Winters in Wisconsin can be long and snowy making the state one of the best places in the United States to enjoy snowmobiling. A snowmobile can glide over snow or ice. It's a winter recreational activity that anyone of any age can enjoy. All snowmobilers are required to display a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) trail pass while riding any state trails. Take a snowmobile safety course through the DNR before hitting the trails this winter.
Florence County is in the northeast corner of Wisconsin along the border with Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The area’s Blue Ox Trail System offers a total of about 180 miles of trails for snowmobiles. They run through wooded areas, open fields and over lakes and provide access to many restaurants and bars as well as local towns. Because nearly half of the system's trails cross private property, riders should keep to the designated trail and obey the speed limit. A group of snowmobile enthusiasts founded the Blue Ox Trail System in the 1960s. The all-volunteer Florence Snowmobile Club maintains the trail in partnership with private landowners, Florence County, the state and the federal government.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Office
Florence Natural Resource Center
5631 Forestry Dr.
Florence, WI 54121
715-528-3207
florencecountysnowmobileclub.org
More than 320 miles of interconnected snowmobile trails throughout Dodge County in southeastern Wisconsin connect to corridor trails in neighboring Columbia, Dane, Washington, Jefferson and Fond du Lac counties. This trail system crosses fields and lowlands, cuts through forested areas and follows an abandoned railroad grade. The snowmobile season in Dodge County officially begins on the first day of December, but the trails won’t open until they have been groomed and there is at least 4 to 6 inches of snow. It’s typical for Dodge County trails to open and close several times throughout the season due to fluctuating snow levels. Parking facilities are available in public areas or at private commercial businesses along the trail system.
Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Department
127 East Oak St.
Juneau, WI 53039
920-386-3705
co.dodge.wi.us
La Crosse County is located along the Mississippi River in southwest Wisconsin and is one of the state's most geographically distinct areas with many river valleys, bluffs and rolling hills. A group of local snowmobile clubs jointly groom and maintain the more than 130 miles of snowmobile trails in La Crosse County. Several hotels, restaurants and bars along the trail system provide snowmobile parking. In addition, the county hosts professional extreme snowmobile racing events throughout the season.
La Crosse County Snowmobile Coordinator
400 4th St. North, Room 1370
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-9770
co.la-crosse.wi.us
The Marathon County snowmobile trail system in central Wisconsin is one of the longest in the state with more than 800 miles of trails that cross lakes and fields and wind through forest. Several motels provide direct trail access with many restaurants and bars offering respites along or near the trails. At least 30 snowmobile clubs in Marathon County, who together own more than 40 groomers, jointly groom and maintain the trails with the help of the trail coordinator.
Marathon County Snowmobile Coordinator
212 River Dr., Suite 2
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1550
co.marathon.wi.us
