There’s still time to plan a March snowmobiling adventure at Lake of the Woods — and being this far north has its advantages. Thicker ice, more snow, and extended seasons mean the fun keeps going long after other destinations have packed it in. Fish houses are currently sitting on 30 inches of ice, and most areas are blanketed in roughly two feet of snow. Overnight fish houses can stay out through March 31st, and the walleye season remains open through April 14th.
March is a special time to ride in the northland. The brutal cold has typically eased up, and sunny, warmer days start making an appearance. Pike anglers love chasing flags in the crisp late-winter air, and snowmobilers consistently call this their favorite time of year to explore wooded trails and wide-open lake routes. As the saying goes up here: “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life — but still the same amount of snow.” That mindset captures the spirit of Lake of the Woods perfectly.
300+ Miles of Groomed Trails
Lake of the Woods offers over 300 miles of beautifully groomed snowmobiling trails. On the south end of the lake, land trails trace throughout the county, including some groomed routes through Zippel Bay State Park. These trails are maintained by the local LOW Drifters Snowmobile Club, a fantastic resource for current trail conditions and club events.
Up at the Northwest Angle, the Edge Riders groom an impressive 152 miles of trails across some of the most breathtaking landscape in the entire United States. Bordering Canada and winding through island-dotted terrain, full-service resorts, and scenic backcountry, it’s a ride unlike anything else in the Midwest.
The trail system connects it all — running from the Rainy River up to the NW Angle, across to Warroad, and back along the South Shore. The trail from the south end of the lake to the NW Angle runs entirely within Minnesota and stretches over 40 miles across the lake itself. There’s even a warming house on Garden Island, a perfect spot to stop, take in the scenery, and refuel before continuing on. Once you reach the Angle, resorts, gasoline, food, and other services are all available.
Don't Have Your Own Sled? No Problem.
Whether you’re a first-timer or just don’t want to haul your machine up north, rental options are available at both ends of the lake. On the south shore, Xcape Rentals has you covered with well-equipped sleds ready to hit the trails right from the south end — check them out at xcapeboatrentals.com/snowmobile. Up at the NW Angle, Backcountry Guide Co. offers snowmobile rentals on well-maintained, current machines — all with a safety briefing and local route suggestions included. They also offer fully guided backcountry snowmobile tours for those who want to explore the Angle’s remote terrain with an experienced guide leading the way.
Stop In at the Ice Bars
One of the most unique things about snowmobiling Lake of the Woods is the chance to pull up to a bar — right out on the ice. The Igloo Bar, accessed through Zippel Bay Resort, is a beloved local landmark and a perfect mid-ride stop for a cold drink and some warm conversation.
Right down the shoreline a few miles is the Angry Walleye, accessed through Cyrus Resort. This bar out on the lake is another fan favorite with plenty of character and a welcoming crowd. Stop in and have a homemade pizza or your favorite drink.Â
Both make for memorable waypoints on any Lake of the Woods snowmobile route, and honestly, stumbling across a lively bar in the middle of a frozen lake is something you simply can’t experience anywhere else.
World-Class Resorts, Food, and Fun
Lake of the Woods is home to a fantastic collection of resorts scattered around the entire lake — from the south shore to Baudette, out to Warroad, and all the way up to the Northwest Angle. Many feature cozy taverns, live entertainment, and seriously delicious food that hits the spot after a long day on the trails. These aren’t just places to sleep — they’re destinations in their own right, full of friendly locals and fellow adventurers swapping stories over a hot meal.
And while you’re here, even the most dedicated snowmobiler would be hard-pressed not to take at least one day to wet a line. Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World for good reason, and ice fishing is going strong right now. It would be a shame to pass through without giving it a try.
When it's melting down south, head north!
Being located on the Canadian border has it’s advantages. With the colder weather and thick ice, most years, the Lake ofd the Woods area enjoys additional weeks of snowmobiling enjoyment. Â
Get those sleds out for one last trip before putting them in storage for the winter. Come north to Lake of the Woods.
For lodging options, visit lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.
For trail maps and more snowmobiling info, visit lakeofthewoodsmn.com/snowmobiling
