The biggest question about snowmobiling in Vilas County might be where to start. Here’s a look at a few great snowmobile routes you’ll find in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, from Eagle River and St. Germain in southeastern Vilas County to Manitowish Waters and Presque Isle in the northwest.
First things first: Check out the latest Vilas County snow report to see what conditions are like on northern Wisconsin’s snowmobile trails.
And don’t forget to download our updated Map It Vilas County trails app, where you can find detailed information on navigating Vilas County’s snowmobile trails.
Route #1: Land O’ Lakes, Phelps & Conover
Enjoy a ride in far northern Vilas County along the Wisconsin/Upper Michigan border to find wonderfully scenic sites around North and South Twin Lake, the sprawling Lac Vieux Desert and the wooded wilderness of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Or head north into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to continue your snowmobiling adventure in a snow-covered wilderness.
Find trail info, maps and more with these clubs:
Route #2: St. Germain and Eagle River
Eagle River is the Snowmobile Capital of the World ®—come see why. Launch your snowmobiling adventure in Eagle River and zoom across the frozen waters of Eagle River’s famous chain of lakes or head north toward Conover to enjoy the quieter Mathwig Creek Trail. Eagle River is also home to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, which takes place every January.
You’ll find the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Germain, so you can be sure they know what they’re talking about when it comes to riding. More than 100 miles of trails travel throughout the community, passing scenic vistas along the shores of Little and Big St. Germain Lake.
Find trail info, maps and more with these clubs:
- Germain Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club
- Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club (Eagle River)
Route #3: Lac du Flambeau, Manitowish Waters, Winchester & Presque Isle
Get away from the crowds on these trails that traverse through snowmobile-friendly communities throughout western Vilas County. Enjoy a ride through several wonderful sections of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.
Find trail info, maps and more with these clubs:
- Northern Hornshoe Snowmobile Club (Lac du Flambeau)
- Presque Isle/Winchester SnoBunnies
- Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile Club (Manitowish Waters)
Route #4: Boulder Junction & Sayner-Star Lake
Launch your snowmobile adventure in Boulder Junction, and you’ll find more than 100 miles of well-maintained trails that connect to routes in nearby communities like Sayner-Star Lake and Manitowish Waters. Boulder Junction’s trails take riders through wonderful Northwoods scenery and along the shores of dozens of lakes.
Sayner-Star Lake is the birthplace of the snowmobile (Carl Eliason invented the “motor toboggan” here in 1924) and today offers more than 75 miles of trails, including Trail 51, which runs through the heart of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and is one of the oldest trails in the state.
Find trail info, maps and more with these clubs:
