Classic’s Guide to Winter 2022 Snowmobile Trails

Great Destinations for Snowmobiling in Wisconsin and Illinois This Winter

When the winter weather hits, plenty of people like to cozy up under the blankets near the fire with a good book and a mug of tea.  But if you’re the outdoorsy type, this is the best time of year for exciting adventures.  For those of us that enjoy getting in touch with nature, here’s nothing like that crisp, fresh winter air just after new snowfall! The glistening sunlight giving sparkle to that fresh powder against the backdrop of brilliant blue skies brings unparalleled joy!

And that’s why we’re dedicating today’s post to highlighting some great road trip worthy destinations for wintersports lovers.  Let’s get that adrenaline pumping with exciting snowmobile trails!

1. Grant Woods in Ingleside Illinois
   30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota

A gorgeous scenic preserve of 1,226 acres with 6 miles of gravel trail perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and 4.5 miles of trails for the snowmobile enthusiast make this a perfect destination for day-trips!  It’s also an excellent stop for observing wildlife and exploring your newfound skills in birding (see our previous blog post for details here and here!)

Where to Eat: Kross Inn, The Tank, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, Fanella’s Pizza & Pub, Zaza’s Steakhouse and Italian Eatery

2. Argyle Lake State Park in Colchester Illinois

4hr 19 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota

With over 1,700 acres of property to explore such as 5 miles of foot trails through virgin wooded forests, a 93-acre lake, and plenty of year round options for camping and outdoor exploration.  You can enjoy a wide variety of wintertime activities such as ice skating, ice-fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, and even snowmobiling!  This beautiful nature preserve is just waiting for you to come and explore the grounds.  Learn more about it here.

Where to Eat: The Old Dairy, Hometown Café, Los Charros, Magnolias Restaurant & Catering, Chick’s on the Square, Palermo Pizza & Subs, Mili’s King Gyros, The Full Scoop

Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Macomb, Super 8 Wyndham Macomb, Hampton Inn Macomb, Inselhaus Macomb, Plymouth Rock Roost B&B, Nauvoo Log Cabins 

3. Snowmobiling in Rhinelander
   4hr 30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota

Rhinelander is an amazing destination for snowy family fun!  You’ll find lots of trails to explore, ice skating at Pioneer Park or the Rhinelander Ice Arena, and it’s also known as the Ice Fishing Capital of the World! 

With more than 1,000 miles of grounds to cover on the Ho-Dag Sno Trails, you’ll have opportunities for infinite amounts of fun on your snowmobile!  The Hodag Organization maintains over 140 miles of adventure trails, and publishes maps that you can pick up in the local area.  These will help plan your route through the connecting trails from the following areas: Tomahawk, Lake Tomahawk, Minocqua, St. Germain, Eagle River, Three Lakes, Sugar Camp, Monico, Crandon Pelican Lake, and Antigo.  Want to join the organization?  Check out their calendar for more info and special events!

Where to Eat: Friendship House Family Restaurant, Rhinelander Family Restaurant, Shady Sue’s, Big Daddy’s, Pat’s Tavern & Grill, The Jailhouse Saloon, Joe’s Pasty Shop, Dina Mia Pizza, CT’S Deli LLC, Crimson Cafe, Tilly’s

Where to Stay: Comfort Inn Rhinelander, Holiday Acres Resort

Quality Inn Rhinelander, North Branch Lodge, Merry Dale Resort, Centerstone Resort Lake-Aire

4. St. Germain in Wisconsin and the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club
   4hr 50 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota

St. Germain is situated in between the pines, surrounded by gorgeous lakes and rivers.  It’s the perfect place to visit if you love The Great Outdoors!  There are over 100 miles of trails, ice-covered lakes, and frozen backcountry to explore.  You’ll find miles of woods to hike through such as the Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trail, top tier ATV/Snowmobile options, try out some ice-fishing with a guide from Rays Landing, and grab a bite to eat in the many delicious restaurants and bars to warm up after.  

It’s also the place the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club calls home!  The club has created a designated, well-marked system of trails which are expertly maintained and well-groomed.  You can join the club with a membership, grab warm weather merch, or check out their recommendations for equipment rentals.

Where to Eat: DJ’s Northwoods Family Restaurant, Wolf Pack Cafe, Knocker’s Pizza Company, 3C’s Coffee Cup Cafe, Legends of the North, Pig in the Pines, The Timbers Bar and Grill, Pub N Prime Supper Club

Where to Stay: Hearthside Inn, Rustic Manor Motor Lodge, Whitetail Lodge, Idle Hours Resort, North Woods Rest Motel, St. Germain Lodge & Resort, The Waters of Minocqua, Cedaroma Lodge, The Estrold Resort, Hiller Vacation Homes

5. Hurley Wisconsin with the Mercer Sno Goers and the White Thunder Riders
   5hr 30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota

Hurley is the outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true!  From downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails, there’s lots of adventure to be found.  There’s plenty to do all year round of course, but winter is the peak season for this area! Visit nearby Moose Lake State Natural Area or Island Lake Hemlocks State Area in Hurley and get in touch with nature.  There’s also lots of opportunities for ice skating nearby, too!

Join the Mercer Sno Goers Club and make the most of your winter season with their snow sledding and snowmobiling events and trails.  The club maintains over 220 miles of groomed trails in Iron County, and is very welcoming to newcomers.  Their trail reports will help you find the best locations to take your sleds, snowmobiles, and ATVs and are updated frequently!

Where to Eat: Iron Nugget, Brite Spot 1, Mac’s Bar, Bank Club Bar & Grill, Ladder 715, Chub & Sandy’s, Scotti Pecotti’s, Kimball Inn Restaurant Hurley, North Pole Tavern

Where to Stay: Econo Lodge Hurley-Ironwood, Rodeway Inn Ironwood, Days Inn by Wyndham Hurley, Indianhead Ironwood, Timberline Lodge

6. Eagle River Wisconsin Snowmobiling and Ice Castles

5hr 40 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota

Eagle River is known as the Snowmobile capital of the world but there’s even more to do and explore there!  You can enjoy Fat Tire biking on the trails, or visit the breathtaking and intricate ice castles and igloos made by volunteer sculptors, and even try cross country skiing or snowshoeing!

Did you know that it is also home to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby?  Fondly known as the Indy500 of Snowmobile Races, it’s the largest and most prestigious competition in snowmobiling.  Racers will achieve speeds of more than 100mph as they fly around the ice oval!  And sno-cross pilots will compete in sno-cross racing across a very exciting snow and ice course.  Visit the World Championship Derby Complex Facebook Page for more information on this year’s course and event.

Where to Eat: The Craftsman American Tavern, Friendship House Family REstaurant, Williams’s Pine Gables Supper Club, House of Dogs, Eddie B’s White Spruce Inn, Jen’s Dinky Diner, Buckshots Downtown, Timmys Holiday Corner, Bortolotti’s Cin Cin 
Where to Stay: Cody’s Point of View, Best Western Derby Inn,Super 8 By Wyndham Eagle River, Edgewater Inn & Cottages, Hiawatha Lodge & Resort, Quaint Northwoods Escape,Wild Eagle Lodge, Chanticleer Inn, Northernaire Resort, The Last Resort

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