2 02 3 -2 02 4 M IN N E SO TA SN O W M O B I L I N G
Discover Winter on a Snowmobile Trail
UNLOCK WINTER 22,000 MILES OF ADVENTURE
PLAN YOUR TRIP BEST MAPS & NAVIGATION
RIDE GUIDE RULES & REGULATIONS
2 Minnesota Snowmobiling Destinations
MINNESOTA SNOWMOBILING
Minnesota Snowmobiling DESTINATIONS is published annually by Midwest Sports Publishing Network 6595 Edenvale Blvd Ste 180 Eden Prairie MN 55346 (952) 473-7870 • (800) 989-6776 Volume 2023-2024 Winter Season MSPN Staff Joel Mellenthin President Pat Bourgeois, Kale Wainer Editors Corey Friesen Art Director Paula Jones Copy Editor Joel Mellenthin Diane Voight Dwain Stadie Sales Associates C.J. Ramstad Photo Archives All contents are copyright ©2023 by MSPN Reproduction of any part or whole of this publication in any form or by any mechanical or electronic means, including information and data retrieval systems, is prohibited except by written consent of the Publisher. All advertising materials are published subject to Publisher’s approval but the Publisher makes no claim for the accuracy or suitability of products or services advertised herein.
2023-2024 Minnesota Destinations 5. MODERN MAPPING – Finding your way with the latest navigational tools from Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo, and OnX.
6. NORTHEAST – Ride early, ride late, and ride often. Minnesota’s Northeast
region is home to rugged wilderness, the bold North Shore, and the historical Iron Range.
12. NORTHWEST – The birthplace of the sport of snowmobiling; follow in the
footsteps of Paul Bunyan and rediscover a side to winter that’s unlike any other.
14. CENTRAL – Minnesota’s central region is home to the world’s largest population of snowmobile riders, with iconic lakes to the north and incredible bluffs to the south.
15. SOUTH – Discover a side of Minnesota unlike any other as you follow wooded river bottoms and open rolling fields. It’s the perfect storm chaser destination.
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DNR Administrative Regions
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Northwest Region HQ Bemidji
Northeast Region HQ Grand Rapids
Advertising copy: Send all advertising materials to: Ad Department Minnesota Snowmobiling DESTINATIONS 6595 Edenvale Blvd Ste 180 Eden Prairie MN 55346 Printed in U.S.A.
Central Region HQ St. Paul
exploreminnesota.com 888-VISITMN (847-4866)
Southern Region HQ New Ulm
Winter 2023-24 3
MAKE MORE TRACKS IN MINNESOTA
H
ome to more than 22,000 miles of groomed, marked, and interconnecting snowmobile trails, Minnesota is considered one of the best snowmobiling destinations in the world. More than just trails, the landscape is incredibly beautiful, the hospitality welcoming, and the roots of the sport run deep. Home to two of the four major snowmobile manufacturers; several major snowmobile events and races including the Midwest Ride In; Hay Days; and the Blackwoods Blizzard Tour charitable fund raiser, Minnesota is snowmobiling nirvana. While it would be nearly impossible to showcase all of the trails, destinations, and events in one guide, the intent of this book is to give you a taste and point you in the right direction on your own snowmobile trip. And speaking of directions, when it comes to finding your way on Minnesota’s massive trail system, there are several ways to get started including traditional paper maps and electronic resources. Using a combination of the two is a great way to ensure you don’t miss a thing and stay on top of the latest changes and possible reroutes.
build and maintain a trail on their land. Respect this generosity by staying on the marked trail; don’t cut corners or trespass. Snowmobiles may operate in the roadway ditches of state and county roads, at the base of the ditch or along the outside slope of the right-of-way. Be especially alert for traffic, driveways, and other hazards found in ditches, such as drainage culverts. TRAIL ETIQUETTE Treat the trails as you would the road. Stay to the right side of the trail; obey the signs and speed limits (max: 50 mph; slower on designated lakes); do not ride faster than you can handle; give proper distance between the sleds; do not stop in blind locations nor in the middle of the trail; and give ample stopping distance. Ride alertly with the anticipation of unknown hazards or icy trail conditions. Never drink alcohol and drive a snowmobile — margins are tight when snowmobiling and impairment of any kind is a serious hazard to yourself and others. A DUI on a snowmobile will impact your driver’s license.
