Polaris funds enhancements in Voyageurs National Park

Polaris Industries Inc. and the Voyageurs National Park Association have partnered to enhance snowmobile safety and trail access in Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota. Polaris is funding the construction of three new warming huts and house trail maps and other park educational material. Polaris is also donating two new FS IQ WideTrak snowmobiles to assist park rangers with winter environmental field studies and maintenance activities.

“VNPA greatly appreciates Polaris’ support and generosity. This donation will strongly enhance safety and access on our trails, and our service to the public,” superintendent Michael Ward said.

Snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing trails offer winter access across Voyageurs’ 218,000 acres. Voyageurs National Park has over 110 miles of snowmobile trails that help visitors see the beauty of the park all year round — similar to other national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Teton and those in Alaska that feature snowmobiling and winter recreation.

The donation marks the first collaboration between Polaris and Voyageurs, and VNPA is pleased that the focus has been on park access and safety.

Temperatures often dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit in northern Minnesota, and prolonged exposure to the cold and elements makes warming huts a necessary component of trail access. Snowmobiles also provide vital access for park rangers who work year round on park stewardship.

“Safe, responsible snowmobiling is an excellent way to experience the beauty and grandeur of our national parks, and we are proud to partner with the VNPA to promote such access,” Polaris CEO Scott Wine said. “We began as a snowmobile company, and our passion for riding remains strong. As such we are honored to support both the park’s rangers, as they maintain the park’s facilities, and its visitors, as they enjoy them.”