Eight Excellent Snowmobile Destinations in the Midwest

Jan 24, 2025

It’s Snowmobile Safety Awareness Month! Today we’re going to share with you eight exciting destinations for a weekend snowmobile getaway. Plus, we’re covering some of the basics of snowmobile safety as a refresher course for the season. Remember, even if you’re prepared as best you are able, accidents can still happen, so do your best to stay alert and stay safe, and we wish many happy trails to you all!

The Basics of Snowmobile Safety:

Never ride alone. There’s safety in numbers, and two or more people will keep you safest while snowmobiling.
Know the risks and be prepared for anything.
Stay on the trails and don’t go off-map.
Maintain a safe speed to minimize odds of losing control of the vehicle, injury to passengers, or other catastrophic accident.
Avoid driving on lakes, rivers, and other frozen bodies of water; these may appear to be solid, but weather can change very, very quickly and once you fall in things can get dangerous very fast.
Make sure everyone has safety gear such as a compass and map, waterproof matches and flare/candles, crank flashlight and/or headlamp and/or flashlight with spare batteries, extra ignition key, a tow strap, first aid kit, survival kit, etc. Consider two-way radios and/or satellite phones if typical cell tower reception is low.
Wear a safety helmet and fully protective waterproof clothing with reflective strips, full eye protection, and solid boots.
Maintain your calm and stay focused. Keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards on the trail including other snowmobiles, people, and animals as well as weather and natural elements. Keep your emotions regulated to avoid road rage and distracted driving.
No one under the age of 16 should be allowed to drive, and children younger than 6 should not be a passenger.
Do not take on more passengers than your vehicle is designed for; if it is a solo riding snowmobile, do not add a second person, and if designed for dual riders do not take on more than that. Use extreme caution if/when towing passengers on sleds, tubes, tires, or other ride-on items.
Don’t drink/use and ride; much like getting behind the wheel of a car while drunk or high, snowmobiling while intoxicated is a no go.

Outstanding Snowmobile Trails in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin

Des Plaines River Trail in Wadsworth features 8 miles of trails that are open to riders from December 10th through March 31st. Check the weather reports before you head out, as a 4in snow base is required before riders will be permitted to use the snowmobiles.

Grant Woods in Ingleside offers 1,226 acres with 6 miles of gravel trail perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and 4.5 miles of trails for the snowmobile enthusiast making this a perfect destination for day-trips! Plus, it’s just a hop skip and a jump from our Waukegan dealerships, making it the top choice for some fairly local snow day fun.

Argyle Lake State Park in Colchester Illinois is just waiting for you to come and explore the grounds. You can enjoy a wide variety of wintertime activities such as ice skating, ice-fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, and of course: snowmobiling! With over 1,700 acres of property to explore such as 5 miles of foot trails through virgin wooded forests, a 93-acre lake, and plenty of year round options for camping and outdoor exploration.

Wolf Creek State Park offers 7 different hiking trails as well as a whopping 16.5 mile snowmobile trail and 15 mile equestrian trail. Your journeys will take you through impeccably maintained forest and parklands, where an abundance of wildlife come out to say hello; deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, pheasant, and multiple species of songbird are common sites.

Weiniberg-King State Park features 760 huntable acres of land with 30 miles of trails through the preserve for both equestrian use and snowmobiling, as well as cross-country skiing and winter hikes. Visitors report well-maintained trails with no shortage of exquisite scenery, glistening snowy landscapes, and several trail options for both beginner and experienced snowmobilers. Trail usage may be limited depending on snow conditions so be sure to check in advance.

The shores of Lake Gogebic in Michigan are prime real estate for snowmobiling, and with an annual average snowfall of 200 inches, it’s easy to see why! The trails are well groomed, packed down, and smooth for a clear ride. Trails are groomed at least once a day, and you can check which trails are ready to go with the area’s Groomer Tracker App. Trails are well-marked with mileage signs and local area businesses are well-stocked with trail maps for a nominal fee. The nearby Porcupine Mountains border along Lake Superior, with visitors highly recommending a snowmobile trek up to “Lake of the Clouds” for some unparalleled scenery and views. Plus, you can reach some absolutely spectacular waterfalls by snowmobile, making it a truly memorable ride.

Gaylord, Michigan is a snowmobile enthusiast’s dream, hailed as one of teh greatest snowmobiling destinations in the whole state. With more than 500 miles winding through 8 counties, you’ll never run out of adventure and excitement. Download a copy of the Michigan DNR Snowmobile Trails and plan out your route. Locals highly recommend checking out the North Central Trail, which offers 62-miles of multiuse trailways connecting 4 different areas: Gaylord, Indian River, Cheboygan, and Mackinaw City; snowmobiles are allowed on the trails from December 1st through March 31st. The North Branch Trail also offers some winding trails in and out of snow-capped trees deep in the forests of Jordan Valley. The area also has plentiful options for lodging including cozy cottages, family resorts, log cabins, and cozy motels.

Eagle River in Wisconsin is known as the Snowmobile Capital of the World, with record snowfall levels and host to the Amsoil World Championship Snowmobile Derby and the Eagle River “500”, 500+ miles of well-groomed trails. Over the last 10 years, the area has made quite the name for itself when it comes to exhilarating outdoor activities. You’ll find an impressive array of trails to choose from with truly breathtaking views, picture perfect mountain trails, and plenty of thrills as you wind in and out of forests and lakes. Many of the trails also pass through business areas and service centers so you can pop-in for a break to warm up, refuel, and grab something to eat in between rides. There are also numerous rental facilities along the way to help you with any equipment. It’s recommended to download both the Groomer Tracking Systems App and the Vilas County Map It Trail App for up to date open trails and safe travels.