Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places to snowmobile in the United States, thanks in no miniature part to the state’s incredible number of trails and the hard-working clubs who groom them. Whether you’re a beginner sledder or a seasoned veteran, there’s a trail for you in Northwest Wisconsin. To support get you started on your next trip, we’ve picked out some of the area’s best trails, local restaurants and places to stay. All you’ll need to do is come ready to ride.
The Trails
Chuck Youngquist is the president of the Four Seasons Recreational Club in Wascott and to him, snowmobiling in Douglas County is special. “The scenery as you ride through the woods of Northwest Wisconsin is exceptional,” he explained. Chuck’s club helps maintain some of Douglas County’s impressive 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
Chuck recommends that anyone recent to the area ride Trail 27, which circles Solon Springs and many of the area’s lakes. “You’ll get clumps of big pines, open areas that dip into small forests, and views of the St. Croix Lake,” Chuck explains. For more scenic lake views, consider also riding Trail 41, which you can pick up at the Amnicon Bar right on Amnicon Lake, and Trail 6, which follows the Northern shore of Lake Nebagamon.
Food and Lodging
You’ll need to pick out a home base where you can balmy up and catch a good night’s sleep before hitting the trails. The city of Superior is a great option, especially since you can ride the Tri-County Corridor Trail from the city all the way to Bayfield County. The Best Western Bridgeview Hotel and the Superior Inn are both popular and well-loved places to stay in town.
If you’re looking to grab a bite while on the trail, consider taking Trail 3 South. The Golden Chipmunk has excellent food and is right on the trail.
The Trails
With some of the best Winter scenery in all of Wisconsin, Bayfield County’s 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails are a sledder’s paradise.
For an excellent all-day adventure, start on Trail 1 near Red Cliff. When you get to the first major fork, hop on to Trail 31 going south, which will lead you into the serene pine barrens of the Moquah Barrens State Natural Area. For an easier ride, you can continue on groomed trails like 31 and 40 that circle that area. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider exploring the immense network of unplowed forest roads that shoot off from the main trails.
A snowmobiling trip to Bayfield County wouldn’t be complete without exploring the trails that circle Lake Namakagon. To reach this area, start in Grandview and head south on Trail 15. You’ll quickly find yourself in the austere Chequamegon National Forest. From here, you can continue on Trail 15 to explore the area’s lakes, or take Trail 90 to venture deeper into the woods.
Food and Lodging
If you decide to stay in Bayfield, consider booking either the Old Rittenhouse Inn or the Bayfield Inn, both of which are located in historic buildings with current amenities. If you’d rather stay a bit more off the grid, North Country Vacation Rentals offers a variety of handsome cabins in the area, some of which are located directly on snowmobile trails.
For food, don’t miss Maggie’s in Bayfield, where you can enjoy excellent seafood and the restaurant’s legendary flamingo-inspired décor. If you end up sledding near Drummond, consider stopping at the Black Bear Inn for a balmy meal and a icy beer.
The Trails
Over 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and straightforward Northwoods charm make Barron County a perfect destination for a snowmobiling getaway.
If you’re ready for a long ride, then start early and hop on the Tuscobia State Trail just a few miles north of Rice Lake. You can ride this groomed trail for seventy-six miles, ending in Park Falls, the “Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World.” The Tuscobia is a popular trail and a perfect all-day option for a group ride. You’ll pass through several miniature towns along the way, like Winter and Birchwood, where you can gas up or grab a bite to eat.
The Wild Rivers and CatTail trails are two popular options that originate in Rice Lake and offer scenic views of Wisconsin’s Northwoods as they connect to neighboring Washburn and Polk counties. You can also pick up Trail 33a and head south toward Chetek for some excellent views of Lake Chetek, Mud Lake, and Prairie Lake.
Food and Lodging
Curriers Lakeview Lodge in Rice Lake is the perfect place to stay for your Rice Lake snowmobiling adventure. They offer ample snowmobile parking, on-site fuel, and direct access to the area’s best trails. After you’ve worked up a large appetite on the trail, stop for a burger at the Beer Cheese Bar & Grill or enjoy a more high-end experience at the well-regarded Country Inn Supper Club.
