Profile
Discover the Polaris Experience Center in Roseau, Minnesota
The Polaris Experience Center in Roseau, MN, combines a museum, heritage exhibit, and factory tour to showcase the legacy of one of America’s most iconic powersports brands. Located at Polaris’ birthplace, this destination highlights the company’s innovations in snowmobiles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and motorcycles.
Visitors begin in the Experience Center museum, which displays historic snowmobiles, ATVs, trophies, and memorabilia from over 70 years of innovation. Interactive exhibits explain Polaris’ engineering breakthroughs and its role in shaping modern outdoor recreation. The highlight for many is the factory tour, where guests can see Polaris vehicles being assembled with precision and craftsmanship.
Why it’s special:
Unlike a standard museum, the Polaris Experience Center is located within the company’s original hometown and factory. Visitors see the heritage, the machines, and the current production all in one place. For outdoor enthusiasts, school trips, and families, it’s an immersive way to connect with the story of powersports.
History/Story of Polaris
Polaris was founded in Roseau, Minnesota, in 1954, when Edgar Hetteen, David Johnson, and Allan Hetteen built one of the first practical snowmobiles. From those early days, Polaris grew into a global leader in powersports vehicles, producing millions of snowmobiles, ATVs, and side-by-sides.
The Polaris Experience Center opened to celebrate this legacy, combining a heritage museum with a living connection to the factory where Polaris continues to design and manufacture vehicles today.
What You’ll See & Do at the Polaris Experience Center
Explore the museum exhibits with vintage snowmobiles, ATVs, and memorabilia.
Learn the story of Polaris innovation through interactive displays.
Watch videos and exhibits about racing history, design, and engineering.
Join a guided factory tour to see Polaris vehicles in production.
Shop at the Polaris retail store for branded merchandise and apparel.
Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits, video displays, and walking through factory observation areas.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in museum; restricted during factory tour.
Souvenirs & Extras:
Polaris retail shop with apparel, accessories, and collectibles
Vintage machines on display unique to the Roseau museum
Pricing of Polaris Experience Center Tour
Adults: $5
Seniors (65+): $3
Children under 12: Free
Group tours: Available with advance reservation
Practical Info for Visiting Polaris Experience Center
Duration: ~1–2 hours (longer if including factory tour)
Format: Self-guided museum visit + optional guided factory tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Open weekdays, 8 AM–5 PM; factory tours offered on select days; closed weekends and major holidays
Audience: Families, school trips, outdoor recreation fans, engineering enthusiasts
Accessibility: Museum is wheelchair accessible; factory areas may have limited access for mobility devices
Safety & Restrictions:
Closed-toe shoes required for factory tour
Minimum age may apply for factory floor access
Children must be supervised at all times
Languages: English; group interpreters may be arranged
Group & School Visits: Group reservations welcome; educational tours available for schools
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes; closed-toe shoes for factory; valid ID for adults joining the tour
Facilities: Museum, retail store, restrooms, free parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed weekends, holidays, and during factory maintenance periods
Location & Booking
Getting There: Free onsite parking; Roseau is ~10 miles south of the Canadian border and accessible via Hwy 11
Booking: Museum walk-in admission available; factory tours require advance booking
Cancellation & Refunds: Not applicable for walk-in museum visits; call ahead for group cancellations
On-Site Extras: Retail store, interactive exhibits, photo ops with vintage Polaris vehicles
Nearby
Roseau County Historical Society & Museum
Hayes Lake State Park
Northern Minnesota snowmobile and ATV trails
FAQs About Visiting the Polaris Experience Center
Do I need a reservation for the museum?
No, the museum is open for walk-in visitors during regular hours.
Is there a minimum age for the factory tour?
Yes, factory tours may have age restrictions (often 12+). Check when booking.
Can I take photos during the factory tour?
Photography is restricted in production areas but allowed in the museum and retail shop.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 1–2 hours, depending on whether you include the factory tour.
Is the Polaris Experience Center family-friendly?
Yes, families are welcome, and children enjoy the exhibits and vintage machines.
Do I get to see vehicles being built?
Yes, the factory tour includes live views of snowmobiles and ATVs in assembly.
Map
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.