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In this part of our Midwest series, we feature Michigan, The Great Lakes State. As you will see, The Great Snowmobiling State would be an appropriate slogan, as well!
Snowmobiling in Michigan has continued to improve over the last dozen years, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. This has meant better funding, improved marking of the trails, more grooming equipment and even some additional trail miles. In the lower portion of the state, there has been an ongoing effort to expand and connect some of the trail systems to make for a better network.
Western Upper Peninsula(Ironwood, Ontonagon, Watersmeet & Lake Gogebic)
The western portion of Michigan's Upper Peninsula bills itself as "Big Snow Country." Lake Superior's proximity means snow, and plenty of it. The area trails connect with Wisconsin's network as well. In the Porcupine Mountains, don't miss the trail that climbs up to Lake of the Clouds, where you can enjoy one of the Midwest's finest scenic views.
Map & Trail Info: 906/932-4850 (Ironwood), 906/575-3550 (Lake Gogebic trail info).
Keweenaw Peninsula(Houghton, Hancock, Calumet & Copper Harbor)
The Keweenaw Peninsula juts out into the heart of Lake Superior, and is blessed with one of the Midwest's greatest annual snowfalls- often over 200 inches! The ride up the peninsula to Copper Harbor is capped by a run along the top of Brockway Mountain. The cities of Houghton and Hancock are right on the trail, with lodging and dining in close proximity. They're connected by a magnificent double-deck bridge, where snowmobiles traverse the lower level to cross the Portage Lake Ship Canal.
Map & Trail Info: 800/338-7982 (Calumet).
Munising & ManistiqueIn Munising there are a number of trails connecting in each direction to other parts of the Upper Peninsula. A main attraction is the many forest roads found within the Hiawatha National Forest. There are plenty of them, so make sure you have a good map of the forest (showing road numbers) or a reliable GPS unit before venturing into the back country. Manistique lies on the north coast of Lake Michigan, allowing a trail ride of just over fifty miles between the two Great Lakes.
Map & Trail Info: 906/387-2138 (Munising), 906/341-5010 (Manistique).
Paradise & NewberryParadise, Michigan, located on Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay has lots of snow and plenty of nice trails to ride. Newberry lies to the southwest, in the middle of both the peninsula and a good network of trails that can easily provide several days of enjoyable riding. There are plenty of loops and connecting routes so you won't often have to backtrack.
Map & Trail Info: 906/492-3219 (Paradise), 800/831-7292 (Newberry).
Eastern Upper Peninsula(Sault Ste. Marie, Saint Ignace, Cedarville, Drummond Island)
The area between Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron is a land of great snow and good riding. Just north of the Mackinac Bridge, Saint Ignace is a gateway to the Upper Peninsula. Many trail routes can take riders as far north as Sault Ste. Marie, or as far east as De Tour Village, where sleds can be ferried across the De Tour Passage to Drummond Island. Once mid-season comes, the island offers two "ice bridge" connections to Canada's Saint Joseph Island and Lake Huron's north coast (always check locally before making any ice crossing, and stay on marked routes).
Map & Trail Info: 800/338-6660 (St. Ignace), 800/647-2858 (Sault Ste. Marie).
Gaylord & GraylingAll of Michigan's great snowmobiling is not found in the Upper Peninsula. As time goes on, things keep getting better in lots of places south of the Mackinac Bridge. Gaylord and Grayling are in the midst of this large area, which stretches from Cheboygan in the north to Houghton Lake in the south. The lake-effect snows bring extra white stuff to the region, another advantage enjoyed here.
Map & Trail Info: 800/345-8621 (Gaylord), 800/937-8837 (Grayling).
Cadillac & ManisteeThis is a prime snowmobiling area, lying on the downwind side of Lake Michigan, where lake-effect snows bring good riding conditions. In recent years, the trail network has continued to improve as connections are made to other riding areas in the state.
Map & Trail Info: 800/369-3836 (Cadillac), 800/288-2286 (Manistee).
Houghton LakeSnowmobilers are very much a part of the winter here, with a trail network that encircles the town and connects to the north, east and west. Two large bodies of water, Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake, are surrounded by state forests which host many of the wooded trails.
Map & Trail Info: 800/676-5330 (Houghton Lake).
Iron Mountain, Iron River & Crystal FallsThese three towns are in Michigan's Iron and Dickinson Counties. This is an area of rolling hills, forests and lakes with enough trails to keep you busy for several days. Don't miss the spectacular Iron Bridge, a converted railroad span (built in 1923) that crosses the Menominee River just west of Iron Mountain. This engineering marvel is 436 feet long, with a deck 48 feet above the water dividing Michigan and Wisconsin.
Map & Trail Info: 800/236-2447 (Iron Mountain), 888/879-4766 (Iron River).
MarquetteMarquette lies on the south coast of Lake Superior, and is a city famous for its huge ore docks which dominate the harbor. The area's proximity to Lake Superior makes for plenty of snow, and great scenic vistas.
Map & Trail Info: 800/544-4321 (Marquette).
MICHIGAN'S WINTER GUIDES & MAPSThe State of Michigan offers a Fall & Winter Travel Guide, as well as a statewide trail map that shows where all the main snowmobiling areas are located. To request a copy of the guide and map, call 888/784-7328.
Though it's a year-round guide, another good source of information is the Upper Peninsula Four Seasons Travel Planner, which includes descriptions of each county and its attractions, as well as listings of accommodations throughout the U.P. This booklet is available from the Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association at 800/562-7134.
An oversize trail map is available in each region, showing the trail network over a vast area. These excellent maps are distributed by snowmobile clubs, tourism offices and lodging establishments. In the western U.P., ask for the "Big Snow Country Snowmobile Trail Map." In the eastern U.P., request the "Eastern Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Trail & Recreational Map."