Polaris Snowmobile Racing- Meet the Official 1st Race Driver

December13, 2023

As the snowmobile racing season is about to start, we would like to look back at Polaris and the first official race driver. This year also marks Polaris’s’ 70th Anniversary and we plan to dig deep into the history showing you a collection of photos and memorabilia that has not been seen before. Let’s start by telling a little story about a Polaris legend!

DAVID JOHNSON

CO_FOUNDER of POLARIS

Did you know David Johnson, one of the founders of Polaris Industries, was the first official Polaris race driver?

Je2vZ6WZgUEnggJleBooPn6X2r03x3OOxFW52WX48 My2nfJ8fMulAb0NKytjPCRmYsp2 oalGb85Wznkz9DGQ4AzY8E9JylQ rC3 UAuHvu7E0L mFNW2aaa84g8WEPY swm6ACm9FFWJjYgcv60TQ

1956 Polaris Sno-Traveler with David Johnson

eF8ztoC7IHUupB0t9bon YIwFnmcFFVOei7mvA2zVKsqTzV7FTH Ddd9Hzhxo06SXGxXsdDpX6UeDIzfkBxumjlxcMdG61b1R95BNxJPteYgceLeZy4 INIUk50I5c9F H2yZ4eUp0cf4PHu v0Xb2s

1958 photo includes (left to right): David Johnson, Art Lisell, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Rugland 

Note the all-aluminum Sno-Traveler Steve is standing by: was one of the first sleds made from aluminum patterned after the trailblazer’s nose (on left) only bigger.

In 1958 David Johnson, with a contingent of drivers from Polaris met up with the Harry C. Paul’s group from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Harry was a promoter and owner of the Autoboggan. The engine is inside the rear track unit, pushing forward as shown with the toboggan in the front with Mr. Paul steering.

     Harry Paul’s  1958 Autoboggan. 
iO8n3c8hmOaKyobRXcmCPeAd9KG4hyX1r43sEzYLpq9QeSWNECid2KxaloU8i2a1Yrw9Jw9gIPA5

The group set out to demonstrate the usefulness and design of the Sno-Traveler and Autoboggan. They chose to attend The annual Pas, Manitoba Fur Festival, a wintertime gathering with large crowds celebrating the bountiful harvest of fur pelts while having fun in the snow. There were a variety of contests, including dog sled racing.

IMG 8235

The two parties participated in driving around the lake to prove the snowmobiles would work better than the dog sled teams. A tactic to draw more attention to the snow machines was to have the first “snowmobile race” to make them look more exciting. As David was quoted in Bill Vint’s “Warriors of the Winter”, “We tried to rig them a little bit so we had a zig-zag effect,” he confessed. “One guy ahead, and then the other, and so on. At a terrific speed of about 20 miles per hour!” 

David Johnson is doing some zigging and zagging on a 1957 Polaris Sno-Traveler!

image 123650291

Much to the dismay of H.C. Paul, the Autoboggan broke down during the race expedition on the lake. David hooked up some straps and pulled Paul’s machine in with his Polaris Sno-Traveler.

Instead of going a shorter distance to Harry Paul’s truck, David decided to tour The Pas by driving through the town’s main street. Yet another opportunity for Johnson’s to promote Polaris’ brand as being trustworthy and reliable.

Because of that particular weekend, Harry later had a meeting with David Johnson, Allan, and Edgar Hetteen to form an agreement. 

Polaris would build the snow machines, Harry Paul would become a distributor with the stipulation the Canadian-sold sleds name remain Autobaggon. The Autoboggans were built for Harry C. Paul, Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to market in Canada by Polaris Industries of Roseau, MN from 1958 through 1966.

IMG 8226 1

In 1959, Johnson led another expedition into northern Manitoba and the Polaris group had plans made for some genuine snowmobile contests. A circular course was marked out with stakes in the snow on Grace Lake. The distance was about 400 yards. Three races were held, it was informal but marked the start of organized snowmobile racing and David Johnson won the race again!

