Wisconsin offers some of the coldest weather in the U.S., making it one of the best places to ride a snowmobile. With trails that are maintained well, you can take in the scenery the state has to offer without worrying something will happen along the way. Go as fast or slow as you want, taking in the sights of these trails all winter long.
The state offers a plethora of snowmobile trails to check out, but there are 26 best trails to go on. These trails often intersect with each other and are well-cared for by volunteers and local clubs. Which trails should you consider for your next Wisconsin snowmobile riding adventure?
Let’s see the most popular snowmobile trails in Wisconsin!
Where Can You Snowmobile in Wisconsin?
Without further ado, here is our list of the best 26 snowmobile trails in Wisconsin:
- Ahnapee State Trails
- Barron Snowmobile Trails
- Bayfield/Hayward Snowmobile Trails
- Blue Ox Trail
- Boulder Junction Snowmobile Trails
- Burnett Snowmobile Trails
- Door County Snowmobile Trails
- Douglas Snowmobile Trails
- Eagle River Snowmobile Trails
- Governor Knowles State Forest
- Hodag Sno-Trails
- Hurley Snowmobile Trails
- Marathon County Snowmobile Trails
- Minocqua Snowmobile Trails
- Mountain-Bay State Trail
- Nicolet State Trail
- Racine County
- Rock County
- St. Germain Snowmobile Trails
- Three Lakes Snowmobile Trails
- Tomahawk Snowmobile Trails
- Townsend/Lakewood Area
- Vernon County Snowmobile Trails
- Vilas County Snowmobile Trails
- Walworth Snowmobile Trails
- Wild Rivers State Trails
Let’s take a closer look at each of them!
26 Best Snowmobile Trails in Wisconsin
1. Ahnapee State Trails
In northwest Wisconsin is the 45-mile path known as the Ahnapee State Trails. It’s located between Kewaunee and Sturgeon Bay and includes many bodies of water adjacent to the Door Peninsula. Here, you will find the Ice Age Trail, a 1,200mile-long hiking route that includes the National Scenic Trail.
2. Barron Snowmobile Trails
The Barron Snowmobile Trails are well-maintained thanks to the Barron Area Nordic Trail Association members. The trails nestled among the maple and oak tree forests are called Rockman’s Woods. They include the Wild Rivers Trail, Cattail Trail, and Tuscobia Trail – all of them connecting to nearby counties.
3. Bayfield/Hayward Snowmobile Trails
Snowmobilers that come to the Bayfield area can get a lot of enjoyment out of this winter wonderland. Southern Bayfield County has hundreds of miles of wilderness trails that offer tours that showcase the area’s natural splendor. As such, many people tend to come back every year, unable to get enough of the scene. Here, you can enjoy the forests, hills, lakes, and pine stands that comprise the trail system.
4. Blue Ox Trail
There are 200 miles’ worth of unspoiled rivers and rolling hills along with the Blue Ox Trail system, which includes Florence County. The Blue Ox Trail Riders comprise of various clubs coming together, taking care of and maintaining the trails. Half of the trails go through private property, which means there are strict laws about the snowmobile trails.
5. Boulder Junction Snowmobile Trails
130 miles into the Lake Superior Snowbelt is the Boulder Junction Snowmobile Trails. Snowmobilers can take in the sights the Manitowish Rivers have to offer while enjoying the foods and drinks of various cafés and restaurants after their ride.
6. Burnett Snowmobile Trails
There are more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails that the state takes care of, bringing Burnett together various Minnesota counties. Six snowmobile clubs have come together to ensure the trail system is cared for, using the money from the membership dues and money raised through their fundraising events.
7. Door County Snowmobile Trails
Wisconsin has many stunning areas, and Door County is no exception. And, when the snow begins to fall, the best way to experience the county that the public generally doesn’t get to see is by snowmobiling it. Most of the trails go through private land and are open only during the winter season. Over 250 miles of snowmobile trails give riders views of the woods, lakes, farmland, and countryside. Two favorite spots for snowmobilers are Peninsula State Park and Potawatomi State Park.
8. Douglas Snowmobile Trails
This 300-mile trail system offers breathtaking scenery you are sure to fall in love with. One of the trails is Trail 27, which envelopes many lakes and Solon Springs. The rest of it is an open area that goes in and out of forests and gives you picturesque views of St. Croix Lake.
9. Eagle River Snowmobile Trails
This area is regarded as Wisconsin’s big Kahuna of snowmobile trail systems. There are more than 500 miles’ worth winding through the gorgeous landscape of lakes and the Nicolet National Forest. Avid snowmobilers love the area, calling it the Snowmobile Capital of the World. It’s also the home of many well-known snowmobile races and the World Snowmobile Headquarters museum.
10. Governor Knowles State Forest
There are just 16 miles of this state forest situated in Burnett County’s southwest region. The trail links northwest Polk County to the Grantsburg village. Although it’s state-funded, the trails are taken care of by both the Sno-Neighbors Snowmobile Club and Phantom Trail Riders.
11. Hodag Sno-Trails
There are 140 miles of trail that brings the best north Wisconsin snowmobile areas together. If you want an extended tour of Northwoods’ snowmobile country, this is the trail to check out. The trail is a connection to the best spots such as Eagle River, Hurley, Minocqua, and St. Germain trails.
12. Hurley Snowmobile Trails
One snowfall season can bring more than 200 inches of snow in Hurley. As such, the more than 500 miles of snowmobile trails expand from Iron County to other nearby counties’ trails that also include Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You can also enjoy the rivers and waterfalls as well as the forests and meadowlands that make up the scenery.
