Finding community in a new city can feel overwhelming, especially for recent graduates, remote workers or anyone looking to try something new. The Sunday Morning Club, the Twin Cities’ newest women’s walking club, offers a welcoming community for women of all ages to connect over coffee and a stroll through the city.

Founder Isabelle Olson created The Sunday Morning Club, recognizing a disparity between outdoor communities and the need for low-pressure, accessible spaces where women could build meaningful relationships. Olson proposed the concept during a walk with her partner, who encouraged her to pursue her vision.

“I just want something that I can show up to, be myself and do things I love,” Olson said. “And that’s kind of where the Sunday Morning Club was built.”

In a matter of days, Olson launched the club’s Instagram and TikTok accounts, which have garnered over 8,500 followers across both platforms. 

When asked how she envisioned the club’s progression, Olson said she never imagined its rapid success. Nearly 80 women participated in the club’s first walk in May.

“It was at that point that I knew the women were craving this; everyone needed this sort of community,” Olson said. “It was so fulfilling to hear on the first walk — but I still hear today — there’s a woman who moved here from Canada last week, and didn’t know anyone, and says, ‘I had so much fun today, I met so many women. There’s friendships now, a lot of it, and that is the most fulfilling thing ever.”

Since its launch five months ago, Olson has hosted nine coffee-walk events and counting. 

The most recent took place at Hola Coffee on Sunday, where nearly 140 women participated. Lining the storefront and around the corner, members chatted whilst waiting to order. In the parking lot, dozens gathered in anticipation of the event’s start, coffees in hand.

With hundreds of members, there are endless opportunities to meet friends, network and explore the city. To extend community opportunities, a GroupMe was created where over 1,500 women have joined.

While the primary purpose of the group chat is to keep current members informed, it has evolved to forming smaller communities within.

“We have a GroupMe where other people make their own groups. So if you’re not so much into walking and coffee, then we have book club or there are Bible studies and cooking clubs,” The Sunday Morning Club member Dalany Dolan said. “Whatever your heart desires, the girlies got you!”

Following Hola Coffee, the group embarked on a walk to the Stone Arch Bridge and the surrounding area. Women shared stories of their upbringing, career aspirations, activities around the city, hobbies and more.

While the club was created for women, furry friends are more than welcome. Many participants brought their dogs, who soaked up the love and attention.

The group stopped along the bridge for a quick group photo. Squeezing together, bright smiles and laughs filled the air as Olson captured photos and videos. Passersby stopped and smiled at the group, and even as one runner passed, the women lightheartedly cheered for him as he gave a smile and a wave.

The group completed the walk back at Hola Coffee, where members were welcomed to stay and chat with new friends. Many exchanged contact information and set plans to meet again. Many members shared their love for the sisterhood and warmth this community has created.

“When you get into the trap of living life by yourself, it’s hard to know that there is life outside of you,” club member Micah Ngafua said. “You need to be reminded that you don’t have to live this life alone. There is so much life that happens in community.”

While it may feel daunting to enter a large community such as The Sunday Morning Club, the biggest piece of advice given is to simply show up.

“It’s really important to have that space where it can be free, no pressure, and women can just show up how they are, whether with friends or by themselves,” Olson said. “If you come alone, you will meet so many women, and you will have 70 friends by the end of it. I promise you, you will meet someone.”