In early September, I took part in my very first edition of the legendary Hay Days. This annual event marks, without exaggeration, the “official start of winter”. Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect. But as soon as I arrived at the site in North Branch, Minnesota, I immediately understood why Hay Days is considered an unmissable event.
Origins and History of Hay Days 1967: the First Snowmobile Race on Hay
In the 1960s, snowmobiling was still a budding hobby. A group of passionate enthusiasts, members of the future Sno-Baron’s Snowmobile Club, began organizing races on tracks covered with hay, hence the name “Hay Days.” The first race took place in November 1967 in Ham Lake, Minnesota, on a bed of dry alfalfa. At first, only Twin Cities—area riders dared to take part. Later, the event quickly grew in popularity.
1976: Integration Into the Southern Wisconsin Drag Racing Association
In 1976, it became part of the Southern Wisconsin Drag Racing Association circuit. This anchored Hay Days in the North American snowmobile racing landscape. Since then, the event has been held every year on the weekend, following Labour Day, on grass rather than hay, providing a faster, more consistent surface.
1980: Creation of the Swap Meet
In 1980, organizers added the Swap Meet. This gigantic marketplace for parts and memorabilia brings together exhibitors and collectors from everywhere.
2010: Hay Days Settles in North Branch
In 2010, the Sno-Baron’s Snowmobile Club purchased land in Sunrise Township, near North Branch. With this acquisition, the volunteer-run club established a permanent site for Hay Days. Since then, the event has become a two-day gathering that attracts tens of thousands of participants in September sunshine instead of November cold.
Hay Days’ Community Commitment
Did you know that Hay Days also has a community mission? Each year, organizers redistribute the profits generated by the event. These funds support affiliated snowmobile clubs and ensure trail maintenance. They also fund scholarship programs. Finally, a portion is donated to charitable organizations such as Make-a-Wish or local food banks.
Organization of Hay Days: Location, Dates, and Host Club
Hay Days takes place each year in North Branch, Minnesota, on the weekend following Labour Day. More precisely, the site is located at 38740 Oriole Avenue. This year, the event was held on September 6 and 7.
A Unique Volunteer-Based Organization
The official host is the Sno-Baron’s Snowmobile Club, a fully volunteer snowmobile enthusiasts’ club based in the region. The organization devotes considerable energy to this annual convention: planning, building the race tracks, welcoming exhibitors, managing concessions and coordinating local security.
The Double Purpose of Hay Days:
Today, Hay Days is considered the largest snowmobile event in the world. It is a reference point for riders, brands and powersport enthusiasts. As such, the event serves two distinct but closely linked missions:
- To offer a spectacular event featuring races (grass drags), freestyle demonstrations, a massive marketplace (Swap Meet), and the unveiling of new models.
- To concretely support the community through funds and scholarships provided to other clubs, trail infrastructure, etc.
My Experience: Highlights of the 2025 Edition
Welcome and Atmosphere Right From the Start
I arrived on Saturday morning, September 6; the site was already packed. No surprise, the event would welcome nearly 100,000 people over two days. The September sun, lively alleys and massive booths formed a vibrant picture of life, adrenaline and community.
Grass Drags: Legendary Races on Grass
The grass drag races, managed by Velocity Race Management, were undoubtedly the most spectacular part of the weekend. Imagine: snowmobiles propelled at over 150 mph (240 km/h) over a 500-foot stretch. A burst of adrenaline that lasts less than 3.5 seconds! It’s impressive. I watched Stock, Improved Stock, Pro Stock and Pro Modified classes run all day in mind-blowing accelerations!
The weekend was punctuated with elimination rounds and finals. The spectators provided incredible energy! You could feel the tension before every start, then an explosion of noise and speed as the finish line was crossed.
Freestyle Expo: the Art of the Spectacular
Meanwhile, the Freestyle Expo was held not far from the races. This activity showcased riders worthy of the X Games. Athletes performed acrobatics such as backflips, Superman jumps and improbable tricks on snowmobiles, quads or pit bikes. They were clearly aiming to draw the loudest “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd.
The engines roaring in mid-air, the ramps, and the riders lined up on the stands—it was a visual and sound show that matched the event.
Swap Meet: An Aladdin’s Cave for Snowmobilers
The Swap Meet, launched in 1980, is another central component of the event. Thousands of vendors from across North America displayed their varied products. Vintage parts, recent accessories, equipment and memorabilia could be found. This section alone covers an enormous 30 acres (over 12 hectares).
I felt transported into an Aladdin’s cave of the snowmobile world—so much variety! If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, it probably doesn’t exist anywhere else.
Southern Bounty Series & UTV/ATV Races
Later, I also had the chance—again, for the first time—to attend the Southern Bounty Series. This extreme competition features side-by-sides (UTVs) launched onto a muddy track in risky timed events. Categories included Kids, Small Tire, Medium Tire, and Large Tire. The atmosphere was just as electrifying as at the grass drag races.
I Wasn’t Alone!