 In 1960 the Trapper’s Festival added cross-country snowmobile races to the festivities. Again, David Johnson on the Sno-Traveler was the winner. According to Harry Paul, “No one could beat David. In the cross-country, David would take off right through the small trees!”His sturdy machine blazing his trail. Everyone else was afraid to try it and dodged around the trees. David believed in the power of his machine. “David always won!” reported Harry Paul.

Snowmobile racing had begun thanks to Polaris’ first official snowmobile race driver DAVID JOHNSON!

IMG 8227

Autoboggans were similar to Polaris machines but were painted Harvest Gold versus the bright red of early Polaris models. This particular model is a K95C with a 9.5hp Kohler motor.

image 123650291 3

David was a soft-spoken man, humble and generous. Johnson would remain a regular at the plant his entire life, visiting over coffee. When David walked into the engineering department, “the shop”time was given to talk with him about production and the latest in engineering. The coffee talk was sharing tales and asking for advice. When asked why they designed the sno- traveler, David would laugh and say.

IMG 8230 edited

We were pretty much outdoors people, and we did quite a bit of hunting in the Northwest Angle for all kinds of game. We had a lot of snow in some of those winters, so you had to go on snowshoes or walk or whatever. So, I used to tell people that we were lazy, we didn’t want to walk, so we thought of something to ride.” David Johnson told Snow Goer.com on October 9, 2013

IMG 8231 edited

It is hard to describe the effect David Johnson had on the industry since he helped build the first Polaris Sno-Cat in 1956. These pioneers left behind a great heritage. David lived in Roseau, the birthplace of Polaris until he died in 2016 at 93. His legacy and beliefs are woven into the small community. You can see many Polaris products at the Polaris Experience Center, in Roseau. Admission is always free. You can also arrange a tour of the manufacturing plant. If you like vintage, consider attending the David Johnson Sno-Cat Spectacular held in December. You won’t just find Polaris there. Take in shop-built, unconventional, and some classics. It’s a day to celebrate the engineering and mastery of putting snow skis and a motor together. Next time your skis hit the snow, think of the ones that rode the trails before you and those visions that are still being designed by people like David Johnson.

In the next article, we will be re-introducing some of the residents of Roseau County and Polaris employees who helped bring the Polaris snowmobiles to the forefront in racing!

IMG 5869

You are invited to attend the 70th Polaris Anniversary Celebration on August 16-18, 2024. Book your lodging now.

Historical Content: Carmen Przekwas, Mike and Donovan Hetteen, Roseau Electric Volts and Views, Roseau Times Region and the Roseau County Museum Archives.

The Story of Allen Hetteen and Rosco Racing

Allen Hetteen Rosco, Inc
IMG 7586

November 30, 2023

Allen Hetteen was one of the three founders of Polaris in 1954. He served as the president, worked on development, and was hands-on on all the fronts. He turned wrenches and handled business decisions. On June 1, 1970, Allan Hetteen retired from Polaris Industries. He then started a Polaris Snowmobile Distribution company, Rosco, Inc. This story tells the beginning of that journey.

allen

1970-1972 Rosco Race Team

Allan always felt a race program would advance the development of the snowmobile, which in turn would help increase sales of the product. He passionately believed his new company, Rosco, Inc., would also benefit from a racing team. Thus, the Rosco Race Team was formed. 

image 123650291 1 1
image 123650291 3

The team would support the dealers and their customers, being visible to the public, answering concerns, and helping the other race drivers when needed for support with parts and mechanical assistance. Allan expected the drivers to be gracious, helpful, and good sportsmen, treating others as part of the team. His opinion was to create a positive image, which would help sell the products supplied by Rosco, Inc., but most importantly, present a positive picture of the recreational winter sport of snowmobiling. The team participated in races in the upper north half of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 

image 123650291 4
Rosco Racing Badge 1970
image 123650291 3 1
Officer Dale Amundson; General Manager Gene Fichter; Mechanics and Race Team Drivers.  Allan Hetteen, on the far right, in the back row, shaking Race Manager Wayne Burkel’s hand.