To get the latest up-to-date paper trail maps, contacting local chambers, tourism offices, or local merchants in your chosen destination is a great resource. In addition, smartphone mapping apps are becoming widely available, and we touch on the most popular ones on the adjacent page including Ride Command, Garmin, and OnX. You can also find electron maps from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) website.
Many snowmobilers use hand signals to indicate stopping, turns and to tell oncoming snowmobilers how many people to expect in their party. A raised hand is not just a friendly hello; it’s providing information. To learn about these and other snowmobile safety tips visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website and search snowmobiling.
STAY ON TRAIL
• Snowmobile Safety Course - All snowmobilers born after December 31, 1976, must have a safety training certificate. However, the course is informative and open to all snowmobilers. For more info: Dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/snowmobile/
Trails are considered the safest way to snowmobile, as local snowmobile clubs sign, groom and maintain the many of them. The majority of Minnesota trails are on private property, and property owners give snowmobile clubs special permission to 4 Minnesota Snowmobiling Destinations
WHAT TO KNOW FOR FIRST-TIME SNOWMOBILERS
Saferiderssafetyawareness.org also offers an online snowmobile safety program.
• Guided Rides - Resorts renting snowmobiles often provide guide services and rent other snowmobile gear, such as jackets, boots and helmets. This is a good way to become oriented to the snowmobile, its gear and trail system. • Call a Club - Members of snowmobile clubs are often willing to take new snowmobilers on a ride in their area. A good way to thank a club for this kind of help is to join it. Find a list of clubs, organized by county, at Mnsnowmobiler.org
RESOURCES For trail information, conditions and trip planning assistance: Explore Minnesota Tourism 888-VISITMN (847-4866) Exploreminnesota.com Minnesota DNR 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 Dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA) To find clubs and trail information 763-577-0185 Mnsnowmobiler.org
DIGITAL ROUTES – Find Your Way with Modern Technology
How to Register a Snowmobile Mndnr.gov/regulations/snowmobile/index.html
Polaris Ride Command
BRP GO
Polaris was the first manufacturer to explore and offer digital mapping capabilities; and with 10-years of experience under their belt, Ride Command is often considered the go to resource for digital trail mapping. Beyond simply mapping, Ride Command allows you to track other riders, communicate, plan routes, and share your ride. Best of all, Ride Command can be experienced via your smartphone, website, or on an equipped on-vehicle display.
Similar to Ride Command, the BRP Go digital mapping application works both on your smartphone, web, or on an equipped Ski-Doo or Lynx snowmobile. Working directly with local snowmobile clubs and associations, the BRP GO app is constantly updating trails and points of interest. With the app you can plan your route, enjoy turn-by-turn navigation, and find stops along with way including overlooks, hotels, and restaurants.
ON-X
ARCTIC CAT G8/GARMIN
Originally a hunting app that featured public and private land ownership details and areas of access, OnX has expanded into a fantastic outdoor adventure mapping resource including a version designed for snowmobiling. The OnX Offroad application allows you to toggle between dirt and snow routes, allowing you to easily discover trails with the ability to plan and build routes, in addition to tracking your way.
Long considered a leader in handheld satellite navigation, Garmin has more recently teamed up with Arctic Cat to offer a snowmobile specific digital navigation application. Shown this fall for the first time, the new Arctic Cat G8 display features integrated Garmin mapping allowing you to preload trails that include points of interest such as restaurants, gas stations and campgrounds. Map views are layered to include topography, private/public lands, and various other features.
