm welcome we have received and look forward to our grand opening later this spring,” said Eric Jacobsen, Gander Mountain’s Executive Vice President and Director of Real Estate.

The new Champaign store is the most recent location announced in a sizeable expansion. In the past 18 months new Gander Mountain stores have opened in:


  • Charlottesville, VA
  • Valdosta, GA
  • Morrisville, NC
  • Lafayette, IN
  • Opelika, AL
  • Florence, AL
  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • Gastonia, NC
  • Monroe, NC
  • Rogers, MN
  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Lewisville, TX
  • Mesquite, TX
  • Round Rock, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Dothan, AL
  • Albany, GA
  • Tampa, FL
For 2014, stores have now been announced for:

Avon, IN
Raleigh, NC
Arlington, TX
Gadsden, AL
McDonough, GA
Pensacola, FL
Fenton, MO
Mt. Juliet, TN
Greenfield, IN
Chattanooga, TN
Champaign, IL

More new store announcements are expected soon.

Gander Mountain has 131 outdoor lifestyle stores in 24 states.