This year, the Motoneiges.ca team also included André Junior Pilon, Jessy Poirier, and our friendly Denis Lavoie. The latter couldn’t praise this grand event enough. “For Motoneiges.ca, travelling to Minnesota for Hay Days is a must,” he proudly mentioned.
New Products: Unveilings and Showcases
For me, one of the highlights was the presentation of the new 2026 models, especially at Arctic Cat. The ZR 600 EPS with electronic power steering on a two-stroke engine attracted a lot of attention. Brad Darling, CEO following Argo’s recent acquisition of Arctic Cat, spoke at the unveiling.
He took the opportunity to reaffirm the brand’s commitment to dealers and riders. In his words, EPS improves handling and comfort without overly affecting the price. In fact, the increase is only US$800 (CA$1,115) compared to the Sno Pro version.
Of course, other major brands, such as Polaris, Ski-Doo and CFMOTO, also had booths. Manufacturers showcased prototypes, new models, demonstrations, prize draws and various promotional items.
Polaris, for example, had an interactive booth with a lottery, personalized caps and vehicle trials.
Food and Lifestyle of the Event
As for food, we were spoiled! Everywhere, food trucks offered a variety of dishes—BBQ, mini-doughnuts, deep-fried cheese curds, coffee, cold drinks, etc. Participants had plenty of quality options.
There were also lounges, such as Brewski’s Backyard. You could settle in there to relax, have a drink and enjoy some shade between shows.
The event’s mobile app, launched in 2025, made navigating the site easier. It provided access to detailed schedules, interactive maps, exclusive promotions and even a personalized agenda. It was very useful to help me locate the races or exhibitors I didn’t want to miss.
Community Involvement and Volunteering
All in all, what deeply struck me was the volunteer commitment of the Sno-Baron’s Snowmobile Club. The organization relies entirely on volunteers who manage everything, from track installation to welcoming visitors. Let’s also remember their philanthropic mission. As mentioned earlier, the club donates a significant portion of the profits to local causes.
Verdict on my first experience at Hay Days
A Complete Snowmobile Festival
This annual gathering brings together so many aspects of the culture: races, freestyle, shopping, community, food, etc. I got a complete picture of snowmobile culture. In the end, Hay Days is not just an industrial expo. It’s a lively and unifying celebration of a culture.
Telling Numbers
With 100,000 participants, the 2025 edition maintained its status as the largest snowmobile show in the world.
A Modernized Tradition
Looking back, I realize that Hay Days has succeeded in preserving its roots. Grass drag races and the amateur spirit, transformed over time into a true volunteer institution, are proof of this. At the same time, the event has risen to the rank of major professional gatherings, with its mobile app, premium zones, new UTV/ATV race categories and high-tech booths. This balance between heritage and modernity truly impressed me.
My Take Away From My First Hay Days:
- The soul of the event, which lies in the Sno-Baron’s Snowmobile Club volunteers and the organization’s positive commitment to the community.
- The diversity of activities, from drifting to freestyle, from the Swap Meet to mud races, etc.
- New product announcements, especially the world premiere of the 2026 Arctic Cat ZR 600 EPS.
- The friendly, community atmosphere: the warmth of volunteers, participants’ passion, cultural diversity (pro and amateur, young and old, clubs, etc.).
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Hay Days
Everyone says that Hay Days is a must in the snowmobile world. But why exactly? Well, I understood it in just a few hours. Hay Days is more than an event—it’s a symbol of North American snowmobile culture. And here’s why:
- A proven heritage: founded in 1967, the event is run by an amateur club, sustainable and committed.
- A coherent evolution: from a one-off race to the biggest show of its kind.
- An organization based on volunteering that gives back to the community.
- World-class offerings: product launches, extreme races, freestyle shows, etc.
- A unique atmosphere: a mix of adrenaline, reunions, vintage shopping and joyful gatherings.
A Few Recommendations for Hay Days
If you’re a snowmobile enthusiast, a dealer or simply a powersport fan, you must absolutely mark Hay Days on your calendar. This annual convention symbolizes the “official” start of the season and brings together passion, innovation and community.
That said, make sure to book your accommodations early! The North Branch area is in high demand during this event. Avoid arriving without a reservation; otherwise you could run into problems. The organization strongly recommends several nearby camping or hotel options.
You can also buy “Premium Experience” tickets if you want fast access, an exclusive lounge and better views of the races.
Finally, download the official app in advance. It will help you navigate the site efficiently with its many features.
My experience at Hay Days 2025 won’t be my last
I have to admit, I was exhausted when leaving North Branch. But, despite my heavy legs, I was filled with frantic joy. Hay Days offered me:
- A historical dive into a tradition born from a simple love of snowmobiling.
- A contemporary organization on a North American scale.
- Spectacular shows and an array of incredible models.
- A vibrant, generous and passionate community.
In summary, my first experience at Hay Days was much more than just a weekend. For me, it was a living adventure, a concentrate of snowmobile culture and a sporting, commercial and human celebration. I leave convinced that I will return every year! I’m already dreaming of the innovations, extreme performances and human encounters that this unique event will offer me next year.
If you plan to go one day, get ready to experience something unique. And who knows, maybe we’ll run into each other there next September!
