Travel

Miles And Miles Of Snowmobiling Fun

Posted: 2/4/2011

The snowmobile is an important part of Wisconsin’s history and a reason why many visitors enjoy the scenic state.

(NAPSI) - With abundant snowfall and more than 25,000 miles of trails weaving through forests, lakes, fields and villages, Wisconsin’s snowmobile trail system is the envy of other states and Canadian provinces.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism offers tips on the ideal snowmobiling experience, including trails and places to stop for comfort food and rest up following a satisfying day on the trail. Details and an up-to-the-minute snow conditions report can be found on TravelWisconsin.com. Subscribe to have it delivered to your e-mail in-box in time to make your weekend plans.

Eagle River: Officially registered as “The Snowmobile Capital of the World,” the area has five snowmobile clubs that groom 600 miles of trails daily. These trails weave through Vilas and Oneida Counties, the Nicolet National Forest and around 2,400 lakes.

The city’s annual ice castle creation is an icy architectural wonder that has changed in design every year since it was first built in 1927. It’s built by a team of volunteers who put in more than 700 man-hours to cut nearly 3,000 ice blocks from a local lake.

For more information, call 800-359-6315; visit www.eagleriver.org.

Three Lakes: Lit by antique-inspired lampposts and lined with little gift shops and restaurants, the downtown area has an old-fashioned charm to it.

The Northern Lights Snowmobile Club holds overnight rides, on-trail weenie roasts, bonfires and weekly club rides. There’s also the Three Lakes Vintage Enduro Snowmobile Race on Spirit Lake, the Three Lakes Winery, where the first cranberry wine was made, and the Northwoods Petroleum Museum, where admission is free.

For more information, call 800-972-6103; visit www.threelakes.com.

Minocqua: One of the area’s favorite trails is the Bearskin State Trail that stretches 18 miles through the forests of Oneida County. The area also has more than 1,600 miles of trails that traverse 1,300 glacial lakes and 233,000 acres of public forestland.

Cruiserfest, held on Lake Minocqua, is sponsored by the Cross Country Cruisers snowmobile club. Activities include a snowmobile parade followed by fireworks, a radar run, snowmobile demos, silent auction, food and music.

For more information, call 800-44-North; visit www.minocqua.org.

St. Germain: You might say St. Germain is in the center of it all for snowmobilers. Every year, there’s a Radar Run, where riders can race their sleds on a 1,000-foot track of ice and be timed by a radar gun. In the unlimited class, speeds can top 160 mph.

You can rent a home at Rustic Manor Motor Lodge and enjoy the wood-burning fireplace. There’s also a large heated garage for snowmobile repairs. Black Bear Lodge on Little St. Germain Lake has condolike deluxe lodge homes with stone gas fireplaces and amazing lake views. The homes and cottages at Elbert’s Resort are appointed with fireplaces, too.

For more information, call 715-477-2205; visit www.st-germain.com.

Hurley: Who can argue this is the state’s snow capital with snowfall totals known to top 300 inches. People often snowmobile here through the first week of April. Off-trail snowmobile riding is also available on 175,000 acres of public land. This is for the adventurous rider, and a certain type of sled is necessary to take into the deep snow.

Their big snowmobile event of the year is the Pro Vintage Snowmobile Olympus, which takes place on a half-mile oval track at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds.

For more information, call 866-340-4334; visit www.hurleywi.com.

Boulder Junction: Boulder Junction is ideally located in the Lake Superior snowbelt, which means lots of snow for snowmobilers. Trail No. 8 in the area is especially scenic and serene. And when riders want to take a break from the trails, they can spend some time shopping in this town’s many shops and galleries.

For more information, call 800-466-8759; visit www.boulderjct.org.

Travelers can find year-round Wisconsin getaway ideas, travel planning, events and free guides at www.TravelWisconsin.com.

You can “Like” them at Face book.com/TravelWisconsin or follow them at Twitter.com/TravelWI. Or you can download the free Travel Wisconsin™ iPhone app.

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