Back on the ICE in 2027!
The Midwest Ride-In, the world’s largest family-friendly antique, vintage, and classic snowmobile event, Friday, January 29th, and Saturday, January 30th at French Lake, Dayton, MN
French Lake, Dayton, MN
Dehn's Pumpkins & Event Center
Tickets for Midwest Ride-In
Purchase at Dehn's Event Center Entrance
$25 Weekend Pass
• Friday, January 29th, 9 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday, January 30th, 8 AM to 5:30 PM
January 2027 Theme: Orphan Sleds of CANADA
Next Up, we celebrate snowmobiles formerly manufactured in Canada.
We have identified over 50 former brands that were produced in the 10 Canadian provinces.
We honor and praise these former brands. (We exclude Ski Doo because it is still in production.)
Why we moved to French Lake, near Dayton, Minnesota?
You commented, and we listened…
Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows, Inc. is proud to have found a new home.
Based on your feedback, we searched for a location adjacent to a lake that was close to the Twin Cities Metro area. In the Dayton/Osseo/Rogers area is Dehn’s Pumpkins & Event Center. It fits the bill because it is adjacent to 450-acre French Lake and also the NW Trails/Elm Creek Snowmobile Trail. The venue has allowed us to reduce the footprint of our event, while retaining all the show elements that you have come to appreciate at the Midwest Ride-In — like trail rides, judged show, swap meet, and a heated event center. Moreover, we are bringing back your favorites, like pork chops and “cruising the lake.”
Just off I-94 freeway, the new location feels rural, although it is within easy driving distance for our loyal (and new) fans. We are able to reduce admission pricing while also revising the experience and aura of past shows on Lake Waconia. Our 2026 event was a “home run” at the site, and we thank all of you who came and gave it a try. This new venue represents an exciting new chapter in this “World’s Largest” old snowmobile event.
Thusday and Friday
Thursday
4:00pm-6:00pm Early swap parking (Extra fee required)
FRIDAY
7:00am
Gates open for Swap setup – No parking allowed on road prior to gate.
9:00am gate opening
Main gate open for Spectators – No parking allowed on road prior to gate.
9:00am
- Ballroom open for snowmobile display, merchandise sales & silent auctions.
- Food and beverages available outside for purchase.
- Ballroom opens for Hall of Fame & Antique Club Raffle. *Use West entrance of building for Ballroom events.
11:00am–2:00pm
Pick up Show Placards in Ballroom for SATURDAY Judged Show.
Register online in advance so we can have your packet ready.
Show Registration at www.mwvss.com – NO SATURDAY MORNING REGISTRATION.
2:00pm announcement.
Announce 2027 event. Feature shirts go on sale immediately after announcement.
4:00pm–7:00pm
“Kevin Lehse Fireside Trail Ride” – Start on the lake. Ride to conclude at the Ballroom for campfire and food/drink sales. Stick around in the Ballroom and socialize. (Trail ride length dependent on snow conditions.)
3:00pm–7:00pm
“Ice Breaker Social” – Meet up in the Ballroom, with DJ music playing 80s hits.
7:00pm
Ballroom closes.
Saturday
SATURDAY
7:00am Gates open for Swap setup – No parking allowed on road prior to gate opening.
8:00am gate opening
Main gate open for Spectators – No parking allowed on road prior to gate.
8:00am
Ballroom open for snowmobile display, merchandise sales & silent auctions. Food and beverages available outside for purchase.
Ballroom open for Antique Club and Hall of Fame raffle tickets.
10:30am
“Jack Speckel Midwest Ride-In Trail Ride” – Start on the lake. Join us on a trail ride to a trailside campfire. Trail ride length dependent on snow conditions.
NOON
Threads & Sleds Vintage Fashion Show in the Ballroom.
NOON
Show Judges meeting in the Ballroom.
12:30–2pm
Snowmobile Show & Judging – south of Ballroom.
2:30pm
Live Auction in the Ballroom.
3:00pm
Show Awards Ceremony in the Ballroom.
5:30pm
Event concludes at sunset.
The Midwest Ride-In is the world's biggest family-friendly vintage snowmobile get together.
Our Organizational Committee is working hard to hold our end-of-January event.
Held annually the last weekend of January. It’s the world’s largest show of old sleds! Join hundreds of antique, vintage, and classic snowmobiles tooling around on this NW Metro “site by a lake”, and on a major snowmobile trail. We offer daily trail rides, indoor displays, judged show, swap meet, brand loyalty corrals, and a fun old snowmobile suit fashion show…
Come celebrate winter with some of the finest folks in the world on the last weekend in January
No old-sled REGISTRATION or TRAIL PERMIT requirement at Midwest Ride-In
Some attendees have asked whether the snowmobile(s) brought to the Midwest Ride-In need to have current home-state registration or a Minnesota trail pass. The answer is NO.
Our organizational Committee secures an “Event Permit” from the DNR and local officials. As such, all participants can enjoy the land and lake without worry.
For those of you who drive “modern” snowmobiles (less than 25 years old), be aware that the event grounds and lake are covered. But, if you journey beyond the event site via the many groomed trails, traditional Minnesota snowmobiler registration/trail pass rules do apply.
Thank a Volunteer!
Thanks to all the volunteers that helped pull this off:
- Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Show Committee
- River City Snow Riders
- Palmer Powder Hounds
- Northwest Trail Assn.
- Big Lake Sno-Cruisers
- Carver County Snowrunners
- Elk Lake Easy Riders and many North Metro snowmobile clubs
- Carver County Snow Runners
- Chaska Sno-Hawks
- Westonka SnoBlazers
- Southwest Trails
- SouthTonka Snowmobile Club
- Region 8 – MnUSA
Join a snowmobile club near you!
The volunteers who help you get all those cool shirts and stuff at every Midwest Ride-In!