He was pleased with the success of the team’s winning seasons. Allan felt every employee was an essential asset to a successful company. He was thoughtful in recognizing the staff and team for the efforts each of them contributed to Rosco, Inc., A Polaris Distributor. He would visit the Race Garage regularly. He was checking on the sled items needed and asking the drivers how the machines performed and what ideas for more speed and performance were required.

Rosco1
Left to right: Wayne Burkel, Team Manager, Bob Przekwas, Duane Opdahl, Ed Mansueto. Sitting on the sled: Roger Helgeson, Tony Burkel

At the end of the 1973 season, Rosco Incorporated would no longer be a distributor. The large sponsored Rosco Race Team of 1971 & 1972 ended.  Although he no longer had his “own” race team, Allan still felt racing was important. He continued to sponsor racing for the 1973 season as a Polaris distributor, establishing a “Racing for Gold” incentive program for independent and dealer-sponsored race drivers.

On March 15, 1973, Rosco, Inc. was sold to Polaris Industries, A Textron Company.

Polaris Save the Date 1

Save the date to attend the 70th Celebration in Roseau. We will honor the heritage and look at the future of the company.

Hotels are limited. Click here to view lodging options.

Christmas Cookies with Grandma

cookie blog 1

Christmas is approaching, and with it comes one of my favorite traditions: baking day with the family. 

As a little girl, I eagerly awaited the moment when the enchanting aroma of Christmas sweets would waft from Grandma’s kitchen. I loved the warmth of the kitchen, the festive decorations, and the laughter that echoed off the walls as we baked together. The scent of cinnamon and sugar filled you with warmth and excitement. Nothing was better than gathering with the family for an old-fashioned holiday baking day. The room’s laughter and the oven’s warmth made everything so cozy on a cold Minnesota day.

Granny Ava always bustled about, humming a festive tune as she measured ingredients and prepared the dough for their famous Christmas cookies. The first batch was always rolled out and cut with a drinking glass. The way her granny did when she was a child. Then, we were able to create and cut our trees and snowflakes. We each made and reserved our own sugar cookies to decorate and eat. The kitchen was a symphony of colors, with sprinkles, frosting, and an assortment of bright and festive candies waiting to adorn the sweet treats they would create. Granny Ava taught us the secrets of the perfect cookie dough, the art of rolling it out just right, and the joy of cutting out festive shapes with cookie cutters. As we worked, Granny Delilah shared stories of Christmases past, filling the kitchen with tales of happiness, wonder, and timeless traditions.

cookie1 blog

Time disappeared as my cousins and I  laughed, shared memories, and created sugary masterpieces. Soon, the kitchen was filled with trays of cookies, each a work of art adorned with colorful icing and sparkling sugar. The sweet aroma of freshly baked treats filled the air, wrapping us in a comforting hug of holiday cheer. Little did we know we were baking up a timeless tradition of sweet memories

cookie3blog

Today I share this tradition with my daughter and mother. Grandma Ava is with us in memory. Please enjoy our family Sugar Cookie Recipe perfected over generations.

Grandma Ava’s Sugar Cookies

4 Cups All Purpose Flour

¾ teaspoon of Salt

¾ teaspoon Baking Powder

1 Cup (2sticks) Butter

1 Cup Sugar

2 Large Eggs

2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
  2. Mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl; set the mixture aside.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  5. Once combined, slowly blend in the dry ingredients until evenly mixed.
  6. Separate dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
  7. Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  8. Place on the center rack and bake for 5 to 7 minutes (or until golden brown). Let the cookies sit on wire racks for 2 minutes before cooling.
cookie2 blog

Polaris Co-Founder Allan Hetteen (Polaris Legacy)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7571-1.jpeg

“A Man of Vision, Inventor, Innovator, Visionary, Risk Taker, Competitive, Rugged, Executive, and a Gentleman.”

IMG 7570

11/20/2023

In 1945, David Johnson and Edgar Hetteen created Hetteen Hoist and Derrick. The business started assembling—hoists and derricks to place utility poles in the ground. Electricity was coming to town, and they were here to help. Soon, other products, such as straw choppers, steel boat trailers, and field sprayers, were designed and produced at the company.

