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We conclude our Best Of The Midwest series with Minnesota, well-known for its wintry weather. Is it any coincidence that this legendary state is the source of so many snowmobiles, with Arctic Cat, Polaris- and now, FAST manufacturing sleds here? With the kind of snow common in Minnesota, probably not!
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also the land of superb snowmobiling- even more so in the last ten years, when trail networks have expanded and major cross-state routes have come into use. This state offers a great assortment of riding areas.
Minnesota was in the news last season with its controversial ban on traction products, but that issue is largely resolved now. State residents must purchase an annual sticker for their studded machines, but visitors from other states are exempt from that requirement. Asphalt bike trails remain off-limits to sleds with metal traction devices, however.
Organized snowmobiling in Minnesota is under the aegis of MnUSA, the Minnesota United Snowmobiler's Association. There are 315 snowmobile clubs affiliated with MnUSA, with state funded and club trails totaling over 18,000 miles. That's a lot of room for great riding!
Voyageurs National Park(International Falls, Ash River & Crane Lake)
Hands down, this is the Midwest's most impressive place to ride- not just the great park itself, but the entire surrounding area. Two grand snowmobile routes, the Voyageur and Arrowhead Trails, connect with other outstanding riding places to the south. The immense frozen lakes with scenic islands, give way to forest trails and many unforgettable vistas. My suggestion: take two days to explore the marked trails on your own, then engage the services of a local guide to take you on the Canadian side of the border for a day or two. That's some of the best riding imaginable in the Midwest.
Map & Trail Info: 800/325-5766 (International Falls), 800/524-9085 (Kabetogama Lake).
The Iron Range(Grand Rapids, Virginia, Tower, Babbitt & Ely)
Minnesota's Mesabi Range was always a place of ample snow and good riding. But over the past fifteen years, the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) has been a powerful impetus behind promoting snowmobiling and tourism. This has meant expansion of the trail network through more miles and better connections with other areas. In the north, two state corridor routes, the Taconite and Arrowhead Trails, are augmented by a network of other major connecting trails. The riding is good here, and the snow is plentiful.
Map & Trail Info: 800/777-8497 (Virginia), 800/765-5043 (IRRRB).
BemidjiThey've always taken snowmobiling seriously in the Bemidji area, and they have something to prove it: the North Country Snowmobile Club, one of the state's largest. The scenic lakes and forests around this well-known northern city are legendary as the home of Paul Bunyan, and just as renowned as a snowmobile destination. Better yet, Bemidji is a hub that boasts great trail connections to other riding areas in every direction, as well as its own remarkable trail system.
Map & Trail Info: 800/458-2223 (Bemidji).
Park RapidsPark Rapids offers a host of great riding opportunities, with plenty of trail loops to explore and enjoy in the local area. To the north is Bemidji, with lots of great riding in between- including Itasca State Park, where the mighty Mississippi River has its headwaters at Lake Itasca. To the east is Walker, and the vast expanse of Leech Lake. No matter which direction you head from Park Rapids, there's great riding through state forests and plenty of lakes to enjoy along the way.
Map & Trail Info: 800/247-0054 (Park Rapids).
North Shore(Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Finland, Lutsen & Grand Marais)
The highlands along the northwest coast of Lake Superior are blessed with good snow and the North Shore Trail runs the full distance between Duluth and Grand Marais. This trail runs parallel to the lake shore and because of the geography of the coastline, there are fewer big loops and alternate routes than other trail systems, but it's easy to find two days of good riding along the North Shore. At Grand Marais the famed Gunflint Trail offers riders a trip into the back country, until the end of the trail, not far from the Canadian border.
Map & Trail Info: 800/777-7384 (Two Harbors), 888/922-2228 (Grand Marais).
Bluff Country(Winona, La Crescent, Rushford, Houston & Caledonia)
Believe it or not, some of the Midwest's best snowmobiling is found in a most unlikely location- along the Mississippi River in the extreme southeast part of the Gopher State. Though not always blessed with snow, when the white stuff does blanket the area, the three Minnesota counties of Winona, Fillmore and Houston boast riding that is second to none. Not only is there a great network of trails, but the scenery is superb. The river bottoms give way to hills and valleys with enough climbs and drops to make you think you're on a roller coaster.
Short of a trip to the mountains, this is the most fun you can have in the Midwest! Beyond that is plenty of rolling farmland to enjoy, and lots of trail miles to keep you occupied for two or three days of great riding.
Map & Trail Info: 800/657-4972 (Winona), 507/896-3544 (Houston).
HinckleyHinckley is situated on Interstate 35 between the Twin Cities and Duluth, making it easily accessible from both north and south. But it's also easy to reach by snowmobile, on trails that stretch in every direction. Nearby, along the river that forms the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin, is Saint Croix State Park. The park offers scenic trails of its own, and also includes the Munger Boundary Trail. Further east, the Hinckley area trails connect with the Gandy Dancer Interstate Trail, a major north-south route which runs in both Minnesota and neighboring Wisconsin.
Map & Trail Info: 800/996-4566 (Hinckley).
Western Lakes(Detroit Lakes & Alexandria)
It almost seems unfair to group these two riding areas together, for each one is a great destination in itself. Yet, they share some very positive similarities- fine trail networks, plenty of lodging options and great riding amidst a combination of woods, rolling hills and lakes. Each area can be enjoyed for several days, or a grand tour between them and beyond could make for almost a week of great riding. Now, there's an idea!
Map & Trail Info: 800/542-3992 (Detroit Lakes), 800/245-2539 (Alexandria).
Central Lakes(Brainerd, Aitkin & Mille Lacs Lake)
Some of the best riding is found right in the middle of Minnesota. The Brainerd area is known for its fine lodging and great trails, where lakes abound and the scenery is always worth a second look. Not far away is Mille Lacs Lake, famous as a walleye fishery and now known for snowmobiling as well. There are enough routes and loops in this area to keep you busy- and happy- for days!
Map & Trail Info: 800/450-2838 (Brainerd), 800/526-8342 (Aitkin), 800/950-2898 (Cuyuna).
Great Northwest(Lake of the Woods, Baudette, Roseau, Thief River Falls)
Minnesota's northwest territory is a land steeped in snowmobile lore. With two of the major manufacturers here, this is a place to make a pilgrimage of sorts and enjoy a factory tour in either Roseau or Thief River Falls. Good riding also abounds in the expanses of lowland bogs, forests and vast farms that are found throughout this area. It's a long distance between pit stops in this part of the state, so be ready for plenty of miles on the trail.
Map & Trail Info: 218/681-3720 (Thief River Falls), 800/382-3474 (Baudette).
Minnesota's Guidebook & Statewide MapsMinnesota offers an annual publication, "Minnesota Destinations," which outlines each area of the state and gives a glimpse of the trail network to be found there. Besides the descriptive information, there are ads for motels, resorts and other snowmobile-related businesses. To get a copy of this booklet, call 800/657-3700.
The Minnesota DNR also produces excellent maps showing the snowmobile trails found in each quadrant of the state. These four maps are available by phoning the DNR Information Center at 651/296-6157.