Best Places to Snowmobile You Should Experience at Least Once

Jamie Gibson|Dec 16, 2019 10:54 AM

AMSOIL INC. is located in the heart of snowmobile country – Wisconsin, so we know a thing or two about the best places to snowmobile.

Did you know the snowmobile was invented in Wisconsin? Carl Eliason brought to life his idea of a “motor toboggan” in 1924. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, the upper Midwest is a mecca for devoted sledheads and casual snowmobile enthusiasts alike.

No matter the destination, thousands of miles await sledders eager to hit the snowy terrain. We put together a list of the best places to snowmobile across the Midwest. Read on for more.

Best places to snowmobile in Wisconsin

Eagle River

Known as the “Snowmobile Capital of the World,” Eagle River is home to a 500-mile trail network that is meticulously maintained by local snowmobile clubs and volunteers.

There is breathtaking scenery and an endless supply of local hospitality. There’s a reason it’s been ranked several times as ‘Best of’ in various categories from national publications.

It’s also home to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby that draws thousands of spectators to the region each year.

Before you go, find a full list of area trails here and check out current conditions here.

St. Germain

Connected to Eagle River trails, St. Germain is a natural segue for snow travelers hopscotching throughout the region.

With groomed trails stretching hundreds of miles and a local snowmobile-club-sponsored Trail Patrol, St. Germain offers excellent riding conditions that draw thousands of travelers each year.

Find helpful links on resorts, rentals and trail conditions here.

Cable

Home to one of the largest trail systems in the nation, Cable offers more than 1,200 miles of interconnecting snowmobile routes that weave throughout the Chequamegon National Forest.

It’s known for its quiet and solitude among nature’s best scenery.

Find everything you need to know about this route here.

Iron County

Just along the Michigan border, you’ll find a place that sees an average of 200 inches of snowfall per year, more than 500 groomed trails and 175,000 acres of off-trail forest land.

Along the way you can catch views of 200 lakes within a 30-mile radius among fellow snowmobilers making their way through old mining towns in the region.

Find more info on what Iron County has to offer here.

Buy AMSOIL Snowmobile Products

Best places to snowmobile in Michigan

Upper Peninsula

The U.P. of Michigan has earned legendary status among snowmobile enthusiasts from all over.

With more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails, it’s been voted “Most Scenic,” “Best Powder Riding,” “Best Trail Riding” and “Best Overall Snowmobiling Area” by readers of Snow Goer Magazine.

For those looking to put their skills to the test, it also holds the title of “Most Challenging” for its technical trail offerings.

You can find all things related to planning the perfect Michigan U.P. trip here.

Lake Gogebic

Some call this snowmobile district the best-kept secret in Michigan.

Located in the western U.P., it features hundreds of miles of groomed trails that weave throughout the forest and offer access to scenic overlooks. The route possibilities are endless, whether riders are looking for a day trip or an overnight adventure.

Check out this website for everything you need to know about this picturesque snowmobiling region.

Gaylord

Located in the lower peninsula, Gaylord averages more than 180 inches of snowfall each year and offers more than 300 miles of groomed trails.

It’s also home to the annual Michigan Snowmobile Festival, where fellow enthusiasts unite over runs, music and good family fun.

You can plan your entire trip, including trail maps and live snow cams, right here.

Best places to snowmobile in Minnesota

Brainerd

A starting point of the legendary Paul Bunyan Trail, Brainerd Lakes is a hub to snowmobilers descending on Minnesota looking for a great route.

Covering approximately 120 miles, the Paul Bunyan Trail leads north past the Bemidji, Minn., region with well-groomed trails and several snowmobile-friendly stops along the way.

Find maps, trail markers and all the stops you need to plan for here.

Bemidji

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Bemidji.

Situated at a crossroads for two of the state’s largest trail-system routes, Bemidji trails can lead riders anywhere in the state they wish to go. There are lakes, streams, bogs and rolling hills that offer beautiful scenery in any terrain.

Plan your route here.

North Shore

Minnesota’s North Shore is well-known for its scenic landscape no matter which method of transportation you’re using.

Snowmobiles are no exception, with well-groomed trails spanning from Duluth to Grand Marais amidst the backdrop of mighty Lake Superior.

Numerous local trails connect to the main state trail so riders can veer off and explore the hidden wonders of backwoods Minnesota.

Right here is where you can find everything you need to start planning a scenic ride through northern Minnesota.

Buy AMSOIL Snowmobile Products

Best places to snowmobile in North and South Dakota

South Dakota Badlands and Black Hills

A little farther West is an up-and-coming snowmobile hub in the state of South Dakota amidst the scenic Badlands and Black Hills region.

More than 350 miles of marked and groomed trails await travelers seeking a journey through canyons, caves, forests and summit overlooks. Plenty of meadows for ideal powder riding surround the beaten path, with snowmobile-friendly pit stops scattered throughout.

SnoWest Magazine and SuperTrax International ranked the Black Hills snowmobile trail system as one of the top 10 places to ride.