IMG 7572

Allan joined the Hetteen Hoist and Derrick Company after graduating from Roseau High School, in 1948. Allan became a partner in the business, adding car salvage and car repair to the services. Allan was known for his knowledge, mechanical talents, building, and welding skills.

allenhs

Picture: Allan Hetteen Roseau Class of 1948

The work of these three men, Allan Hetteen, David Johnson, and Edgar Hetteen, has significantly impacted the snowmobile industry, changing how Americans, Canadians, and others worldwide see the challenges and opportunities of winter.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7571-1.jpeg

Picture: David Johnson, Edgar and Allan Hetteen, the future founders of Polaris

IMG 7575

Countless hours were spent repairing, creating, and fixing a wide array of products in this building. The shop was located where the current Roseau Liquor Store is at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 89 in the heart of Roseau.

IMG 7573

Picture: Allen working on a Crankshaft

In 1954, Hetteen Hoist and Derrick changed the company’s name to Polaris Industries. At about this time, the three men began developing a snow machine. They were looking for a way to bring supplies to camp on the Norwest Angle, the northmost point of Minnesota. The three men worked together to engineer their first machine. Polaris Industries continued to develop the snow machine to the point where snowmobiles were being sold around the country, indeed the world.

IMG 7587

In 1960, Allan Hetteen, age 31, succeeded his brother Edgar as President of Polaris Industries.

IMG 7586

Picture: President Allan Hetteen standing by Polaris“#2” in 1969. This machine was built in February 1956 by David Johnson and Allan.

While there was some doubt Allan was too young to manage the job, Allan proved to be the right man for the times. He read everything he could about business techniques and how to manage, market, and promote a business and its product. He recognized what he did not know and would find others that did. As the success of the Sno-Traveler continued, Polaris outgrew its’ original manufacturing building. More production space was needed. It was clear that Polaris had a future in the snowmobile industry.

polaris1960

In October 1962, the ground was broken for a new Polaris Industries plant and offices on Highway #89 South in Roseau, MN. This enabled Polaris to manufacture a more complete line of snowmobiles and accessories at much higher input. Although other people developed versions of snowmobiles before Polarisdid, the northern Minnesota company was the first to realize the big consumer market for the machines.

Allen was a pioneer in the snowmobile industry. In addition to being President of Polaris Industries, Allan was also the Manager/Director of Engineering, Research, and Development, participating in many test and research trips. As the demand for the Sno-Traveler increased, more testing, development, and research were needed. Test trips would prove to be the most beneficial in evaluating the product. Allan was the lead test driver on many testing expeditions. One such trip was written about in the Merrill, a newspaper in Greenville.

allan

The newspaper clipping with this photo states, “Allan Hetteen, president of the Minnesota manufacturing firm that built these two power sleds, checks lashings on a truck that carried them today to Greenville from Yarmouth. The sleds and two others were to leave today from Greenville for a weeklong trek over the Moosehead Lake region, then on through the Allagash section to Patten. The vehicles are powered by a gasoline, two-cycled 13 h.p. motor that drives a tracked belt. Skis support the sled. Hetteen plans to demonstrate the craft’s usefulness in snow country. The trip is not a part of the motorcade that left Maine today for Canada.” (By Staff Photographer Merrill)

Allan Hetteen died in November 1973 from a tragic farm accident. It was a life and legacy that ended too soon. His son, Mike, of Roseau, relived a bit of Polaris history when he visited the glacier site where his dad, David Pearson, and Harold Johnson had tested those Comet snowmobiles 60-plus years earlier. It was his chance to reconnect with his dad’s work and remember the heritage his dad left behind.

mike

History and photos were provided by Carmen and Bob Przekwas, with special help from Mike Hetteen. Photos are copyrighted.

Polaris Save the Date 1

Celebrate Polaris’s 70th Anniversary in Roseau on August 16 -18, 2024. You will see everything from Meet and Greets with the original race team to the current stunt riders. Displays will feature over 70 years of product development and much more. Live music, kids activities, Polaris rides, and tours will keep you entertained. Hotels are limited, so book today.

Deer Hunting Opener in Roseau County

Join us as we hunt Roseau County

11/5/2023

Deer hunting in Roseau, MN, during the late fall, is not just about the pursuit of game; it’s an experience that connects individuals with nature and the rich hunting traditions of the area.

IMG 7447 1

The first snow came early this year, and a few inches of coverage still blankets the ground. Hunters have been eagerly preparing their gear for weeks, ensuring they have their licenses, rifles, ammunition, and other essentials.

IMG 8924

Despite severe winter conditions last year, the population of deer in Roseau County is healthy. Most areas provide the opportunity to harvest more than one deer. A bumper acorn crop this year means deer may not be concentrated in open fields; hunters should scout for areas with good oak production. 

Read the full report: http://mndnr.gov/…/field-reports-what-minnesota-deer.

IMG 8836

Where can you hunt and when?

Hunters in Minnesota are fortunate to have many options when it comes to hunting locations. From state forests and wildlife management areas to county lands and federal waterfowl production areas, hunters can use thousands upon thousands of acres. Add to these private properties enrolled in special programs or on which hunters have permission, and the choices can seem overwhelming.

map

Check the DNR website for clarification on where you can hunt and the Hunting Regulations for clarification of trespass law in Minnesota. The most important thing to know is that each type of hunting land usually has restrictions regarding dates, permissions, and what game you’re allowed to take.

deer

For lodging accommodations, follow this link: https://goroseau.com/lodging/

Read more: Deer Hunting Opener in Roseau County

dansdeer
Roseau trail cam photo of Buck and a blind west of city limits.

The Best Holiday Shopping in Roseau

November 6, 2023

holidayshop

In no particular order, here is the shopping list…

The Bread Gypsy and Scandinavian Shoppe have unique artisan items from jewelry, pottery, and fused glass, as well as Scandinavian imports. It’s the perfect place to shop for something special for that hard-to-buy-for someone on your gift-giving list.

shopbeads

Twice the Charm and Company is a great place to hunt down that one-of-a-kind item. Inside the brick building you will find an upscale clothing consignment store and The Pretty Penny, a home decor and gift shop. The Pretty Penny has many handmade items including gnomes, woodworking, and sewn goods such as towels and quilted kitchen items. They have cosmetics, skincare, and jewelry. If you’re searching for a gift for a lady, you can find it here. 

shoptwice

Transfers Unlimited is your custom apparel shop located in downtown Roseau. You will find sports gear, Minnesota-themed attire as well as other on-trend styles. They also have blankets, baby items, hats and mittens. If you are looking for a custom item ask them to help design it. 

IMG 7465

The Polaris Experience Center, located in the historic Reed River building next to Polaris Industries, has the largest section of Polaris merchandise in the area. Save time to take the free tour through their Polaris Museum while here.

shoppolaris

Looking for the perfect gift? Ronnings of Roseau has the best brands in the borderland, you are sure to find something for everyone. Explore the Men’s, Women’s, Kid’s & gift sections to find everything from cozy hoodies, slippers, pajamas, and blankets to YETI drinkware, endless toys, the latest styles from The North Face, Under Armor & Hey Dude – they’ve got it all! RONNINGS Gift Cards are always a hit & they never expire.

shopronnings

Tis the season for gift giving! Get ahead of the game and start your Christmas shopping at Annie’sThey have it all from winter gear, home decor, clothing for kids, teens, and adults to cheese, seafood, and steaks. It’s your destination shop!  

shopannies23

Ace Hardware features great deals on hardware and home improvement essentials. The holidays are a busy time, as people host friends and family in their homes. Ace Hardware wants to make it as easy as possible to get your home ready for all of the holiday festivities.

shopace

Deck the Halls with essentials for everyone on your list at Tractor Supply. No matter your budget, we have you covered.   Shop in-store or online for some great deals with curb-side pick up options. Let us help you haul it home for the holidays.  

shoptractor

Roseau Computers is your fully stocked Computer Shop in downtown Roseau! 

In addition to desktop and notebook computers, Shawn carries printers, monitors, mice, routers, ink, speakers, cables, power backup devices, and so much more! – conveniently located in Downtown Roseau across from the Silver Dragon Restaurant.

shoproseau 1

Don’t forget to put something under the tree for your four-legged family members. Pet Pantry has toys, CBD products, and winter gear. Make a special stop to shop the treat bar for stocking stuffers!

shoppets

M&M Modern Material is the place to shop for the quilters on your gift giving list. Shop their large selection of high-quality fabrics,  must have sewing notions, or pick up a gift certificate for long arming or fabric. Classes are also available.

shopmm

Stop and shop at Studio K, a women’s boutique in northern Minnesota. “They believe beauty is most prominent when you are comfortable in your OWN skin…and let’s face it, a killer wardrobe helps. It is their mission to curate a line that is all-inclusive, no matter your shape or size ( small to 3x). They also offer clean skincare and beauty products, jewelry, and candles. The entire line is curated by the owner so expect unique high quality, on-trend items.  It’s perfect for holiday gift-giving just remember, self-care is important too so grab a guilt-free gift for yourself too.  

shopstudio

Holter Floral is your one stop shop for all things floral, gifts, decor, and plants this holiday season! We offer a wide variety of winter greens for your porch pot, custom wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, Christmas cactus, decor, and fresh-cut Christmas trees. Can’t find a gift for that certain someone? Stop in and we will help!

IMG 7459

Coast True Value is your locally owned hardware store. They’re proud to be a member of the True Value family, and here to serve our community. Whether you’re a pro or taking on a DIY home improvement project for the first time, they’re right here in your neighborhood with the expert advice, tools, equipment and the products you need to get the job done. Holiday shopping is fast and easy, we even gift wrap. Check out their fish finders, lease making supplies, and power tools. They will get smiles when they are unwrapped!

shopcoast

Peace Grenades is your local Screen Printing & Apparel business, located off HWY 11 West in Roseau. They offer clothing gear for Infants, Toddlers, Youth, Men and Women. They also carry a full line of Retrospec outdoor toys, including iSUPS, Long Boards, Skateboards, Snow Shoes, and MORE! Peace Grenades is the only place in town that carries the high-end sport sunglasses, Pit Viper. Looking for discs for Disc Golf? They have those too! Stop by and grab something rad for the whole family.

image 6
347244104 2004812733213552 4882869688793032258 n
358663285 2021393224888836 1960364211338051378 n
393686417 719148716901835 8662961990174956954 n

When you shop, dine, and enjoy local Roseau businesses this holiday season, be sure to pick up Holiday Fantasy Tickets, for a chance to win a special Thank You gifts from our local businesses.

2023 Roseau Holiday Fantasy Poster

Nights of Lights at Pioneer Farm

Nights of Lights Roseau, MN

A Holiday Tour of Lights.

 Updated 3/20/2024

There is something about the twinkle of Christmas lights that puts a smile on everyone’s face. We want to welcome you to Roseau’s FREE Holiday Light Tour.

Nights of Lights is a holiday light show at Pioneer Farm and Village on select nights in December. The old settlers’ village is light with the spirit of Christmas. From the old church to the shops and barns, the entire village comes alive. The moment you leave your car, you feel as if you entered a Hallmark Movie set. We hope it becomes an annual tradition for your family for years to come. 

Click here to view lodging options, or GO ROSEAU at the top of this page to view itineraries and things to do while visiting.

Nights of Lights Roseau, MN

DATES AND TIME

Event Time: 5:00pm  – 8:00pm

Dates:
Friday – Sunday

Walk Through: December 6,7,13,14,20,21

 (Vehicles will not be allowed these days. The roads will not be plowed.)

Drive-Through Sundays: December 8,15,22,24

Nights of Lights Roseau, MN

Mr. and Mrs. Clause have taken the time out of their schedule to visit the farm each night except the night before Christmas.  He has an important job to do that night. Did you or the kiddos write a letter to Santa?  Be sure to bring it to hand deliver into the Clause’s. All mail will be sent to the North Pole by our staff. Cozy in next to them for a photo and whisper all your Christmas wishes in the big guy’s ear. Kids’ activities will be set up, giving Santa a chance to see who is being naughty or nice.

Nights of Lights Roseau, MN

Stop by for some treats and hot cocoa; our sponsors will greet you with a smile and holiday good cheer. It’s with their generous donations that this event can be FREE of charge. Thanks to our founding sponsors: Polaris, LifeCare, Citizen’s Bank, BorderBank, Marvin Windows, and Karl Manufacturing. New this year is an ice skating rink sponsored by Northern Resources/Cenex.

Come out for a night of family fun, take a hayride, browse the village, and join in caroling. Leave your mark by building a snowman and warm up by the fire. Be on the lookout for the Grinch. There is so much fun and festive times to be had. Join us as we bring Joy to the World!

Nights of Lights Roseau, MN

You won’t want to miss this event. Be sure to get this on your calendar before the hustle and bustle of the season gets your tinsel in a tangle.

Polaris Manufacturing | Taking you back to 1979

The history of Polaris runs deep in the Roseau community.  Born in 1954 in a shop outside of town, David Johnson, Edgar and Allen Hetteen pioneered the first Polaris snowmobile in Roseau, MN.

PolarisSignatures
  • To honor the history of our founders and employees, take a moment to walk back through time and see how Polaris Roseau Plant looked in 1979.  

Enjoy the history with this photo collection.

Today, Roseau continues to be the largest US manufacturing operation to date producing snowmobiles, off-road ATV’s, and the Sportman.  Last winter in Roseau,  Donavon Hetteen took out one of the early machines, started the engine that his dad help design, and took the grandkids for a ride. Hardwork, family, strong values and craftsmanship of a quality product remains at the forefront of Polaris Manufacturing.  Come celebrate 70 years with us in Roseau on August 16-18, 2024.

hetteenracing 4

Polaris 1954- 2024 Celebrating 70 Years

Polaris Save the Date 1

Historic Site Penturen Church

Historic Site Penturen Church

Also known as the “Cathedral in the Pines.”

Historic Site Penturen Church was started in 1926 and has since been restored. It now stands alone deep in the wilderness of the Beltrami Island Forest.

The doors are open 24 hours a day for visitors and worshiping. While visiting, feel free to step inside and enter the past. A collection of notebooks sits on a table below the cross filled with names of those who traveled here. Be sure to add your names to the book. You can also browse photo albums along with some history about the church. The surroundings are so tranquil. If a gentle breeze is blowing, you can hear the melancholy tune of the windchimes hanging on the steeple.

Inside Penturen Church
  • Besides being a chapel, a cemetery sits under the tall pines marked by a 10-foot cross
  • The Penturen Catholic Cemetery was settled ten years before the church was built
  • It is located in the Unorg Elkwood Twp Sec 36, the name coming from the many elk that had located in this township due to the coverage of wooded lands
Cross in woods

The first settlers to this area came in the early 1900s to live and work the land. Their artisan well still provides water to guests and woodland animals. It was said to be a hard life with rocky land and cold winters. Many of the original settlers are buried here. The State of Minnesota offered a resettlement program to its inhabitants between the years of 1934 to 1936 and turned over the land to Beltrami Island State Forest. The residents were all asked to move out of Sec 36.


In 1992, the Roseau County Historical Restoration surveyed the cemetery and found stone marking burials as early as the 1900’s. They discovered these markers.

cemetery

Ebertowski, Baby Boy, b. /d. 1915, newer headstone, Around the curve from the little cemetery to the West side


Ebertowski, girl, b. /d. unknown
Ingeman, Garyle, b. 1944, d. 2002, new headstone


Merger, Mrs., b. /d. unknown, mother of John & Peter
Stanislowski, no first name, b. /d. unknown


Szczesny, Jakob, b. 2 Jul 1850, d. 11 June 1926


Znajda, Victoria Ann, b. 22 Dec 1920, d. 6 Oct 1921, Baby girl, newer headstone, the original broken cross rests by the side of headstone, around the curve from the little cemetery to the West side

Today guests can drive, ATV, or snowmobile into the church nestled deep in the woods. Its history is well kept, as is the site. It’s open for picnics and weddings. Various churches host Sunday services in the chapel. The pines that tower over the church wrap around it like it is being protected by nature. Walking trails lead into the woods, where visitors like to bird hunt, forge mushrooms, or take in the golden hours of sunscapes.

ATV

Oftentimes, this area is referred to as God’s Country. It certainly has that feeling. The road that leads in twists and winds through the dense forest until the church steeple comes into site. The sun peaks through the trees, leaving a golden aura that stretches to the heavens. The old church bell behind the church tolls signaling another visitor has found their way into the cathedral in the pines.

Old church bell

Directions:

The church is located 7 miles east of Roseau on Hwy 11

  • Turn right (south) on County Road 9
  • Drive approx 15 1/2 miles south
  • Turn left (east) drive 2 miles on County Road 19
  • Turn right (south) 1 mile
  • Then left (east) 2 miles on 150 St.
  • Turn right (south) 1 mile
  • Turn left (east) 1 mile
  • You will now be on the Winner Forest Road for 2 miles, watch for the Historic Silo on your left (North) side of the road
  • Drive past the Elkwood Cemetery which will be next on left side of road.
  • Turn right (south) on Penturen Forest Rd. for 2 1/2 miles
  • Then turn left (east) onto Summer Forest Rd.
  • Follow this road to the end

Polaris History

One of the most notable facts about Roseau is that it was the birthplace of snowmobiling and Polaris Industries.

Today, Roseau is still home to the snowmobile and Polaris Industries. Although Polaris is most famous for building snowmobiles they now actually produce more All Terrain Vehicles or ATVs than snowmobiles. 

Visitors are invited to visit the Polaris Industries assembly plant in Roseau and watch snowmobiles and ATVs being built. Plant tours are Monday through Friday at 2 p.m.

Guests may also visit the Polaris Experience Center located just north of the assembly plant and take a trip back to the very beginnings of Polaris in Roseau and the very first snow machines that are the predecessors of today’s snowmobiles. The Experience Center highlights the changes and growth of Polaris to the company it is today with approximately 16,000 employees worldwide and numerous locations throughout the USA and the World. The Experience Center contains a gift shop where various Polaris items can be purchased. Admission to the Experience Center is free with regular hours Monday through Saturday. Call 218-463-4999 for more information.

IMG 5859

Let’s take a look back at the Polaris Race Team, known as the Mid Night Blue Express.

Snowmobile manufacturers, including Minnesota-grown Polaris (Roseau) and Arctic Cat (Thief River Falls), had begun competing with each other on the race track in the late 1960s. By the mid-1970s, professional snowmobile racing was a wildly popular sport with a rabid fan base. Polaris’s factory racing team enjoyed its greatest success with a threesome of drivers—Steve Thorson, Brad Hullings, and Jerry Bunke—known collectively as the Midnight Blue Express. On February 26, 1978, Bunke, whom snowmobile historian Jerry Bassett later called “the supreme embodiment of the golden age of snowmobile racing,”  was killed in a race accident.  It was clear that the speed of the vehicles and the design of the sleds were changing and moving toward a powerful sport model. (Bunke on the R)  

Today two great riding legends still reside in Roseau: Bob Pzakwas and Jim Bernat. Their stories are lively and capture the thrill of the ride. That same thrill that made Polaris the company it is today. 

This year Polaris will be celebrating its 70th Anniversary. On January 11, 1956, David Johnson’s snowmobile took its first test run. The rest is history! Roseau will be hosting a celebration commemorating this milestone on August 16-18, 2024.

IMG 5869

From an idea developed in a shop in Roseau to a Fortune 500 Company.  This company had a rocketship ride to success in development, manufacturing, racing, and engineering. Polaris would like to welcome its riders and all powersport enthusiasts to the city where it all began-Roseau. Come   celebrate with us.

Photo Credit: Polaris Industries