Adventures
Snowmobile trails of Michigan and Wisconsin
The gateway to an unforgettable trip
One of the best stretches of snowmobile trail you’ll ever ride is just behind the Land O’ Lakes Library. While that might sound like an opinion only held by a librarian, there is something extraordinary about this little trail – it’s the launching point of some of the best riding in the Midwest.
This trail is the gate to snowmobiling heaven. Actually, there are two gates, which is why this place is so special. When you pull your sled onto this path, you’ll see two wooden archways above the trail.
Northern arch
Ride through the archway to the north and you’ll find yourself on the world-famous riding of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the trails maintained by the Thunder Riders of Watersmeet, Michigan. They’ll lead you to endless riding destinations in the Upper Peninsula. Take Trail #3 east and north up to Bond Flowage where you can take a look at Bond Falls, which becomes a world of natural ice sculptures in the winter. Or head west on Trail #2 and Trail #1 to Lake Gogebic. Admire the lake at Alligator Point and if you’re up for more riding, continue north to Lake of Clouds and the Porcupine Mountains. You can shave some time off the ride, conditions permitting, by riding the lake ice.
Southern arch
While the riding is beautifully endless to the north of Land O’ Lakes, there’s another incredible world to be discovered to the south, in Wisconsin. Just point your sled through the southern arch and onto the trails maintained by the Frost Snowmobile Club. A ride west on the club’s trails will take you past the south shore of Black Oak Lake, known as the clearest lake in Wisconsin. The lake ice obscures that wonder this time of year, but it’s a beautiful ride that parallels County Highway B. Heading east of Land O’ Lakes on the #6 corridor, the ride will take you to Lac Vieux Desert, the headwaters of the Wisconsin River. You can continue a ride when there’s adequate ice – make sure trails are marked open before you attempt a crossing.
To the south of Land O’ Lakes, you can ride through Conover to the racing mecca of Eagle River. Every winter, thousands flock here for the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. It’s a crazy place on derby weekend. There’s plenty of parking and it’s a fun day trip from Land O’ Lakes.
At the end of the day, you’ll find plenty of places to warm up and relax in Land O’ Lakes. There’s nothing like pulling off the cold weather gear, grabbing something warm to eat and recounting the day’s adventures with some friends. And if you’re not hungry, the library is always an option!