»
LAKE VERMILION For area-wide trail reports & FREE map:
Visit VermilionTrails.com »»»»» Call 800-648-5897
» » » » » » » » » »» »»»»»»»»» ONITE TRAIL CONNECT TO TAC AIL & ARROWHEAD TR
» Winter 2023-24 5
NORTHEAST
Minnesota’s Most Iconic Snowmobile Routes
N
o matter if you’re a seasoned riding pro or a relative newcomer, Minnesota’s Northeast region is regarded as a must ride destination for everyone. It’s the place where snow comes early, often, and stays late, often serving up riding opportunities when other areas are thinking about cutting grass. But this region is more than just ample snowfall and incredible trails, it's home to one of the most famous shorelines in the United States – the North Shore.
North Shore Dotted with small communities and majestic rock outcroppings, the “shore” a destination for every season, but especially so in the winter. The waters of Lake Superior provide a breeding ground for snow, often resulting in a snowpack unmatched anywhere else in the state. When winds blow off the always chilled waters of Superior, the lake-effect snow machine kicks into high gear, bringing substantial
WILDERNESS SNOWMOBILING ON THE GUNFLINT TRAIL It’s a wild place here. You could see moose, wolves, fox and deer...but not too many other people. Trails start just outside your cabin door. All services, food and lounge within a mile. Lakeside units available for large or small groups. Groomed trail system, connects to state trails and the Lake Superior loop.
218-388-2252 • WWW.NORWESTERLODGE.COM • 1-800-992-4386 6 Minnesota Snowmobiling Destinations
snowfall to the tree covered hills framing the northeastern border of Minnesota. Riding from the trail opening date of December 1, through the end of March is often the norm versus the exception. The iconic CJ Ramstad North Shore Trail twists and weaves, following the northeasterly direction of the shoreline. The trail is as remote as it is beautiful, crossing few roads and interrupted more frequently by wildlife. While it’s certainly possible to ride the entire trail in one day, many choose to break it into sections and really feel the heartbeat of the Arrowhead region.
Iron Range Further inland, the Iron Range is home to some of the most wellknown and fun to ride snowmobile trails anywhere. While much of the mining activity is long gone, it has been replaced by a charm and hospitality you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Best of all they take their snowmobiling very seriously, with trails that are often some of the best groomed and marked anywhere. The Iron Range is centrally located to more than 2,000 miles of Minnesota snowmobile trail, including the legendary Arrowhead state snowmobile trail and the Taconite state snowmobile trail. Cruise through the Superior National Forest as you cover amazing terrain with all the straightaways, twist-n-turns, and hills-n-valleys you could want. Dedicated groomers do the job right and keep the snowmobile trails in top shape. Just to make things easy, for every Iron Range town, (that’s Hibbing, Chisholm, Mountain Iron, Buhl, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, Biwabik, Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, Embarrass and Meadowlands), there’s a spur. Get in and out of town on well-groomed, easy-to-find trails. Make the most of trailside bars, restaurants and hotels and get the most fun out of your trip!
Cook County, MN
READY. SET.
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Trails wind through forests and glide over lake surfaces throughout Voyageurs National Park. The gateway communities of Crane Lake, Orr, Ash River, Kabetogama, International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake provide bases for your excursions into the National Park. You will find near pristine wilderness cloaked in the stillness of winter. Voyageurs was established because of the spectacular scenery, rich natural resources and vibrant history of this important piece of the north American waterways. You will not be disappointed. Each gateway community will have options for food, fuel and lodging. The trails will be clearly marked and well-groomed with staked trails to mark the lake surface portions. Any of the communities would be glad to send you a map. They appear in the advertising adjacent.
