With more than 1,700 miles of professionally groomed trails, beautiful scenery, and abundant snowfall, the Minocqua Area is one of the best snowmobiling destinations in the Midwest. Here’s what you need to know about riding here.
First things first: Check out our up-to-date trails report for the latest snowmobile trail conditions.
What do I need in order to snowmobile?
Any rider who is at least 12 years old born on or after January 1, 1985, must obtain a valid Snowmobile Safety Certificate from the Department of Natural Resources in order to operate a snowmobile. Learn more about safety courses and snowmobile regulations here.
Where can I snowmobile in the Minocqua Area?
The Minocqua Area is home to outstanding snowmobile trails, whether you want to explore stunning snow-covered scenery, travel between popular Northwoods destinations, or zoom across a frozen northern Wisconsin lake.
Riders starting their snowmobile adventures from Minocqua can explore more than 1,700 miles of trails that wind through Oneida County, Vilas County, and Price County. Trail 5 (maintained by the Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club) is a nice ride that follows the western edge of Oneida County west of Oneida County, and Trail 17 (maintained by the Cross Country Cruisers Snowmobile Club) takes riders southeast out of Minocqua toward Lake Tomahawk.
The Bearskin State Trail, which runs from Minocqua south to Tomahawk, is open to snowmobiles and connects to hundreds of miles of trails in Oneida County. Most of the 21.5-mile trail is also open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but there is a segment between County Highway K and Lake Nokomis Road that has a separate off-road trail for snowmobiles only.
Snowmobile trail maps are available at our Welcome Center, 8216 Hwy. 51 S., or by contacting the snowmobile clubs listed below.
What are the snowmobile clubs in Minocqua?
The Minocqua Area is home to three outstanding snowmobile clubs:
- Cross Country Cruisers Snowmobile Club: Maintains 135 miles of trails in Arbor Vitae, Woodruff and Minocqua
- Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club: Nearly 200 miles of trails that extend to the Willow Flowage and Price County to the west of Minocqua
- Northern Hornshoe Trail Snowmobile Club: This club oversees trails near Lac du Flambeau to the northwest of Minocqua
The snowmobile clubs oversee and groom hundreds of miles of trails in the area and also hold events throughout the snow season. The clubs also provide the information for our site’s regular trail updates.
Where can I rent snowmobiles in Minocqua?
If you don’t have your own snowmobile, don’t worry, Minocqua is home to several businesses where you can rent one, including Adventure North Snowmobile Tours and Rentals (which also offers guided snowmobile tours) and Watercraft Sales, Inc.
Where can I stay in Minocqua?
There are lots of welcoming cabins, cottages, resorts, hotels, and other places to stay in Minocqua, and many have direct access to the area’s snowmobile trails. Browse our sortable listings.