Since opening Aug. 15, the store has become a popular destination spot. Daily attendance, counted by greeters at the front door, has been staying above the 30,000-mark, said John Castillo, assistant manager.

“They’re coming from all over,” Castillo said. “I personally have waited on people from about 20 different states and it’s not uncommon to speak to someone every day who has driven from Texas, Arkansas or Minnesota to come here to see the store.”

Even folks who have been in other Cabela’s stores show an interest, Castillo said.

“I think the mule deer museum is a big attraction,” Castillo said. “A lot of folks want to see the world record deer and the other animals on display.”

And, Castillo said, he’s noticed visitors are interested in more than just hunting and fishing especially during football season.

“Last week it was almost like a football game pep rally with about half the people wearing Iowa State clothing and half wearing Florida State,” Castillo said. “It was pretty fun.”

This week the 500-plus employees are gearing up for the grand opening celebration,

“We have a tent outside, filled with products and vendors,” Castillo said. “Friday we’re going to kick it all off.”

Visitors shouldn’t be daunted by tales of packed parking lots, Castillo said.

“We rented a couple of charter buses so that when our parking lot fills up, we direct people over to the Speedway parking and drive them to the store in air-conditioned buses,” Castillo said.

The grand opening runs through Sept. 15.