Check out trail conditions and more here.

Spearfish Canyon

Spearfish Canyon is worthy of its own mention despite it being just north of the aforementioned Black Hills region.

In fact, sledders could easily make this their start or end point on a Black Hills tour.

This spot has produced loyal fans who return each year for the scenery, world-class lodging and a glimpse of the filming locations for the classic film “Dances with Wolves.”

In our research, Spearfish Canyon came up several times as the premier place in South Dakota to create your snowmobile adventure.

You’ll find what you need to start planning here.

North Dakota

North Dakota offers 13 trails of groomed terrain spanning more than 2,800 miles throughout the state.

You can also glimpse another piece of Hollywood history by stopping at the home of the original wood chipper from the cult-classic movie “Fargo.”

Check out a full trail list and riding conditions throughout the state here.

Buy AMSOIL Snowmobile Products

You can use Car Motor Oils in your Bike if you Add Two More Wheels.

You wouldn’t want to buy a used bike if motorcycle oil wasn’t used.

Impressive performance happens when you are using the right oil in the right application.

Len Groom | TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER, POWERSPORTS

The results of a study from lubricant additive manufacturer Infineum caught my eye recently. A survey of 1,000 bikers revealed that fewer than 60 percent are using a motorcycle specific oil in their motorcycles. Interestingly, more than three quarters of respondents think they’re using a motorcycle oil. Clearly there’s confusion in the market that requires clarification.

Let’s start with why you should always use motorcycle oil in a motorcycle engine. I’ll boil it down to five key reasons.

1) Motorcycles run hotter

In general, automotive engines are water-cooled. A typical automotive engine can reach 235ºF (113ºC) during operation, which is plenty hot. Motorcycles, however, run even hotter, particularly big, air-cooled V-twins, like your average Harley Davidson. They rely on air flowing across the engine for cooling, which is inherently less efficient at dissipating heat. This configuration poses additional challenges in stop-and-go traffic when there’s little airflow, particularly on hot summer days. In fact, testing of a 2012 Harley Street Bob in our mechanical lab demonstrated an average cylinder head temp of 383ºF (195ºC).

Heat that intense causes some oils to thin and lose viscosity, which reduces wear protection. High heat also hastens chemical breakdown of the oil (called oxidation), which requires you to change oil more often. In extreme cases, the bike’s temperature sensors can shut down the engine if it gets too hot.

2) High rpm destroys lesser oils

Motorcycles tend to operate at engine speeds significantly higher than automobiles. Your average metric sport bike easily eclipses 10,000 rpm. Some have even pushed 20,000 rpm. Your car or truck’s redline doesn’t even come close. The hydrocarbon chains get ripped to shreds.. You can feel the after-effects through the peg and handle bars.

High rpm places additional stress on engine components, increasing the need for wear protection. It subjects oils to higher loading and shear forces, which can rupture the lubricant film and reduce viscosity, both of which increase wear. High rpm also increases the likelihood of foaming, which can reduce an oil’s load carrying ability, further inviting wear.

3) Increased power density = increased stress

Motorcycle engines produce more horsepower per cubic inch than automobiles. They also tend to operate with higher compression ratios. Increased power density and compression lead to higher engine temperatures and increased stress. This places greater demands on motorcycle oil to fight wear, deposits and chemical breakdown.

4) Must also protect transmission – prevent viscosity loss

Many motorcycles have a common sump supplying oil to both the engine and transmission. In such cases, the oil is required to meet the needs of both the engine and the transmission gears. Transmission gears can shear the oil as it’s squeezed between gear teeth repeatedly at elevated rpm, causing some oils to lose viscosity. Many motorcycles also incorporate a wet clutch within the transmission that uses the same oil. Motorcycle wet clutches require a properly formulated lubricant that meets JASO MA or MA2 frictional requirements.

5) Storage invites corrosion

Whereas automobiles are used almost every day, motorcycle use is usually periodic and, in many cases, seasonal. These extended periods of inactivity place additional stress on motorcycle oils. In these circumstances, rust and acid corrosion protection are of critical concern.

While a good passenger car motor oil (PCMO) hits many of these performance areas, it doesn’t get them all.

PCMOs usually contain friction modifiers to help boost fuel economy. Furthermore, PCMOs don’t meet JASO MA or MA2 requirements. If used in a motorcycle, they can interfere with clutch operation and cause slippage. And no rider wants to deal with a slipping clutch. Likewise, motor oils have no natural rust or corrosion resistance. Instead, corrosion inhibitors must be added to the formulation, and typical motor oils don’t contain them.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is designed for the unique demands of motorcycles. It’s formulated without friction modifiers for precise, smooth shifts. It also contains a heavy dose of corrosion inhibitors to protect your engine against rust during storage. And it’s designed to resist viscosity loss due to shear despite intense heat and the mechanical action of gears and chains.

Ensure your customers are using AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oil in their bikes for the best protection this riding season.

And people who use car oil in their bikes probably use the term “drive” when referring to riding.

Tag: powersports