8 Minnesota Snowmobiling Destinations
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> RIDE 100’s of miles of Land Trails - also explore Minnesota Voyageurs National Park on groomed and marked Lake Trails Call/Email for map or additional Call/Email forinfo. map 1 844 GO RAINY or additional info. 1cvb@rainylake.org 844 GO RAINY cvb@rainylake.org
International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors International Falls, RanierBureau and Rainy Lake 301 2nd Avenue Convention and Visitors Bureau International Falls, MN 56649 301 2nd Avenue International Falls, MN 56649
www.rainylake.org rainylake.org e 218-283-9401
Subscribe emailnewsletter newsletter&&get get Trail Trail Conditions www.rainylake.org Subscribe to to ourouremail ConditionsReports Reportshere! here! Subscribe to our email newsletter & get Trail Conditions Reports here!
www.visitkab.com or call 1-844-Lake Kab (5253-522) Winter 2023-24 9
NORTHEAST CONTINUED
The Arrowhead and the Taconite State Trails form the backbone of the region’s trail system. The Taconite Trail stretches 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely. This wide, multi-use route is most popular with snowmobilers and is shared by cross-country skiers, dogsledders, fattire bicyclists, and snowmobilers. The trail runs through remote bogs, scenic birch, aspen, and spruce forests, along frozen lakes, and across streams. On the north end, the trail intersects with the David Dill — Arrowhead Trail, which runs 135 miles between International Falls and Tower, and offers numerous trail shelters along the way. The 25- mile Aurora Trail runs between Biwabik and Hoyt Lakes and passes two mine pits and a former Civilian Conservation Corp camp. A northern offshoot runs to the deep snows of the Giants Ridge area, where increased elevations provide more challenging and rewarding terrain.
Voyageurs
RIDE PREMIERE TRAILS IN
SCAN
for Trail Information
Last, but certainly not least, the Northeast is home to some of the most remote and rugged wilderness in the lower 48. The Voyageurs area is a favorite for sledders because it combines a perfect trifecta of trails, incredible scenery, and a level of hospitality and world-class resorts others aspire to achieve. The terrain is vast in this part of Minnesota, and the trails are remote, and the riding experience is like no other. Whether you’re running the single sled width of the Chain of Lakes Trail, the twists and turns of the Arrowhead Trail or the frozen waterways of the Voyageur Trail, you’ll most likely be retracing the steps of early timber prospectors and fur traders as they discovered this incredible place. 10 Minnesota Snowmobiling Destinations
www.visitgrandrapids.com
Follow this OnX Map QR Code link to discover the perfect place to begin your ride on the legendary CJ Ramstad North Shore Trail.
With the snow crisp and the lakes frozen tight, a night ride on a clear night might serve up a free light show courtesy of the aurora borealis. The sky within the Voyageurs National Park is a theater for the stars, the moon, and the dancing northern lights. Few places in the lower 48 offer a view of all three as good as this. With no light pollution and crystal-clear air, all that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy. Voyageurs National Park is one of the few national parks in the country allowing snowmobile trails. Snowmobiling was such an institution in the area when the park was designated that ongoing snowmobile usage is written directly into its charter, and it remains the best way to see the park during Minnesota’s long and magical winter.
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NORTHwest
Follow this OnX Map QR Code link and chart your route the Mississippi headwaters within the Itasca State Park.
Where the Northwoods and Prairie Converge
O
ne of the things that makes Minnesota such a unique and cherished snowmobiling destination is the incredible diversity it offers. From north to south, east to west, Minnesota runs the gamut when it comes to terrain and the Northwest is a prime example. With dense and often remote forests running its eastern edge, as you journey west, you’ll eventually find the magical place where the prairie opens up. The Northwest is what gave birth to Minnesota snowmobiling, as brothers Edgar and Allen Hetteen, and their friend, David Johnson, started to tinker at their hoist and derrick shop in Roseau. Out of it came two things: a prototype snowmobile called the Sno-Traveler and a company called Polaris. It was named after the north star as it was, at
ALEXANDRIA
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that time, the northern-most company in the U.S. Later, Edgar Hetteen also co-founded Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls. Both factories offer guided tours, and you can ride your sled right to the front doors. Call ahead to confirm a tour schedule and times. Being this far north, the weather systems that impact the area often go unnoticed in other parts of the state. The cold and snow come early and stay late. In fact, when other parts of the state are still waiting for rideable white, the Northwest is busy grooming and riding this vast network of high-speed trails. If you want a place where you can rack on the miles with little to no traffic and you’re always greeted with a smile, the Northwest is your place.
Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing Packages!
tm
ExploreAlex.com 12 Minnesota Snowmobiling Destinations
Explore hundreds of miles of groomed trails,
From high-speed groomed ditches and expansive lake routes to some of the most remote and wooded trails in the state, you’ll find it all. You’ll also find plenty of welcoming businesses, hotels, and resorts. If you want to mix in some true Minnesota style fishing while you are “up north,” the frozen expanses of Lake of the Woods and Upper Red Lake offers some of the best ice fishing anywhere, and you’ll find scores of resorts and guides to help you catch your limit. The Northwest is also where the legend of Paul Bunyan began and remains a vibrant part of several communities in the area with statues, landmarks, and tributes sprinkled throughout lake country. According to the story, those lakes were created by the footprints Paul and his Blue Ox Babe left behind. Sitting smack dab in the middle of them is the community of Park Rapids, a popular snowmobiling hub that offers great lodging, food, and hospitality.
218-732-4111
www.parkrapids.com
In fact, water is a significant player in this part of Minnesota, with the headwaters of the Mississippi located here. You can snowmobile almost directly at the spot, and from there you’ll take a short walk from your sled to the very place where the river begins its long 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Taking your picture next to the iconic headwaters market that dates back to the 1930s is a must when you visit the park. The snowmobile hubs on the southern end of this region are Alexandria and Detroit Lakes, both towns with ample accommodations and amenities. The trail between the two towns can get busy, but there’s a section of Ottertail County that is less-traveled: the western part of the county, including the towns of Pelican Rapids, Elizabeth and Rothsay. In all, the county has about 500 miles of trail. Beyond Itasca State Park, the area is home to several other “park” destinations. One of our favorites is Maplewood State Park, a 9,000-acre park, near Pelican Rapids made up of a series of high hills, which sit in stark contrast to the surrounding farmlands. The highest point is at about 1,600 feet; a 300-foot change from the farms below. The land under the park was created in the last ice age and it’s on the edge of the Red River Valley and within the Alexandria Moraine. Another favorite snowmobile destination is Inspiration Peak, near Urbank. Snowmobile to the top and see what inspired author F. Scott Fitzgerald to describe more than 50 lakes below as “sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.” The peak is one of the highest points in the state, and certainly the highest point in Otter Tail County at an elevation of 1,750 feet, about 400 feet above the surrounding land.
On Beautiful Big Turtle Lake
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central Lake Running, Bluff Beauty, and the Largest Concentration of Sledders Anywhere
U
pon first glance, Minnesota’s Central region appears to be dominated by the ever-growing Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. While the “Twin Cities” is certainly a prominent part of this area, it also creates a snowmobiling hub where often the eyes of the global snowmobiling community are focused. Just beyond the concrete jungle to the north, the trail system erupts and along those trails you’ll find the river city of Elk River, home to ERX Motor Park, one of the biggest and best motorsports and events venues in the Midwest. This massive venue that totals over 400-acres is home to the Midwest Ride In – the world’s biggest and best antique, vintage, and classic snowmobile event. Held the last weekend in January, the Ride In serves up vintage sled displays, trail riding, racing, swap meet, and plenty of socializing around giant outdoor bonfires. Mille Lacs, the second-largest lake in the state, is a destination on its own for a snowmobile trip, or for those who like to both snowmobile and ice fish. While there are no snowmobile trails on the lake, a nice day-ride is a circumnavigation, which is about 100 miles. A lap around the lake will include some trails close to the frozen water’s east side, but other trails divert into other terrain. But the real
14 Minnesota Snowmobiling Destinations
Follow this OnX Map QR Code link and you’ll find yourself in the rolling, twisting trails of the Red Top Loop located just south and east of Lake Mille Lacs.
