STAR OF THE NORTH
Our chapter name hails from the most common nickname for Minnesota; The North Star State, which evolved from the State Motto L’Etoile du Nord or “Star of the North”.
Our chapter name hails from the most common nickname for Minnesota; The North Star State, which evolved from the State Motto L’Etoile du Nord or “Star of the North”. Also known as “The Land of 10,000 Lakes”, Minnesota’s geography is quietly stunning and diverse. There are several major landforms in the state, including more than 11,000 freshwater lakes, miles of verdant farmland, rolling plains, hillsides and rivers.
​
The geography and Minnesota’s “theater of seasons” offers the perfect setting to exploit our love for the best German marque. BMW enthusiasts across the state make the most of a late but intense spring, a summer of warm weather activities, a fall of brilliantly colored leaves in the state’s parks and hardwood forests, and a long winter made bearable by outdoor motorsports and social gatherings.
​
In late spring, as winter nears its end, the sun rises higher in the sky and temperatures begin to moderate, North Star Chapter members are eager to unveil their treasured BMWs or get behind their everyday drivers and take them for a spin. What better way than to spend a day on one of Tom’s tours.
​
From spring through fall, from the headwaters of the Mississippi in Minnesota to Iowa, Nebraska, and western Wisconsin, Tom Lawell and his wife Debbie lead monthly tours that make the most of our beautiful surroundings; challenging drivers as they twist their way through rural backroads to a delightful destination.
​
For BMW enthusiasts looking for more technical driving challenges and speed we offer Car Control Clinics and Sommer Schnell, a high performance driving experience at the renowned Brainerd International Raceway. These events along with Summer Picnic, Bimmers & Beers, and various social gatherings round out summer and fall.
​
Minnesotans are seasoned pros at driving in winter weather. Give a Minnesotan driver an icy, slick, snow-covered road and they won’t even bat an eyelash. For teens who are new behind the wheel, we offer winter Tire Rack Street Survival Schools where they build confidence handling any make or model vehicle in unpredictable situations.
​
​
​
The most anticipated winter event, along with the Winter Dinner, is a Tech Session hosted by Motorwerks, one of our local dealers. The event offers a great opportunity to socialize while learning something new that BMW has to offer.
​
The North Star Chapter has been celebrating the brand for more the four decades. Come check us out and join in the fun with people passionate about driving their BMWs.