Photos taken from the Polaris Experience Centre just ten short miles from the Canadian border.
Experiencing Polaris’ rich history “Snowmobiling is just shy of a religious experience. From the first time you get on a snowmobile, winter will hold no terror for you.” Edgar Hetten, Polaris founder 1959. So reads a plaque posted in the Polaris Experience Center which is just a stones throw away from Polaris’ main factory in Roseau, Minnesota. Located in a restored dairy building, the Polaris Experience Center, is a living museum that tells the colourful story of Polaris Industries. The interactive displays trace the history of Polaris from its humble beginning in 1945 as a simple machine shop called Hetteen Hoist and Derrick to today’s $1.5 billion manufacturing powerhouse. Of particular interest to Old Sled Zone readers are the beautifully restored Sno-Travellers including Edgar Hetten’s original Sno-Traveller that he used on his epic trans-Alaska expedition in the early 1960’s. In addition to a great line up of restored snowmobiles the Polaris Experience Center presents an entire section to the company’s famed racing sleds. Just past the racing display was an interactive theatre that ran a full menu of video presentations. This was one of my favourite parts of the museum, it featured video footage used in early Polaris TV commercials and sales videos. The Polaris Experience Center is a first rate display that not only preserves the company’s rich history but also includes the latest development in Polaris snowmobile technology and a well-stocked gift shop. So just ten short miles south of the Canadian border is located one of the world’s finest displays of snowmobile heritage. The Polaris Experience Center, it’s worth the trip to see and experience!