One of the most innovative of Michigan's county road engineers, Larson in 1919 set up picnic tables in an Iron County forest preserve along US-2. This was quite likely the nation's first such roadside rest and recreation facility. Larson worked for the Iron County Road Commission from 1914 to 1956, the last 39 years as its engineer-manager. He instituted the purchase of wide rights-of-way and roadside timber so as to preserve attractive areas for public enjoyment. He also was instrumental in enactment of a state law permitting county road commissions to serve as county park trustees, paving the way for greatly expanded county park systems.