Longville Turtle Races & Why You Should Attend Them

The small town of Longville, Minnesota - has a vibrant history of traditions that trace back decades. One of them that's quite infamous, is the exciting, "Longville Turtle Races" that feature racing turtles with a cheering crowd to motivate each turtle along the way.

Every summer this event is held and the races are something the local community in Longville loves to put on. Every type of person and age group is present at the turtle races, which also often brings people to get ice cream and snacks from along the area as well. Many people even go to the Team One Stop Outdoors gas station for their "hot stuff pizza".

With everything going on during this time of year however, the Turtle Races still seem to be a main attraction to town.

The Rich History Of The Longville Turtle Races

For the past five decades, Longville's Turtle Races have delighted children and adults alike. The tradition, which began in the mid-60s thanks to the vision of Russ Nyvall, continues to provide special summer entertainment for both residents and visitors.

On Wednesday afternoons from June through late August, a unique phenomenon takes place in Longville. The once-lively swimming beaches grow quiet, as cabins, motels, cottages, and resorts temporarily empty out. The reason? The highly anticipated turtle races that capture the hearts of all who attend.

As the clock approaches noon, the turtle mobile rolls into town, signaling the start of another exciting race day. With precise timing, around 12:30, a team of approximately 25 dedicated volunteers materialize, ready to set up the event. They unload the turtle mobile, close off the main street, and seemingly transform the entire town into a charming mini-county fair.

Children and their families gather in anticipation, eager to participate in the age-old tradition of racing turtles. The air buzzes with excitement as competitors select their chosen turtles, each uniquely decorated with vibrant colors and imaginative names. Laughter fills the streets as the turtle racers prepare for the friendly and spirited competition.

Each race is a captivating spectacle, filled with suspense and a sense of camaraderie among participants and onlookers alike. The joy and wonder on the faces of the children are infectious, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

The Turtle Races have become a beloved institution in Longville, fostering a strong sense of community and creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. They showcase the town's commitment to preserving traditions and providing wholesome entertainment for all ages.

In Longville, Wednesdays during the summer are dedicated to the vibrant, spirited, and unforgettable Turtle Races. It is a time when the town comes alive, embracing the joyous spirit of friendly competition and celebrating the simple pleasures of summertime fun.

Racing Rules & Cost

All the thrilling games, contests, and races of the Turtle Races take place right in the heart of Longville's main street. Participants eager to join the excitement pay a $5 fee, which grants them a turtle race button and a numbered sticker. Once their race heat is called, they have the opportunity to choose a turtle from the turtle vendors, adding an element of anticipation and strategy to the event.

Around 1 p.m., after all the preparations are complete, the games and contests kick off. Participants engage in various activities, including the energetic YMCA dance, the lively chicken dance, and the entertaining hula-hoop contest, among others. At precisely 2 p.m., the much-anticipated turtle races officially begin.

The first race of the day is the "Chamber Resort Turtle Race," exclusively open to participants from lodging establishments that are members of the Chamber. To take part in this race, participants must obtain a resort race ticket from their respective resorts before the event and present it at the registration table. Even if their lodging establishment is not a Chamber member, participants still have the opportunity to race in the regular turtle races and compete for grand prizes.

The regular turtle races follow immediately after the resort race. Turtles are organized into heats of ten, twelve, or fifteen, with racers gathering in the center circle. The chosen turtles are brought out by the vendors, ready for the race. As the announcer shouts "go" and special turtle race music fills the air, the racers release their turtles. Instinctively, the turtles make their way from the inner circle across the pavement, aiming to cross the outer circle. The first turtle to cross the outer circle emerges victorious, earning a green ribbon, a special prize coupon, and the chance to compete again in the championship round for even bigger prizes.

The turtle that, for reasons unknown, decides not to venture beyond the inner circle and ends up closest to the letter "A" in the word "Start" is declared the heat's "slow poke." This participant is awarded a white ribbon, a special prize coupon, and the opportunity to race again in the slow poke championship round. The winners of the championship rounds are lavishly rewarded with an array of prizes generously provided by Chamber member merchants.

Longville's Turtle Races are a thrilling and engaging event, filled with friendly competition and a sense of community. The winners' triumphs and the vibrant atmosphere make it an occasion that participants and spectators alike eagerly anticipate each summer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a local or will be traveling through Longville or even Walker during the summer, feel free to make sure your trip includes being in town during the Turtle Races.

The races are free to watch, and fun for building & strengthening the Longville community.

With our kindest regards,

Team One Stop Outdoors