Write On : Rylee Hagen

Essay by: Rylee Hagen

Roseau Community School

Mrs. Laugen

I think what makes Roseau home is the community. Everyone here is so kind and welcoming, working together to make our town a better place. There is a “small town” feel; everybody knows each other and has each other's back. I have lots of family and friends who live here, and I get to visit them often. I guess you could say that we are “Minnesota nice”.

Roseau sports really connect our community. We have amazing sports programs that I am lucky enough to be a part of. This year I am in golf, and I look forward to golfing with my friends this summer at Oakcrest. Winter brings hockey to Roseau. We are home to great hockey programs with lots of history. Whenever there is a Roseau-Warroad rivalry game the whole rink is packed with fans. Roseau hockey has made a big impact on my life; I have been skating since I was four years old! 

When I mention to people that I’m from Roseau, they ask, “Do you play hockey?” or “You must play hockey!” Sports connect everyone, and I have made countless memories and friendships throughout the years.

Roseau is a small community; however, we have an excellent school system. We have amazing teachers and school events that everyone gets to be a part of. Our class has gone on many field trips throughout the years, the most recent at Wolf Ridge in Finland, Mnn. Someone who went said, “I wish we were at Wolf Ridge right now!”

Roseau has many places to go out to eat and shop. One of my favorite places is Reed River, where I can go get coffee. In the summer Earl’s is open, a local drive in.

One of my favorite times of year in Roseau is fair week. In the third week of July, people from surrounding towns come to visit the Roseau County Fair. The streets are busy with people. There are rodeos, demo-derbies, live music, animal showcases, great food, and fair rides. Our hockey association runs a food stand that I get to work at. At the end of the week there is a fireworks show. 

About 20 miles from Roseau is Lake of the Woods, a very popular lake for fishing and recreation. It is about a 40 minute drive from Roseau to our cabin on Rocky Point, where I love to spend time in the summer. We get to go fishing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and swimming on an amazing beach. Fourth of July weekend is my favorite, when my cousins come from cities to the lake. They always ask when they leave, “Can we stay a little bit longer?” My dad likes to go ice fishing in the winter. It’s nice to live so close to the lake. 

One of the most notable facts about Roseau is that it is the birthplace and home to Polaris Industries. Polaris was founded in 1954 in Roseau. They manufacture snowmobiles, ATVS, Rangers, boats, and much more. Today, Roseau is still home to the snowmobile and Polaris Industries. Many Roseau residents work there.

The Roseau terrain is perfect for these outdoor vehicles. Located 10 minutes from the Canadian border, we have local snowmobile trails and land perfect for off roading. In the summer I am able to bike over to my friends’ houses or the golf course.

Overall, I love this community. Our city is amazing, and there is so much history behind it. I wouldn't trade living here for anything. I think everyone who lives here feels the same way. Roseau feels like home!