Snowmobiling around Lake of the Woods is an adventure beyond adventures.  Trails are groomed and in great shape. Although we haven’t had an enormous amount of snow so far, it’s still perfect for snowmobiling. We have a few great snowmobile clubs in this area and the members are very active. They not only provide groomers but many many volunteers head to the shelters and keep them equipped with anything needed for a safe and successful stop along the way.

This Lake of the Woods area is unique because it provides trails through forest lands, along highways and also has trails all across the frozen Lake of the Woods. Start on the South Shore of the lake and travel north to the islands for a day visit or better yet, rent a room or a cabin and enjoy the landscape, the great fishing and good food and of course, some of the best snowmobiling around.

So…you can enjoy snowmobiling both on the land and also the lake. Lake of the Woods is an international lake which engulfs the big basin of water in the south, the Northwest Angle, and the northern section which is in Ontario, Canada. Snowmobile Clubs in the area and resort owners work together to stake and groom many great trails both on land and (frozen) water. There are over 500 miles of groomed trails through some of the most scenic areas in North America.

We are making ice daily in this northland, and at this writing, there is over two feet of ice on the lake.

Roads are safe to travel with all kinds of vehicles and the snowmobile trails are marked and groomed and ready for travelers.

Minnesota DNR has a great website to study about snowmobiling. The snowmobile state trail sticker and snowmobile registration decals have been combined into one decal. The price of the three-year state trail sticker has been included in the price of snowmobile registration. Snowmobiles that are being newly registered or up for renewal will now be issued the new combined registration/state trail sticker decal. See their website here: www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/index.html.

A snowmobile that is not registered in the state of MN may not be operated on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail unless a snowmobile state trail sticker is affixed to the snowmobile. Please see their site to be made aware of fees and licensing and safety.

The Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club out of Baudette grooms trails on the south end of Lake of the Woods where the famous Northern Connection Trail travels through the forests along Highway 11 from the east and then heads south. This includes travel through the city of Baudette. website is: www.lakeofthewoodsdrifters.org  where you will find contacts, pictures and current snowmobile conditions and reports. This club is very active and are always welcoming new members.

Be sure to see the Lake of the Woods website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/snowmobiling. There you will find a great many maps for your travels. Beltrami Island forest area is a favorite place, known for its beauty and giant pines and a pristine quietness as you listen for the breeze in the trees. Here’s an example from the MN DNR site about trails through the forest. Trail Snow Depth Report,  11″ Local Snow Depth, Beltrami Island State Forest – South, Last update: 2025-01-23

Vist the Beltrami Island State Forest – South page  Roseau County Trailblazers are our neighbors to the west and they have been busy grooming all season and pride themselves for safe snowmobiling.

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Northwest Angle and islands where the Northwest Angle EdgeRiders Snowmobile Club grooms trails at the Northwest Angle, south to Warroad and also most trails on Lake of the Woods. They have a wonderful website to look at and study at www.nwaedgeriders.org or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NorthwestAngleEdgeRiders. This club is very active and its members are always busy on the trails and busy planning winter events.

Every year the Northwest Angle host a huge snowmobile festival.  Keep posted for this year’s event planned for February of 2025. Festivities, Food and Prizes are only part of the fun had as people gather for this great event. Plan now!!

Here are some great tips for the avid snowmobiler. Have fun and be safe by checking with locals resorts for ice conditions before you go.

Rules to Ride By

1. If you don’t know – Don’t Go! Trails are marked for your additional safety.
2. Pay Attention! Due to changing ice and snow, trails are apt to be moved, cracks open and ridges rise and fall.
3. Be Prepared! Many of these trails cover vast, unpopulated areas. Carry survival gear, First Aid and emergency equipment.
4. Obey the Speed Limit – 50 mph.
5. Carry I.D. for yourself and your machine.
6. Wear your Helmet!
7. Respect Private Property
8. Have the Ride of your Life and come back Safe, Sound and Thoroughly Thrilled!
9. Fill your fuel and oil tanks before leaving. It is an average of 50 miles between stops.
10. Pick up local trail maps at your stop for added snowmobiler information.

Facebook is a great way to get fresh information on lots of subjects and our snowmobile clubs take advantage of that as they let the public know current events concerning their trails and warming shacks. One sight to keep an eye on is: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsdrifters and the other one is www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodssnowmobileclub.

For lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

See our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodmn