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?
1956 Polaris Sno-Traveler with David Johnson
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.
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.
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!
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.
Harry Paul
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
Studio 218 is a creative digital marketing company out of Brainerd, MN. Specializing in creative content like videography and photography in the hospitality and tourism industry. Join us in October for in person classes to learn about night and morning photography and editing.
New this fall to Roseau County… the “Rustler’s Den” Escape Room located at the Country Corn Maze.
“Go back in time to 1895. Sneak into the rustler’s den. Find the gold and get out of there quick before the rustler’s get back! It’s an immersive game where you find clues and solve puzzles to accomplish your mission. Here are the things you will want to know:
The “Rustler’s Den” is a child friendly room. It is not scary and older children will enjoy it. However, you must have an adult to go through the room. We have found that while children 8+ enjoy the room, they will not escape without at least two adults working with them.
The best size group is 4-6. You are welcome to do it with only three but it will be difficult to accomplish. You can do it with 7+ but the room will be crowded and make it more difficult. It’s up to you though!”
For hours, pricing, directions and more details, visit the Country Corn Maze by clicking here.
If you have three days or more free and are looking for a true north biking experience in Minnesota, consider Roseau. A few miles from the Canadian border on a recent visit I found this area full of fun offering many off road bicycling opportunities.
An outdoor bicycle paradise
Perfect for the whole family, the city of Roseau offers a paved bike trail, along with a number of quite street routes, to easily get around, to and from your hotel.
THE QUITE CITY STREETS MAKES IT EASY AND SAFE TO CONNECT TO THE TRAIL, TO GO DOWNTOWN.
On the eastern edge of the city I found Mount Roseau. With no forest vegetation, it made it easy to see the countryside as I rode up and down the trails of this mountain bike park. At the top the view was worth stopping for. But, what was really exciting was learning about the areas remote logging roads and trails in Beltrami Island State Forest. For the gravel, fat and mountain bike riders, this is a haven if you are craving a true north experience.
Roseau a true north biking experience
Minnesota’s North Star City, the community is located in an environmental transition area of the state where the forest gives way to the prairies of the Red River Valley. Roseau is only 13-mile south of the Canadian Border and 27-mile to Lake of the Woods, by auto it is a six hour drive from the Twin Cities. In this friendly Scandinavian community, visitors will find many recreational opportunities in the towns parks and nearby state forests parks.
As a result of this unique location, wildlife enthusiasts traveling by auto, bike or foot can appreciate the outdoor paradise this area offers. Nearly forty percent of Roseau County is open, accessible through state and county parks, forests and wildlife areas. Surrounding Roseau there are tamarack bogs to the north, prairie grasslands to the west and sandy pine forests to the east. All providing ample opportunity for a gravel road ride or wilderness fat and mountain biking adventure. Along the way take in several wildlife viewing stations, pick berries or go for a hike and explore. Plus, Roseau is a prime stop on Minnesota’s premier bird watching list, on the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail.
Parks to explore in the area
Four of the most visited Roseau outdoor recreation areas are the Roseau City Park, Sprague Creek Natural Area, Hayes Lake State Park and Beltrami State Forest.
Roseau city park
THE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL ON MOUNT ROSEAU.
The City Park here is located on 40 wooded acres in southeast section of the city, along the Roseau River. The park provides a variety of activities including mountain biking and a paved trail. Here you will find Mount Roseau mountain bike trail system offering over 6.5 miles of fun twists and turns for all skill levels. The park also offers various playground equipment, sand volleyball, fishing pier and Frisbee golf.
Easy to ride to, the Peatland Scientific and Natural Area, is just north of Roseau. Once you arrive this area offers hiking trails that features many bird viewing opportunities.
Hayes Lake State Park
Accessible by bike, Hayes Lake State Park is located 18 miles southeast of Roseau, on County Road 4. Located on the edge of Beltrami Island State Forest, this quiet true north park consists of 3,000 acres of pines, Hayes Lake and wildlife. The park also features a day use area with fishing pier, swimming beach and campsites. The lake is a non-motorized recreational area where canoeing is a popular activity. Hayes Lake also offers the opportunity to view rare birds such as bald eagles, great grey owls, sandhill cranes and a variety of warblers. Wildlife found in the area includes elk, moose, bear and wolves.
Beltrami State Forest
FROM THIS FOREST ROAD MANY PRIMITIVE LOGGING ROADS AND TRAILS INTERSECT AND ARE READY TO EXPLORE BY BIKE.
Further east from the State Park and as I mentioned earlier, what really excites me about this area for a true north biking experience in Beltrami Island State Forest. The second largest of Minnesota’s 59 state forests, there are five rivers that have their headwaters here. Also containing scientific and natural areas riding the forest here is unique.
A FAMILY ENJOYING A TRUE NORTH BIKE EXPERIENCE IN THE FOREST.
In this huge forest there are more than 138 miles of logging roads and trail to explore on your bike. Make sure you have a compass or GPS device along when exploring the trails. Pedaling around low flatland’s, peat bogs and ridges covered in pines it’s easy to get lost. Pedaling along the forest roads you will pass through the heart of blueberry country. You might find evidence of a former homestead foundation or village also.
When not biking
FROM WHEELS TO SNOW TRACK THE THE THRILL TEAM HELPED TO PROMOTE SNOWMOBILING WITH THIS STUNT TRACK.
Being the birthplace of snowmobiling and Polaris Industries, in between daily outings take in a assembly plant tour and visit the museum in Roseau. At the Experience Center see artifacts from the earliest snowmobiles to Polaris’s movement into All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s). History buffs will enjoy the Roseau Pioneer Farm and Village, as well as the Roseau County Museum.
Another Roseau summer tradition is the 100-year old Roseau County Fair. Held in the middle of July, this annual event can add to your biking adventure if you visit at that time. Other activities around town include the community pool, paddling the Roseau River, the local theatre, a bowling alley and arcade.
Places to stay for a true north biking experience
On my last visit, while exploring this true north playland I headquartered at the AmericInn. Roseau also offers a couple more hotels to fit your needs. Camping (RV and tent sites-with water and electric) in the city park is also an option.
Roseau has something for every interest. Check your calendar and plan your next true north biking experience today.
If you’ve seen one shopping mall you have seen them all, so why not try something different on your next vacation. Roseau, known to many as the birthplace of snowmobiling and home to Polaris Industries, features a thriving old style downtown district with unique boutiques & an array of dining options. The entire downtown has been revitalized with paver sidewalks and old style street lighting with music playing all day long. Small pocket parks add to the quaint character of the downtown district.
After a morning of shopping, visitors are invited to tour the Polaris Industries assembly plant in Roseau to watch the production process of snowmobiles and ATVs. Plant tours are Monday – Friday at 2 p.m. A favorite stop for many visitors is the Polaris Experience Center where guests can take a trip back to the very beginnings of Polaris in Roseau along with viewing the very first snow machines that are the predecessors of today’s snowmobiles. Admission to the Experience Center is free with regular hours Monday – Saturday.
You won’t go hungry here in Northern Minnesota. Roseau offers a variety of diners, sit down supper clubs, bar & grilles, fast food restaurants, pizzerias, ethnic food, drive-ins, and cafés.
Roseau is not only is a great place for adults to visit but is also kid and family friendly too! If spending your vacation outdoors is more your style, nearly 40% of Roseau County has open access State or County parks, forests or wildlife areas. These areas provide ample opportunities for camping, hunting, wildlife watching, ATV riding, horseback riding, snowmobiling, berry picking, hiking, star gazing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Roseau is also a known prime stop on Minnesota’s premier bird watching trail, the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. Along with all the outdoor activities listed, your kids will also have a blast cooling off at the Splash Pad (opening summer 2017). End your day by listening to local musicians in the park throughout the summertime on Thursday evenings.
The goroseau.com website offers a number of suggested day trips from Roseau as well as a complete list of lodging, shopping, dining, trail maps of the area and upcoming events to help you plan your stay. Whether you are a golf enthusiasts, adventurer, outdoorsman or enjoy a relaxing vacation, Roseau has something for every interest. We invite you to come enjoy the beauty of Roseau along with the great people who call it home. Men’s Journal Magazine named Roseau: “The Friendliest Place in America” and Outdoor Living Magazine once ranked Roseau as the “20th Best City in the Nation for Outdoor Enthusiast to Live”.
