Northern Knights Car Club

Northern Knights Car Club Park rapids car club The story of a car club and its beginnings must start with why and how a number of individuals came together as a group.

The most obvious answer to why is that they share a common interest in automobiles. The more interesting part is how. Many people have an interest, to one degree or another, in cars but in the late 70’s three in particular, with a passion for old cars, were destined to meet. Jim Thorne, then the business manager for school district 309, was working on a 1934 Ford Pickup. Mike Johnson, then the man

ager of the Park Rapids Pamida store, had a 1927 Model T Roadster. Bob Helgren, a teacher with school district 309, was finishing a 1936 Ford Coupe. The meeting of these three individuals and the friendship that developed caused others to share their enthusiasm and talents. Before long, a group was gathering weekly at the Dixie Drive In to look at and “talk cars.”

With the help of the Toppers car club of Fargo, the existence of car enthusiasts in the Park Rapids area became known over a much larger area. The Toppers organized a Rod Run in the summer of 1981 and again in 1982 around the Park Rapids area. A “Rod Run” is a gathering of “rodders,” by invitation, to spend a weekend together talking about, looking at and driving their cars while enjoying the sights and activities in the area. Excited and encouraged by the success of the Rod Runs, the Park Rapids group decided to organize a club and did so on July 4th, 1982 with 14 charter member (families). The membership has grown to more than 50 member (families) and covers a large area that includes Walker, Ni**od, Wadena, Perham, New York Mills, Osakis and Lake Park. Rod Runs have been held every year since the club was organized and many new friends and experiences have resulted. The Rod Run participants continue to return because of the warm welcome and fun times they have enjoyed due to the hospitality of the Northern Knights car club, the city of Park Rapids and the people of Hubbard County. Car Club Historians:
Bob Helgren & Mike Johnson

08/27/2026
08/27/2026

** MEETING REMINDER. **
Monday August 31st
6:00pm @ the Tractor Grounds
- Picnic Shelter -
We will be having pulled pork sandwiches and root beer floats …. So if you’d like to bring any side dishes to go along, welcome to do so.

Meeting will follow at 6:30

A few car shows coming up to mark your calendars Both on September 12th 👍
08/26/2026

A few car shows coming up to mark your calendars Both on September 12th 👍

List of Trophy and plaque winners Congratulations again 🎉
08/11/2026

List of Trophy and plaque winners
Congratulations again 🎉

Wow, 42nd year was definitely a success! With registered cars and members cars- we had over 200+ vehicles ! Thanks agai...
08/09/2026

Wow, 42nd year was definitely a success!
With registered cars and members cars- we had over 200+ vehicles ! Thanks again to everyone that helped and of course our wonderful sponsors!

Pre-registration Friday night & food was delicious, was great to see everyone! Thanks to everyone who joined in & helpe...
08/09/2026

Pre-registration Friday night & food was delicious, was great to see everyone! Thanks to everyone who joined in & helped make it a success! 🎉

We’re only days away from the show this Saturday 8th & did you know after the show there is a 2:00 car cruise to follow ...
08/04/2026

We’re only days away from the show this Saturday 8th & did you know after the show there is a 2:00 car cruise to follow leaving the antique tractor grounds @ Our Club House- 1008 8th street E Park Rapids

Last day to get those pre-registrations in @ a discount so if your local can drop off in Park Rapids @ DeBliecks Budget ...
07/31/2026

Last day to get those pre-registrations in @ a discount so if your local can drop off in Park Rapids @ DeBliecks Budget Auto right off 34 @ 1006 E. 1st St. or call 732-8809

07/27/2026

Just a reminder!!

Club meeting tomorrow night (Monday 27th) at 6:30 Tractor Fairgrounds.

Really need everyone to come, it's only 13 days to our car show and we need to make sure we are ready.

Send a message to learn more

Today about 12 of us car club members cruised to Lake George blueberry fest car show!
07/25/2026

Today about 12 of us car club members cruised to Lake George blueberry fest car show!

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Park Rapids, MN
56470

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