The Ridge Riders Drag Races: Where Snowmobile Racers Push the Limits
What are the Ridge Riders Drag Races?
A winter thrill like no other, Northern Minnesota supes up their snowmobiles every year for a wintery day full of adrenaline down at the snowmobile drag race track. Each track exists on a frozen lake with groomed snow; 500 feet of track lies ahead where riders test their skills head to head in battle of raw acceleration. At the end, one rider stands alone in each of the race classes. Admission to watch is free and you can even race for a fee, with some of those proceeds going towards maintaining the over 400 miles of snowmobile trails in the surrounding area! For an exciting winter day like no other, attending one of the Ridge Riders Drag Race is an absolute must! With races across 3 weekends in late January, mid February, and early March, there are plenty of chances to see these races first-hand!
What to Expect at the Races?
When you come out to the Ridge Riders Drag Races (put on by the Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders), you should expect a day filled with adrenaline-pumping action with a variety of race classes alongside some fantastic food, drink, and entertainment! You can’t beat this action!
High-Speed Action on the Snowmobile Drag Strip
The frozen in-land lake provides the perfect drag strip for going full throttle with the snowmobiles. These snowmobiles can reach extremely high speeds in adrenaline-filled action that never ceases to amaze onlookers! With races all day and tons of people about, there is no better way to spend a cold winter day!
Race Classes, Competitors, and Must-See Heats
Following morning registration, hours of racing ensues. With 13 race classes encompassing snowmobiles like 600 stock, 4 stroke turbo, and open series, there is a great variety in size, power, and speed that keeps the day interesting. As race classes advance, Some of these high-powered snowmobiles are capable of exceeding 100 miles per hour on a frozen lake setting! With opportunities to meet the competitors as well, there is never a dull moment down at the frozen race track.
Food, Drinks, and Entertainment at Poplar Haus
Hosted outside of a series of local lodges with incredible food and drink, the entertainment and atmosphere of these drag races is amazing. Skyport Lodge & Raven Rock Grill, Hungry Jack Lodge, and Poplar Haus all serve as fantastic hosts for racers and attendees alike to make for an exciting and truly wonderful day. While the temperatures may be cold, the food from these lodges and grills certainly are not!
How to Make the Most of Your Race Weekend
To make the most of your race weekend, getting there early certainly helps. Races start at 11 AM, but registration happens after 9:30 if you want insight into race preparations and potentially the opportunity to meet the competitors. Of course, getting there earlier allows you to set up shop in a nice spot on the track. Make sure to stay for the awards at the end!
Best Spots to Watch the Action Up Close
The best spots to catch the action up close are around the back and sides of the starting line. With drag races, starts are essential. Seeing the competitors up close and how they get off the line with the green light is crucial to their success in the race. With no attendees able to watch along the side of the majority of the track for safety reasons, getting a good spot around the start provides the best viewing experience.Â
Tips for Staying Comfortable in Winter Conditions
Given the race takes place in Northern Minnesota winter on a frozen lake, having warm clothing is essential to staying comfortable. Gloves, jackets, hats, and layers underneath keep that essential heat close to your body. For a quick warm up, each location has an accessible lodge and grill that sits nearby to offer a warm inside, hot foods, and great drinks to warm the body.
The Best Post-Race Activities in Crane Lake
When races are over, there is still no shortage of activities to partake in at Crane Lake. With restaurant and tavern options, you can relax away from the crowds that come for the race. Sitting by a cozy fire at your cabin or at the lodges around Crane Lake makes for an extremely relaxing night after a day of adrenaline-filled snowmobile drag races.Â
Snowmobiling is a premier winter time activity up near Crane Lake. Read on for some go-to sources for cutting edge trail conditions in the Crane Lake area.
Why Crane Lake is the Perfect Base for the Event
A medium drive away from the Ridge Riders Drag Races, Crane Lake makes for a great base of operations. Not only can you access Grand Marais for race day, you can avoid the local crowds at a cozy spot all your own up at Crane Lake!
A Snowmobiling Hotspot Just a Short Ride Away
Crane Lake offers a nice medium of being able to attend the snowmobiling hotspot at the Drag Races while offering a space all your own to unwind and have your own time. In this way, you can throttle your weekend to exactly what you want as far as action versus relaxing.
Winter Adventures to Pair with Your Race Weekend
What’s more, Crane Lake offers a great variety of other winter adventures to pair alongside your race weekend. Whether you want to snowshoe through some beautiful terrain, ice fish on the lake, or are feeling inspired to hop on some of the hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails in the area, Crane Lake offers it all! Have the Minnesota winter vacation of your dreams!
Where to Stay in Crane Lake for the Best Experience
With plenty of places to stay around Crane Lake, you have plenty of options to fit your needs. From single lodge rooms to larger cabins/houses, Crane Lake can house your entire party for the weekend as you experience some of the best activities the beautiful Minnesota winter can offer. With food and drink easily available around the lake as well, Crane Lake has all you need!
Plan Your Trip: Snowmobile Racing Thrills and Northwoods Adventure
Pairing your Minnesota winter getaway with the Ridge Riders Drag Race is an unbeatable combination of adrenaline, relaxation, and exploration, which can be tailored to your heart’s desires. Come see what some Minnesota locals get up to in the cold of winter for an experience you’ll never forget! For a place to stay and adventures to pair with a place to snowmobile, Crane Lake offers everything you’ll need for the weekend of a lifetime! Schedule your next getaway today!
Fun for all.
This northeast Minnesota territory is part of Voyageurs National Park and offers many outdoor activities, such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond travel to Crane Lake to enjoy the vast wilderness and explore the beauty of its many lakes and waterways. There are many local accommodations from cabin rentals to fishing tours with family fun activities for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about Crane Lake and plan your visit!
