How to Plan a Perfect Snowmobiling Trip in Central Minnesota: A guide for beginners and experts
Snowmobiling is a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy the winter season in Minnesota. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find plenty of trails, equipment, and accommodation options to suit your needs and preferences. In this guide, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to plan a perfect snowmobiling trip in Central Minnesota, a region that offers scenic views, diverse wildlife, and friendly locals.
Choose the Best Trails
Central Minnesota has a vast network of groomed and maintained snowmobile trails that cover various terrains and landscapes. You can explore the lakes, forests, hills, and fields of this beautiful area on your sled. Some of the popular trails in Central Minnesota are:
Central Lakes Trail: This 55-mile trail runs from Fergus Falls to Osakis, passing through several towns and villages along the way. You can enjoy the views of lakes, wetlands, prairies, and farms on this paved and flat trail. The trail also connects to other trails such as the Lake Wobegon Trail and the North Central State Trail.
Paul Bunyan State Trail: This 120-mile trail stretches from Brainerd to Bemidji, following the footsteps of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan. You can see the statues of Paul and his blue ox Babe at various locations along the trail. The trail also passes through the Chippewa National Forest, where you can spot bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife.
Willard Munger State Trail: This 63-mile trail runs from Hinckley to Duluth, crossing the scenic St. Louis River and the Jay Cooke State Park. You can marvel at the rapids, waterfalls, and rock formations of the river valley, as well as the historic bridges and tunnels of the trail. The trail also offers access to the Fond du Lac State Forest and the Nemadji State Forest.
These are just some of the many trails that you can choose from in Central Minnesota. You can find more information and maps of the trails on the Minnesota DNR website or the TrailLink website. You can also use the BRP Go app to navigate the trails on your smartphone.
Rent the Best Equipment
If you don’t have your own snowmobile, you can rent one from one of the many local businesses that offer snowmobile rentals in Central Minnesota. You can find a variety of models and sizes to suit your skill level and budget. Some of the places where you can rent snowmobiles are:
Bremer Jet Ski & Watercraft Rental: This company has two locations in Oakdale and Rogers, and serves the entire state of Minnesota with snowmobile rentals. You can rent a Polaris FST 750cc Turbo for $199 per day or $900 per week, which includes a helmet and a trailer. You can also rent a 2-place or 4-place trailer separately if you need one.
Lossing’s Power Sports: This company is located in Babbitt, near Ely, and is part of the Uncharted Society network of world-class operations. You can rent a Ski-Doo snowmobile for $250 per day or $1,000 per week, which includes a helmet, a suit, and a map. You can also book a guided snow adventure with a professional guide.
Fractional Toys: This company has locations in Oakdale and Coon Rapids, and offers snowmobile rentals for the Twin Cities metro area and beyond. You can rent a Ski-Doo MXZ 600 for $200 per day or $800 per week, which includes a helmet and a trailer. You can also rent a 2-place or 4-place trailer separately if you need one.
These are just some of the many places where you can rent snowmobiles in Central Minnesota. You can find more options and details on the Winter Trail Adventures website, the Lossing’s website, or the Fractional Toys website.
Book the Best Accommodation
After a long day of snowmobiling, you will need a cozy and comfortable place to rest and relax. Central Minnesota has a wide range of accommodation options that cater to snowmobilers, from resorts and lodges to cabins and cottages.
Enjoy Your Snowmobiling Trip
With these tips and suggestions, you are ready to plan and enjoy your perfect snowmobiling trip in Central Minnesota. You can experience the thrill of riding on the snow, the beauty of the nature, and the hospitality of the locals. You can also try other winter activities such as ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding. Central Minnesota is a great destination for snowmobiling enthusiasts of all levels and ages. Have fun and stay safe!
