It’s winter in Minnesota, and that can only mean one thing: It’s time to pack up our summer toys and exchange them for winter ones! After a long summer of boating and hanging out on jet skis, it’s time to break out the snowmobile and take to the trails. And with 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails in Minnesota, there’s plenty of great powder to choose from.
If you’re looking for a less-trodden snowmobile trail, we’ve got you covered. In this post from Canvasworks in Cokato, MN, we’re sharing some of the best secrets in the land of 10,000 lakes. Check out this guide to our top three favorite trail systems off the beaten path, and don’t forget to call Canvasworks for custom SnoCaps Trailer Enclosures and more.
1. Lake of the Woods
Coming in just after the Great Lakes as the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the U.S., the Lake of the Woods extends from Manitoba and Ontario down into Minnesota and has 65,000 shoreline miles and more than 14,000 islands. This massive lake’s outflow feeds north all the way to Hudson Bay and serves as a habitat for caribou and bald eagles, among countless other wildlife.
But even though this lake is known for its plentiful walleye stock, it also has a secret life as a wilderness hideout for snowmobilers looking to break away from the beaten path. You’ll find 87 miles of groomed and staked snowmobile trails on the lake’s south end alone extending across the area. Trails run across Big Falls, Birchdale, Baudette, Williams, Zippel State Park, Warroad, Roosevelt, Beltrami Island State Forest, Washkish, and the NW Angle to the northernmost point of the continental U.S. You’ll also find seven shelters when you need safe harbor along the way.
2. Lake Vermilion
Considered by many to be one of the country’s most scenic lakes, Lake Vermilion runs through the Arrowhead Region where the Arrowhead and Taconite trails meet. This location provides access to upwards of 1,000 miles of groomed and well-marked snowmobile trails. The area’s trail services are provided by Vermilion Penguin Snowmobile Club on the lake’s east end and Cook Timberwolves to the west of the lake.
Available trails include the Tomahawk Trail, which runs 80 miles to Lake Superior’s north shore, the Lake Vermilion Lake Ice Trail, and Soudan Underground Mine State Park trails, among others. Ice trails across the lake are checked for ice depth with stakes every tenth mile and maps at intersections and entry points.
3. Crane Lake
The unincorporated township of Crane Lake is a perfect little hideout when you want to get away from the world. Located 27 miles northwest of Orr, Crane Lake connects to Voyageurs National Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. With its more than 90 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, this area has a reputation among snowmobilers as a go-to spot for adventure. The area also offers plenty of restaurants and lodges to visit while you’re there.
Get Your SnoCaps Trailer Enclosure at Canvasworks
Are you ready for your winter adventures yet? Make sure you’ve got the right enclosure to safely transport your sled before hitting the powder. If not, give Canvasworks in Cokato a call to order your SnoCaps Trailer Enclosure and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Give us a call at 320-559-0165 to order your enclosure or contact us online to learn more.