13. Marathon County Snowmobile Trails
Wisconsin’s largest county is Marathon County, and it’s home to nearly 30 snowmobile clubs and has more than 790 miles of splendorous central Wisconsin trails. Many of the trails pass through private property, so it’s imperative for snowmobilers to ride responsibly through their land and respect the clubs’ work in maintaining the trails.
14. Minocqua Snowmobile Trails
This is Minocqua’s most extensive snowmobile trail system, which means you are sure to find something new along with it. The more than 1,700 trail miles are taken care of by volunteers and snowmobile clubs. Here, you can see thousands of lakes and public forests that are sure to be worth remembering. Snowmobilers love the Bearskin State Trail (also along the way) because it’s a connection to a vast number of trails (whatever direction the adventure will take you). You are sure to have fun throughout the time you are here.
15. Mountain-Bay State Trail
This trail is roughly 80 miles long, going through Brown, Marathon, and Shawano Counties, and is primarily a wooded trek. Despite the length, there are a plethora of parking and restroom amenities.
16. Nicolet State Trail
90 miles; that’s how long the Nicolet State Trail spans three counties and goes into various small communities. It also reaches the Nicolet National Forest of northeast Wisconsin. The trail used to be a railroad route the timber industry used during the latter half of the 1800s. Nearby sits the 107-mile State Line Trail of Michigan.
17. Racine County
This is a county well-known for its supper clubs, but it’s best known for the snowmobiles that ride along the 188 miles of well-maintained trails during the winter. The Racine snowmobile trails are located two hours from Chicago and just 40 minutes from Milwaukee. The trails are flat and smooth, allowing any level snowmobiler to feel the snow at whatever speed they feel comfortable.
18. Rock County
There are a multitude of snowmobiling groups in the Rock County area, including but not limited to: Janesville Snow Chiefs, Marshall Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club, Orfordville Country Riders Snowmobile Club, and Rock County Snowblowers. Each one takes time out to ensure the trail is safe and teaches riders how to ride safely. A great place to turn for more information is the Rock County Snowmobile Alliance. Here, you can learn about the various local trails and get in touch with others to find the best trails.
19. St. Germain Snowmobile Trails
The snowmobile trails that make up the St. Germain trails are a favorite for both locals and visitors. It’s located in a relatively remote area of northern Wisconsin, including the Bo-Boen Snowmobile trails that Bo-Boen Club regularly maintains. This club is regarded as the largest snowmobile club, with volunteers offering on-trail help for those who need it.
20. Three Lakes Snowmobile Trails
Three Lakes is a small quiet town known for its stunning lakes and old-school charm. It also has more than 80 miles of trails the state funds and maintains, allowing snowmobilers to enjoy the various routes from Nicolet National Forest to the 28 interconnected lakes that run to Eagle River.
21. Tomahawk Snowmobile Trails
This area includes 400 miles of trails that three snowmobile clubs take care of. 120 miles of the 400 miles is the Knight Owl snowmobile trail that connects north Lincoln County to south Lincoln County. The trail also includes pit stops and hotels for those who want to really be a part of the culture. You can learn more about this trail by visiting the Chamber and reading the online trail report.
22. Townsend/Lakewood Area
The trails of this region have been maintained and marked, which is why people tend to come here. The best area to snowmobile near Fox Valley is Oconto County. It’s connected via a snowmobile highway that extends north from Gillett to Carter.
23. Vernon County Snowmobile Trails
This county is unique in its offerings, with its mountainous terrain, assorted forestry, constricted elevations, and picturesque views. It’s home to the well-known counties of Juneau and Sauk, which offer some of the best snowmobile trails. Each trail, which spans nearly 250 miles, gets great attention from the seven highly-respectable snowmobile clubs. The clubs are in touch with landowners since the trail systems tend to run through private property.
24. Vilas County Snowmobile Trails
There are 100 miles within the Vilas County Bo-Boen snowmobile trail system, including the Eagle River snowmobile trail. This area is extremely popular with the tourists because of the plethora of snow it gets and the hospitality of the locals. It’s also the home of the state’s second-longest snowmobile trail. There are more than 1,000 club members who take care of the trail at any given time. Couples looking for a getaway can rent themselves a cabin with a hot tub. Heated garages are offered to receive maintenance on the bikes.
25. Walworth Snowmobile Trails
These trails span nearly 400 miles in southwest Wisconsin, providing ample exploration possibilities. There are plenty of open spaces with windy forests and cattail-surrounded marshes. About four miles from the center is Lake Geneva, a great place to get some food and rest for the night (many beds and breakfasts to try). Although much of the trail is owned by private landowners, people are permitted to use them.
26. Wild Rivers State Trails
The 104 miles that comprise the Wild Rivers State Trail run through three counties – Barron, Douglas, and Washburn. It’s adjacent to the old railroad route between Rice Lake and Superior. In Barron and Washburn counties, the surface is gravel, while Douglas County is made up of rough ballast. With these surfaces, the trails are great for snowmobiles, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter, and mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding during other seasons.
Conclusion
Wisconsin is a great place to go snowmobiling. Where are the best places to snowmobile in Wisconsin? Our list of snowmobile trails in Wisconsin can help you find the best trails which meet your needs. So let’s go and visit one of the best places to ride a snowmobile in Wisconsin!
References
https://www.travelawaits.com/2560315/best-wisconsin-snowmobile-trails/
