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

04/22/2026
04/20/2026

Hello!
It has been brought to my attention that there is a Pancake Breakfast in Osage this coming Sat ( April 25th, 2026) at the Osage Community Ctr from 7:30am to 10:30am, sponsored by the Osage Lions Club.

Send a message to learn more

03/30/2026

Reminder, car club meeting tonight at 6:30 pm at the Heartland Inn.

Special night: Our first guest speaker tonight, Dustin is coming to talk about the challenges/results of putting fuel injected motors in street rods.

Car club business, car show update, and new business will be first. Coffee, water and snacks provided.

See you all there.......so is the weather warm enough to bring out the cars???

☀️ with the sun shining more and more reminds us to get geared up for the car shows, & mark your calendars! 👍
03/25/2026

☀️ with the sun shining more and more reminds us to get geared up for the car shows, & mark your calendars! 👍

02/23/2026

Reminder......
Club meeting tonight, Feb 23
6:30 pm at Heartland Inn.

At Ken's garage night last Thursday, we had so much food and people we had to bring in two more tables and a bunch of ch...
02/23/2026

At Ken's garage night last Thursday, we had so much food and people we had to bring in two more tables and a bunch of chairs. We had food on every work bench everywhere. So much fun seeing Ken's projects and getting a jump start on spring fever/car projects with club members. Thank you Ken for hosting. And happy birthday Ken!! (couple more pics in comments in announcement below).

So....who is up for hosting garage night in March?

Reminder: Thursday, 19th 5:00gathering at club memberKen Smith’s for a garage night3 miles south on Hwy 71 Park Rapids
02/16/2026

Reminder: Thursday, 19th 5:00
gathering at club member
Ken Smith’s for a garage night
3 miles south on Hwy 71 Park Rapids

It’s official, Mark your calendars2026 Car Show -Saturday August 8thDowntown Park Rapids
02/09/2026

It’s official, Mark your calendars
2026 Car Show -Saturday August 8th
Downtown Park Rapids

Our Club is always open to new members so, if your a vehicle enthusiast and interested in joining, can message us here o...
02/06/2026

Our Club is always open to new members so, if your a vehicle enthusiast and interested in joining, can message us here or join us @ our next meeting February 23 @ 6:30 held @ The Heartland Inn Hotel conference room

01/23/2026

Reminder: Club Meeting Monday 26th @ 6:30pm
@ Heartland Inn

Great night for about 30 of us gathered for the Car Club Christmas Party! Was cold outside, but it warmed up fast with l...
01/18/2026

Great night for about 30 of us gathered for the Car Club Christmas Party! Was cold outside, but it warmed up fast with laughter & conversation! Was great seeing everyone! ☺️🎄

Address

Park Rapids, MN
56470

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