gem — and local favorite — are the trails through Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. The trails flow through wooded hills, skirt Shakopee Lake and follow the first few miles of the Rum River as it begins its windy path to the Mississippi. Heading east toward Hinckley on the 114-mile-long Soo Line South Trail, divert onto a maze of logging trails called Red Top Trails. With the meandering water of the Mississippi creating the eastern border, the southwestern region of Minnesota is one of the few areas in the state where the scraping forces of ancient glaciers never reached. What you’ll find are bluffs, rapidly rolling hills and hidden streams interspersed amongst the rich farmlands. This continuous and rapidly changing landscape is mirrored by the snowmobile trails that slice high and low. And when these trails are blessed with a fresh blanket of snow, a magical carpet ride awaits in one of the most beautiful areas found in the entire upper Midwest.
south
legendary railroad engineer. Another memorable trail is the Blazing Start State Trail running from Albert Lea Lake in Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park and eventually links to Austin via the Big Island State Park.
Follow this OnX Map QR Code link to plan your trip to the New London/ hile heading north is often the norm Spicer area and when in search of snowmobiling the Glacial Lake @VisitFairmontMN destinations, the path less traveled In addition to the river bottom and bluff routes, there's the Glacial Lake Trail. can deliver experiences that makes Trail. The 22-mile multi-use trail runs between Willmar, Spicer, New the status quo pale in comparison. Such is the case London, and Hawick, and is an ideal way to view the numerous lakes that dot this region. with Minnesota’s Southern Region. While the trail system might not be as abundant as it is to the north, the clubs that call this part of the state home boast of some of the best maintained trails in the state.
Gateway to the Prairie
W
With the Minnesota River creating a signature “V” through the heart of the region, this namesake river also creates some incredibly beautiful area with river bottom trails and wooded bluffs rising out of the flood plain, many of which are abundant with wildlife.
LAND IN A
The best way to enjoy these southern trails is to keep an eye on the forecast, keep your sleds loaded in the trailer, and remain very flexible to travel. Storm chasers (riders who follow fresh fallen snow in order to make first tracks) often have Southern Minnesota atop their list, and for good reason.
FRESH BED
This region is also home to the Casey Jones Trail, a rails-to-trails route that was one of Minnesota’s first authorized state trails named after the
Open Daily 11 to CloseSouth Side of Lake Mille Lacs On the Soo Line TrailGreat BurgersCold BeerHot Drinks.
FIND LOCAL LODGING AT
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Historic Downtown Historic Anoka is OPEN for Downtown snowmobilers Anoka is OPENvia thesnowmobilers upper Rum for River! via the upper GreatRiver! Shops and Rum Restaurants Great ShopsAwait! and Restaurants www.anokaarea Await! chamber.com 763-421-7130
VisitFairmontMN.com 800-657-3280
LAND IN A
FRESH BED FIND LOCAL LODGING AT
anokaareachamber.com 763-421-7130
VisitFairmontMN.com 507-235-8585 FIND LOCAL LODGING AT
VisitFairmontMN.com
Wherever the trail leads, there’s an AmericInn nearby waiting to offer you, friendly service, a comfortable and quiet night’s sleep. And always a place to park your sled.
Roseau MN
218.463.1045
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Comfortable, quieter rooms Free hot, home-style breakfast Hotel-wide, high-speed Internet Indoor pool and whirlpool Winter 2023-24 15
LET’S RIDE!
BY WYNDHAM
16 Minnesota Snowmobiling Destinations