Who Invented Snowmobiles? And Why Aren't They Selling? | Great Lakes Now

UPDATE: On April 24, 2025, it was announced that former Arctic Cat executive Brad Darling, along with an investment group, purchased Arctic Cat with the intention of continuing snowmobile manufacturing. ‪@LakelandPBSofficial‬ covered the story here: https://lptv.org/textron-sells-trf-ba...

The modern #snowmobile was invented by Carl Eliason in Sayner, #Wisconsin, launching a booming industry. For decades, riders across the Great Lakes region have embraced the snowmobile as a winter hobby. But demand for sleds has dropped in recent years. #Michigan Public’s Tyler Scott explores the industry’s current challenges.

#GreatLakesNow #GreatLakes #Winter #Snow #Powersports #Recreation
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“The Birth of the Modern Snowmobile” was produced by Nate Sheppard Media

Produced, Written, Edited, and Shot by
Nate Sheppard

Music By
Nate Sheppard

Production Support
K Woodzick

Special Thanks
Jona Eliason

Snowmobilers
Lynne and Wayne Ax
Larry Chamberlain
Scott Thompson
Todd Miller
Jan Zannon
Jim Kempf

Additional Material
The Sayner-Star Lake Chamber of Commerce
Eliason Hardware & Lumber
The Barnstormers Snowmobile Club

“Rolls Royce Papa”
Written and Performed by Virginia Liston
Recorded in Chicago on May 29, 1926
License: Public Domain
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“Is Snowmobiling a Thing of the Past?” was produced by Great Lakes Now/‪@detroitpbs‬.

Produced and Written by
Adam Fox-Long

Edited by
Bill Allesee