HISTORY

The Grantsburg Lions Club held its first Snowmobile Watercross competition in July 1977 when running snowmobiles over water was a new and challenging past-time. The first race was simply held to see who could make it from the island on Memory Lake in Grantsburg to the shore, some 300 ft. away. Most didn’t, but the winner did go about 500 ft. In the years following, racers became more skilled and the machines more powerful.

LOCATION

Watercross is held at Memory Lake Park in downtown Grantsburg, WI. It is a small flowage created by a dam on the Wood River. The Village of Grantsburg is located in Burnett County, about midway between Duluth-Superior and St. Paul-Minneapolis. Granstburg is located approximately 60 miles from the northern edge of the Twin Cities, 100 miles from the Twin Ports, 115 miles from Eau Claire, and 280 miles from Madison.

ATTENDEES

Watercross has truly become a family event. Spectators come in all age groups, getting together to not only enjoy the racing, but all of the other activities as well. We provide security, plenty of rest room facilities, lots of food options, medical personnel on hand, and you’ll find Grantsburg to be an extremely friendly community. We have a kid zone with 8 inflatables – no extra cost!

SPECTATOR RULES

Our goal is to make Watercross fun for everyone who attends. Therefore, we ask your help in observing our rules. We do not allow any pets at the event or campground (an exception is seeing-eye dogs for the sight impaired). Personal fireworks are not allowed. We ask you to not bring carry-on coolers, bicycles, rollerblades, ATVs, radio-controlled toys, water balloon sling shots, shade umbrellas or shade tents, chaise lounge chairs, or other items that may hamper your neighboring spectators. We ask you to not use profane language and that you conduct yourself respectfully. Of course, we do not tolerate any weapons, intoxication, drugs, disorderly conduct, consumption of alcohol by minors and other violations of law. Our police officers are available at all times, and we are happy to report that incidents of this nature are rare.

GRANTSBURG AREA

Grantsburg is surrounded by natural resources. We are home to one of the largest state-owned wildlife areas – 30,000+ acre Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. We also border the Fish Lake Wildlife Area and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.  There are many hiking trails, rustic camping spots, places to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors. Grantsburg has an outdoor community swimming pool, attractive nine-hole golf course, public library and more. We invite you to visit the many businesses in our area including restaurants, bars, cheese store, coffee shop, brewery, clothing boutique, vintage occasional store, floral & gifts and more! Grantsburg is a hub of the snowmobile trail system with Burnett County having hundreds of miles of groomed trails. Visit the Village of Grantsburg website to learn more about Grantsburg and Burnett County Tourism for area information.