Cross the state line into "Ouisconsin" and you've entered every snowmobiler's sanctuary. The "sledhead" culture is pretty intense here ... and quite frankly, we wouldn't have it any other way. In Wisconsin, it's not uncommon to find more snowmobiles than cars at the local gas station. Some of us even ride our sleds to work and school. In fact, some say that our state is the number one destination for snowmobiling in the Midwest and not many can argue. You'll find some of the best-kept trails with gorgeous scenery virtually anywhere in the state, but here are four of my favorite snowmobiling spots:
• Cable - It's as if the stunning scenery hasn't changed in centuries and discovering it by snowmobile is extra special here. The area boasts more than 1,200 miles of interconnecting snowmobile routes, making it one of the largest trail systems in the U.S. Perhaps Cable's best asset is the Chequamegon National Forest and its quiet charm.
- Nearby lodging: Garmisch USA Resort, Lakewoods Resort
- Nearby dining: Brick House Cafe, Rookery Pub Fine Dining, and just up the road is my family's favorite, Delta Diner.
• Eagle River - This 2015 Discover Wisconsin Choice Destination hardly warrants any justification for a spot on this list. But I'll explain my passion for Eagle River anyway: Recognized as the Snowmobile Capital of the World, we give huge props to the local snowmobile clubs that fantastically maintain Eagle River's 500-mile trail network (known as the "Eagle River 500"). Great times come with the territory every time you make a trip to Eagle River.
- Nearby lodging: Wild Eagle Lodge
- Nearby dining: Blue Heron Supper Club, Eagle Waters and Riverstone Restaurant & Tavern
• Iron County - The great outdoors flaunts itself in Iron County with 200 lakes within a 30-mile radius and 377,900 acres of forestland. With an average snowfall of 200 inches, you'll find snowmobilers abound in old mining towns throughout the winter months and even often through the first week of April. Fan-favorite trails include Corridor 2 northwest of Hurley, which cruises past Rock Cut Gorge, Trail 3 to charming Saxon Harbor and Corridor 17, which guides riders south along the Upper Michigan border past the lovely Pine Lake.
- Nearby lodging: Beaver Lodge, Cry of the Loon Resort and Eagle Bluff Condo Rentals
- Nearby dining: Around the Corner Pub, Johnny's Bar or Liberty Bell Chalet
• St. Germain - The Discover Wisconsin crew has got a serious weakness for authentic Northwoods spots. When you visit St. Germain, an authentic Northwoods experience is exactly what you get. A 2015 Discover Wisconsin Choice Destination, the St. Germain area draws riders in for its snow-blanketed forests, impeccable trail system, outdoor recreational activities and much more. For the true die-hards, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see.
- Nearby lodging: Harv's Vacation Rentals, Hiller's Pine Haven and Whitetail Lodge
- Nearby dining: Golden Pines, McGregor's Blink Bonnie Supper Club, Whitetail Inn or the Wolf Pack Café
Bonus tip: Stay updated on snow trail conditions with the Travel Wisconsin Snow Report. Not only can you access the immediate report on current snow conditions, but you can also search nearby events, activities, dining and lodging.
Grab your helmet and rev those engines, ladies and gents. We're going 'biling.
- Mark Rose is the CEO of Discover Mediaworks, the parent company of the longest-running travel TV show in the U.S., "Discover Wisconsin."
• Cable - It's as if the stunning scenery hasn't changed in centuries and discovering it by snowmobile is extra special here. The area boasts more than 1,200 miles of interconnecting snowmobile routes, making it one of the largest trail systems in the U.S. Perhaps Cable's best asset is the Chequamegon National Forest and its quiet charm.
- Nearby lodging: Garmisch USA Resort, Lakewoods Resort
- Nearby dining: Brick House Cafe, Rookery Pub Fine Dining, and just up the road is my family's favorite, Delta Diner.
• Eagle River - This 2015 Discover Wisconsin Choice Destination hardly warrants any justification for a spot on this list. But I'll explain my passion for Eagle River anyway: Recognized as the Snowmobile Capital of the World, we give huge props to the local snowmobile clubs that fantastically maintain Eagle River's 500-mile trail network (known as the "Eagle River 500"). Great times come with the territory every time you make a trip to Eagle River.
- Nearby lodging: Wild Eagle Lodge
- Nearby dining: Blue Heron Supper Club, Eagle Waters and Riverstone Restaurant & Tavern
• Iron County - The great outdoors flaunts itself in Iron County with 200 lakes within a 30-mile radius and 377,900 acres of forestland. With an average snowfall of 200 inches, you'll find snowmobilers abound in old mining towns throughout the winter months and even often through the first week of April. Fan-favorite trails include Corridor 2 northwest of Hurley, which cruises past Rock Cut Gorge, Trail 3 to charming Saxon Harbor and Corridor 17, which guides riders south along the Upper Michigan border past the lovely Pine Lake.
- Nearby lodging: Beaver Lodge, Cry of the Loon Resort and Eagle Bluff Condo Rentals
- Nearby dining: Around the Corner Pub, Johnny's Bar or Liberty Bell Chalet
• St. Germain - The Discover Wisconsin crew has got a serious weakness for authentic Northwoods spots. When you visit St. Germain, an authentic Northwoods experience is exactly what you get. A 2015 Discover Wisconsin Choice Destination, the St. Germain area draws riders in for its snow-blanketed forests, impeccable trail system, outdoor recreational activities and much more. For the true die-hards, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see.
- Nearby lodging: Harv's Vacation Rentals, Hiller's Pine Haven and Whitetail Lodge
- Nearby dining: Golden Pines, McGregor's Blink Bonnie Supper Club, Whitetail Inn or the Wolf Pack Café
Bonus tip: Stay updated on snow trail conditions with the Travel Wisconsin Snow Report. Not only can you access the immediate report on current snow conditions, but you can also search nearby events, activities, dining and lodging.
Grab your helmet and rev those engines, ladies and gents. We're going 'biling.
- Mark Rose is the CEO of Discover Mediaworks, the parent company of the longest-running travel TV show in the U.S., "Discover Wisconsin."