Super Snowmobiling Spots in Northeast Wisconsin

The time has come to hit the trails and explore the birthplace of snowmobiling – Northeast Wisconsin. For decades, local snowmobile clubs have preserved a tradition of preparing hundreds of miles of premier trails through pristine Wisconsin forests, farmlands and lakes. And even if you don’t have your own sled, rentals are available and the trails are calling.

Be sure to check the Wisconsin Snow Report to stay up-to-date on the latest trail conditions.

Vilas County Trails

Home to 600 miles of legendary trails, Vilas County is known as the snowmobiling capital of the world. SnowGoer Magazine has even rated Eagle River in Vilas Co. as the best overall snowmobile destination, due in part to its top ranking for best overall trail riding. Dedication from the clubs that maintain these trails is why snowmobilers describe the experience as“like riding on a highway.” 

For a place to stay, try the Sunrise Resort or one of the many cozy cabins in the area, and remember to make time for a detour to view the majestic 130-foot-tall white pines at Cathedral Point.

Nicolet State Trail

Running north from Gillett to the U.P. border, the Nicolet State Trail is a well-known, 89-mile multi-purpose recreational trail with a compacted gravel base. It shoots through the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and graces snowmobilers with snow-covered scenery as well as several restaurants, gas stations and hotels in the towns of Gillett, Townsend and Suring, among others. Additionally, it connects to multiple county trails for even more adventures.

Hodag Sno Trail

At 140 miles long, the Hodag Sno Trail is only a fraction of the 1,000+ miles of snowmobile trails in the Rhinelander area, but offers the full experience. The mixture of rolling farmlands, lowlands and pine forests provides a scenic adventure with plenty of stops for food and lodging along the route. These trails are great by themselves, but their location as a central hub connects them with other choice snowmobile destinations like Minocqua, Crandon, St. Germain and Tomahawk.

Three Lakes Area Trails

You know how the old song goes: “Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go?” Those lyrics come to life in the Three Lakes area, where its 28 lakes and 186 groomed trail miles run through open farmland, heavily wooded areas and across frozen waterways. At the end of the ride, experience Three Lakes’ old-fashioned charm and hospitality with a stop at Black Forest Pub & Grille, Pike’s Pine Isle Lodge or Lumpy’s Sports Bar & Grill.

Blue Ox Trail

Traveler resources and guidance from the staff at Wild Rivers Interpretive Center in Florence make the Blue Ox Trail a great destination for first-time visitors. 

If you’re not bringing your own equipment, rental options from Pembine Sport & Lawn are available, but if you are, Wild Rivers offers free overnight parking. Whatever your plans, the Nicolet Lodge or one of the many cabins in the Florence area are great options for those spending the night or weekend.

Ahnapee State Trail

The Ahnapee State Trail, a wide 48-mile link between Kewaunee and Sturgeon Bay, treks through The Ahnapee State Trail, a wide, 48-mile link between Kewaunee and Sturgeon Bay, passes through farm fields, forested areas and along the scenic Kewaunee and Ahnapee rivers. Start in Kewaunee and continue north to explore the remaining 250 miles throughout Door County, where the restaurants, shops and hotels are limitless. As you’re passing through, be sure to explore the winding trails up and down the Niagara Escarpment in Potawatomi State Park.

Keep the ride going with these top snowmobiling spots in Northwest Wisconsin, or browse our snowmobiling directory for more!