Beyond Borders Overland Joins MN4WDA at the 2026 Twin Cities Auto Show

Promoting Overlanding, Responsible Wheeling, and Trail Stewardship

Beyond Borders Overland (BBO) was proud to accept an invitation from the Minnesota Four Wheel Drive Association (MN4WDA) to participate in its booth at the 2026 Twin Cities Auto Show. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase overlanding, connect with the public, and share our passion for responsible outdoor recreation with an estimated audience of approximately 40,000 show attendees.

Being part of the MN4WDA booth allowed us to introduce people to the overlanding lifestyle, share our experiences, and advocate for responsible wheeling and continued access to trails and public lands. The exhibit attracted plenty of attention, with visitors stopping to check out the rigs, ask questions, and learn more about the growing overlanding community.

Four Rigs, Four Ways to Adventure

BBO was proud to have members showcase their vehicles and setups at the show. Each rig offered a different perspective on overlanding and demonstrated how personal each build can be.

Chuck and Karen brought their rig, affectionately known as the “Chuck Wagon.” They shared their setup, equipment, and experiences, giving visitors a glimpse into their approach to overlanding and outdoor adventure.

Chris and Ellen Wolf brought their Jeep Gladiator, showcasing their build and sharing stories from their adventures. Their rig demonstrated how a vehicle can be outfitted to support exploration and time spent off the beaten path.

Alicia and Geof brought their setup, known as “Stargazer.” Their rig highlighted the gear, planning, and practical solutions that help make overlanding adventures possible.

Chris and Blake also brought their Gladiator with a more basic setup, reinforcing an important message: you don't need an extravagant rig or expensive equipment to get started overlanding. You can start with what you have, learn as you go, and build your setup over time.

Together, these vehicles showed visitors that overlanding isn't about having the biggest tires or the most expensive accessories. It's about exploring new places, learning new skills, and enjoying the journey.

Connecting with the Public and the DNR

One of the most valuable aspects of the exhibit was the opportunity to connect directly with the public. We shared our builds, discussed equipment and trip planning, and talked about the adventures that inspired us to get involved in overlanding.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was also present, providing an opportunity for the public to speak with DNR representatives and learn more about outdoor recreation, public lands, and responsible use of Minnesota's natural resources.

Having MN4WDA, BBO, and the DNR represented at the show created a valuable opportunity to engage visitors in conversations about trail access, responsible wheeling, and stewardship. These conversations help build understanding between recreationists, advocacy organizations, and the agencies responsible for managing our public lands.

Advocating for the Future of Overlanding

Our participation was about more than displaying vehicles. As part of the MN4WDA booth, we were proud to help promote responsible wheeling and support the association's work representing Minnesota's four-wheel-drive community.

Events like the Twin Cities Auto Show allow us to reach people who might not otherwise encounter the overlanding community. By sharing our experiences and encouraging responsible recreation, we can help introduce newcomers to the hobby while demonstrating the importance of respecting trails, following regulations, and protecting access for future generations.

We are grateful to MN4WDA for inviting Beyond Borders Overland to participate and help represent the community at such a well-attended event.

More Than Vehicles—It's About Community

A huge thank-you goes to Chuck, Karen, Chris, Ellen, Blake, Alicia, and Geof for bringing their rigs, sharing their knowledge, and helping make the exhibit a success. We also appreciate the MN4WDA team and the DNR representatives who took the time to engage with attendees.

The 2026 Twin Cities Auto Show was a great reminder that there are many ways to enjoy overlanding, and everyone starts somewhere. Whether you're driving a fully equipped overland rig or a mostly stock vehicle with basic camping gear, there's an adventure waiting for you.

Beyond Borders Overland looks forward to continuing to grow our community, welcome new members, share adventures, and support the responsible use of Minnesota's trails and public lands.

Beyond Borders Overland — Adventure. Community. Stewardship. Education.