SNOWMOBILING AT LAKE OF THE WOODS
Lake of the Woods snowmobiling delivers some of the best trails in Minnesota, with hundreds of miles of connected routes, many of which are professionally groomed. Ride through dense forests, across open stretches, and along frozen shorelines as local clubs maintain smooth, well-marked trails throughout the season. With long distances, scenic variety, and reliable winter conditions, it’s a big-country snowmobile experience built for serious mileage and unforgettable days on the snow.
MILES AND MILES OF SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
Lake of the Woods offers one of the most expansive and interconnected snowmobile trail systems in northern Minnesota. Ride west into Roseau and Kittson County’s groomed trail networks and continue all the way into North Dakota. Head south to explore the scenic Beltrami Island State Forest and hundreds of miles of logging trails. To the east, the Northern Connection links directly to the Voyageur Trail West and Arrowhead Trail, while the Northwest Angle and island areas are accessible by snowmobile across Lake of the Woods or via the Can-Am Trail.
Few destinations offer this kind of terrain diversity. Frozen stretches of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River provide wide-open ice riding alongside forested corridors and meticulously groomed inland routes. The result is a snowmobiling experience that combines long-distance adventure, scenic variety, and reliable winter conditions.
Many of these snowmobile trails are funded through Minnesota’s DNR Grant-in-Aid program, supported by license fees and gas tax revenue. The State of Minnesota, Lake of the Woods County, Koochiching County, and dedicated private landowners all play a role in making this trail system possible. Riders are encouraged to respect posted routes and private property so this exceptional network remains open and well-maintained for years to come.
Lake of the Woods is known for being the best fishing location in Minnesota, but those who ride here know it’s also a premier snowmobiling destination with some of the best groomed and best marked trails in the region.
More Snowmobile
INFO
MORE INFO
- There are staked and groomed snowmobile trails extending from Wheeler’s Point south to Baudette on the Rainy River, 42 miles north to the NW Angle and west to Warroad.
- 273 miles of land trails on the south end of Lake of the Woods alone.
- Trails extend from Baudette east to Birchdale and then to Big Falls. This is probably the most wilderness type trail in the state. It goes for 87 miles one way and only crosses two roads. There are gas stations in Birchdale and in Big Falls. The stretch from Birchdale to Big Falls is 53 miles. Snowmobiling NW Angle, Lake of the Woods
- They also extend west from Baudette to Williams, Zippel Bay State Park and over to Warroad. You can also go south from on that trail and hit Roosevelt and enter part of Beltrami Island State Forest.
- Also extend from Baudette south all the way to Washkish.
- Don’t forget about the NW Angle. Land trails extend through the wilderness from Angle Inlet throughout the northernmost point of the continental U.S.
In addition to local snowmobile clubs take great pride in opening and maintaining trails by grooming weekly, many make our snowmobiling so quality. Some of the trails on this map are funded by the DNR through the Grant-in-Aid program using license fees and gas tax monies. The State of Minnesota, Lake of the Woods County, Koochiching County, Roseau County and private landowners are the people that make our trails possible. Trails cross property of many private citizens, as well as lands which are administered by various levels of government. We owe the landowners our thanks and must respect their property.
SNOWMOBILE SHELTERS
There are seven different shelters available to snowmobilers along the trail. These are for both safety and an area to take a break, warm up or simply regroup with your party.
7 mile shelter
7 miles south of Baudette at trail junction.
FLOYD OLSON SHELTER
On the Floyd Olson Trail up to Rocky Point and Long Point.
COUNTY LINE SHELTER
20 miles south on the LOW / Beltrami County line.
PITT Y SHELTER
10 miles south of Pitt at trail junction.
TWIN PINES SHELTER
Approximately 35 miles SE of town.
GARDEN ISLAND SHELTER
Located on Garden Island
GRACETON SHELTER
Between Williams and Baudette