Bemidji's Best CRAFT SupplY STORE
While Loonfeather Leather has not always been online, we have been open in Bemidji for over 40-years. Sourcing materials for powwow regalia, saddle makers, leather craftsman, primitive reenactors, and artisans. Whether you are just beginning to make your own projects, or are a skilled crafts person, we have the materials, tools and guidance you need to express your artistry.
1963-Northern Surplus Opens Its doors
Selling military clothing and gear, camping equipment, and outdoor clothing. The shop was located where KD Floral now exists. Back then Bemidji State University held training camps for the Minnesota Vikings, and this brought crowds of people into the Bemidji area. Bemidji was also, as it is today, a summer destination for many tourists from out of town. This gave Northern Surplus a lot of exposure to people from across the state.
1973-New Ownership
Pete and Alice Dreyer, Bruce’s parents, bought Northern Surplus and jumped headfirst into the world of retail. They learned on the job and worked hard to build the shop into what it is today. Bruce often helped in the store while he was growing up. At this time, Northern Surplus moved into what is now the VFW building.
1977-Stepping into the World of Leather
The Dreyer’s were approached around 1977 by a Tandy Leather representative trying to sell franchises. By a stroke of fate, Bruce Dryer, who had left the state, was now a leather worker living in Montana. Pete and Alice thought this was the perfect opportunity to get their son back home. Bruce agreed and arrived in Minnesota with 13 silver dollars in his pocket and a third of a tank of gas. This was the beginning of what came to be LoonFeather Leather.
Today
Bruce Dreyer continues to run the family businesses, LoonFeather Leather and Northern Surplus and he can often be seen hanging around the stores with his dog Chloe. Stop in today and say hello, you can find us 3 blocks west of Paul and Babe on 3rd Street!