LET’S RIDE IN MNUSA Region 9

and if you want to say, “I rode to the North Dakota border,” keep heading west. It’s a chance to try your sled legs…it’s like the Indy 500 of trails! Take a picture!

Also at Melby you can head north on the Douglas Area Trail Association’s 368 miles of freshly groomed trails. Trail Coordinator Jeff Linn says that riding through the heavily wooded area at Lake Carlos State Park is extra special and one you don’t want to miss. Bare Knob and Spruce Hill trail loops are some of the best scenic rides in the area.

Heading north on Bare Knob trail you can connect to the Prairie Sno Drifters who groom about 34 miles. A variety of wildlife can be seen on the trail…be prepared to stop!

by MnUSA Region Director Steve “Woody” Widness

Did you know that MnUSA Region 9 is larger than the combined states of Connecticut and Delaware, plus Washington, D.C.? Yes, it is! And there are over 1,950 miles of groomed trails that include two state parks and the Central Lakes Trail for all ages to enjoy a memorable ride.

Central Lakes Trail is 55 miles that includes three counties plus 10 communities. Grooming the Fergus Falls to Osakis trail are OCTA and DATA. There are no stud restrictions on this portion of trail system until it meets the Lake Wobegon in Osakis.

Region 9 is proud to say there are friendly dining establishments, fuel stops, lodging accommodations, and dealers/repair shops along the trail. The trails vary from agriculture fields, majestic woods, pine trees, swamps and lakes. Maintaining these trails are volunteers and 13 clubs who work hard to give you a safer ride and groomed trail.

West Central Trail Blazers’ wide open 251 miles of prairie trails are flat out fun to ride! Region Director Don Hanson recommends to start your ride at Cyrus, head east to Starbuck, then north to Kensington,with a historical stop at the famous Kensington Runestone (Scandinavian runic artifact stone writing, dated 1362). Guess who was here before Columbus? The Vikings! Get on your sled and ride back to Cyrus for about a 70-mile loop.

Let’s head north to Low Plains Drifters’ trail system of 159 miles where the terrain varies. President Erv Sax suggests starting at Melby, taking the Corridor Trail #36 to Elbow Lake,

Henning SnoCruisers’ 68 miles of trails cover areas south, north and east of Henning with connection to other clubs. Jim Haber notes the Henning to Bertha trail is one of the most scenic. The trail through Inman State WMA only allows snowmobiles (no other motorized vehicles). What a ride with wildlife and swamps on both sides.

Otter Country Trail Association (OCTA) trail system runs from Vining to Foxhome, Ashby to Cormorant. Besides volunteers, Dalton Snow Thrashers and Lake Runners Trail Association members help maintain the 361-mile trail. Two must-see places to ride to are Inspiration Peak (the second highest point in the state at 1,727 feet above sea level and 466 feet above the surrounding area) which is right on the trail. Make sure to ride to the top, take a photo and see the 360-degree view. The second is 17.9 miles of trails through Maplewood State Park that has woods, hills and wildlife, making for a fun ride. OCTA has many smaller loops for families to enjoy a one-day ride with food and drink stops.

Venture north on Henning Sno Cruisers’ trail to connect with the Otter Trail Riders’ (OTR) 151-mile trail system. One of Janet’s and my favorites is the Ottertail to New York Mills (home of Lund Boats) trail that takes you through a gravel pit where you might think you are on a rugged scenic North Shore trail. Make a stop at the warming shed to warm up by the bonfire. Continue the ride to Perham then Dent to Richville, and back to Ottertail to have an awesome 84-mile trip.

Southwest of ULTRA is the Midnite Riders’ 97-mile trail system. Grooming their trails is fun with winding around 12 different lakes with lots of places for riders to stop. It’s great for families to enjoy a ride with several smaller loops.

Clay County Trailblazers connects to ULTRA and Midnite Riders trails. Greg Strommen suggests for a great ride start at Hawley then east to Corridor #68, north to Hitterdal and Ulen, west to Felton, south to Glyndon and leave #68 on the trail back to Hawley—a 75-mile trip.

Want to try an overnight backpack ride? Stay at one of Grand Stay Hotel & Suites in Perham or Parkers Prairie that are right on the trail and great places to relax. Also, another stay on the trail is at the Lakes Inn at Dunville. For more details check out their websites.

Remember to keep a close eye out for little surprises along the trail—a decorated pine tree, snowman, specialty signs, old vintage church, abandoned farmhouses, plus other little gems. Make sure to take photos and post them on our Facebook page.

ULTRA (United Lakes & Trail Riders Association) maintains 166 miles that meet up with OTR and OCTA plus Midnite Riders. ULTRA boasts that this trail is the most traveled and scen ic. In Detroit Lakes take #300 trail to Little Bemidji, cut over to #400 trail and go south to Height of Land Lake to connect back to #300 for your return ride to Detroit Lakes. For lodging and dining options, Detroit Lakes accommodates something for everyone. Check out the Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau website for more information.

Any of the Region 9 clubs will be happy to help with your next snowmobile destination ride. Remember to pick up snowmobile maps for all the trails, and please support the advertisers and sponsors. Majority of the trails are on private lands, so we ask that you stay on the trail and respect the land, so we don’t lose them.

“Everything is Fine in Region 9!” See you on the trails!

REFINED & PRIMED. LET’S RIDE.

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