Snowmobiling in Minnesota: A Guide to the Best Trails and Destinations
Minnesota is a snowmobiler’s paradise, with over 22,000 miles of groomed and maintained trails that offer diverse and scenic riding experiences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride through the woods, a thrilling adventure on the hills, or a challenging expedition across the lakes, you’ll find it in Minnesota. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best trails and destinations for snowmobiling in Minnesota, and give you some tips on how to plan your trip.
The North Shore
The North Shore of Lake Superior is one of the most popular and beautiful regions for snowmobiling in Minnesota. The trails along the shore offer stunning views of the lake, the cliffs, and the forests. You can also explore the historic towns, lighthouses, and waterfalls along the way. Some of the highlights of the North Shore include:
The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail, which runs for 146 miles from Duluth to Grand Marais. This trail connects to many other local trails and offers a variety of terrain and scenery.
The Gunflint Trail, which branches off from the North Shore State Trail near Grand Marais and leads to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This trail is known for its remote and rugged beauty, as well as its abundant wildlife.
The Lutsen Mountains, which are home to some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding in Minnesota. You can also enjoy snowmobiling on the groomed trails around the ski area, or take a ride on the gondola for a panoramic view of the lake and the mountains.
The Boundary Waters
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a vast and pristine wilderness area that covers over one million acres along the border between Minnesota and Canada. The BWCAW is a popular destination for canoeing, camping, fishing, and hiking in the summer, but it also offers some amazing opportunities for snowmobiling in the winter. You can access the BWCAW by snowmobile from several entry points, such as Ely, Crane Lake, or Gunflint Trail. Some of the benefits of snowmobiling in the BWCAW include:
The solitude and serenity of riding in a wilderness area that is free from crowds, noise, and pollution.
The challenge and adventure of riding on ungroomed trails that require skill and experience.
The wildlife and nature that you can encounter along the way, such as moose, wolves, lynx, eagles, and more.
The Iron Range
The Iron Range is a region in northeastern Minnesota that is rich in history, culture, and natural resources. The Iron Range was once the center of iron mining in Minnesota, and you can still see the remnants of the mining industry in the towns, museums, and landmarks along the trails. The Iron Range also boasts some of the best snowmobiling trails in Minnesota, with over 2,000 miles of groomed and marked trails that traverse diverse landscapes. Some of the attractions of the Iron Range include:
The Mesabi Trail, which is a multi-use trail that runs for 135 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely. This trail passes through many historic and scenic sites, such as mine pits, lakes, forests, and towns.
The Taconite State Trail, which is a 165-mile trail that connects Tower to Grand Rapids. This trail follows an old railroad grade and offers a variety of terrain and scenery.
The Voyageurs National Park, which is a 218,000-acre park that encompasses four large lakes and many smaller ones. You can access the park by snowmobile from several entry points on the Iron Range, such as Crane Lake or Ash River. You can also enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing in the park.
Legacy LAKESIDE Resort
If you’re looking for a place to stay during your snowmobiling trip in Minnesota, you might want to consider Legacy Lakeside Resort. It is a family-friendly resort located on Clitherall Lake in Otter Tail County. The resort offers cozy cabins with full kitchens, fireplaces, and lake views. You can also enjoy amenities such as an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a game room, and a fitness center. Legacy Lakeside Resort is conveniently located near some of the best snowmobile trails in Central Minnesota, such as:
The Central Lakes State Trail, which is a 55-mile trail that runs from Fergus Falls to Osakis. This trail follows an old railroad grade and passes through several charming towns and scenic areas.
The Otter Trail, which is a 150-mile trail that loops around Otter Tail County. This trail connects to many other local trails and offers a variety of terrain and scenery.
The Heartland State Trail, which is a 49-mile trail that runs from Park Rapids to Cass Lake. This trail is one of the oldest state trails in Minnesota and crosses through the Chippewa National Forest and the Paul Bunyan State Forest.
Tips for Planning Your Snowmobiling Trip in Minnesota
Before you hit the trails, here are some tips to help you plan your snowmobiling trip in Minnesota:
Check the trail conditions and weather forecast before you go. You can find updated information on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association website.
Make sure you have a valid snowmobile registration and trail sticker for your sled. You can register your snowmobile online or at any deputy registrar office. You can buy a trail sticker online or at any electronic licensing system vendor.
Take a snowmobile safety course if you are new to snowmobiling or need a refresher. You can take an online course or a classroom course offered by certified instructors.
Follow the rules and etiquette of snowmobiling, such as staying on the marked trails, respecting private property, riding at a safe speed, yielding to other trail users, and wearing a helmet. You can find more information on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
Pack the essential gear and emergency supplies for your trip, such as extra clothing, gloves, goggles, boots, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight, map, compass, GPS, cell phone, charger, tow rope, shovel, and tool kit. You can find more tips on the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association website.
Snowmobiling in Minnesota is a fun and exciting way to experience the beauty and diversity of the state. Whether you choose to ride along the North Shore, the Boundary Waters, the Iron Range, or any other region, you’ll find plenty of trails and destinations to suit your preferences and abilities. And if you’re looking for a place to stay during your trip, Lake Legacy Resort is a great option that offers comfortable accommodations and convenient access to some of the best snowmobile trails in Central Minnesota. So what are you waiting for? Plan your snowmobiling trip in Minnesota today and enjoy the ride of your life!
