Vilas County Snowmobile Trails
Vilas County, Wisconsin
Vilas County is the birthplace of the snowmobile and the undisputed Snowmobile Capital of the World. With over 500 miles of professionally groomed trails spanning 12 communities across a quarter million acres of public land, Vilas County delivers the premier snowmobile experience in North America. Eagle River hosts the legendary Amsoil World Championship Snowmobile Derby — the Indianapolis 500 of snowmobile racing — drawing crowds up to 50,000 and 1,400+ entries from the US, Canada, and beyond. The snowmobile was invented here by Carl Eliason of Sayner in 1924.
Miles
500 mi
Difficulty
Varies
Groomed
Yes
Fee
Required
Don't Miss
Eagle River is the Snowmobile Capital of the World — home to the Amsoil World Championship Snowmobile Derby (crowds up to 50,000), the World Snowmobile Headquarters Museum, and the International Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame in St. Germain. The snowmobile itself was invented in Vilas County by Carl Eliason of Sayner in 1924.
Trail App Tip
Map It Vilas County trails app — free download, includes GPS navigation for all 12 communities across snowmobile, hiking, ATV, paddling, and ski trails.
Trail Systems
Vilas County Trail Network
500+ miles of trails connecting 12 Northwoods communities including Eagle River, Boulder Junction, St. Germain, Conover, Phelps, Minocqua, Woodruff, Arbor Vitae, Lac du Flambeau, Manitowish Waters, and Sayner-Star Lake. Trails pass through the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Connects north to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Trailheads
- 📍Multiple throughout 12 communities — download the free Map It Vilas County trails app for GPS navigation
📞 Vilas County — Todd Bierman, tobier@vilascountywi.gov — 715-479-5160
Boulder Junction Trails
70+ miles of trails in central Vilas County connecting to the broader Northwoods network.
Trailheads
- 📍Boulder Junction
📞 Boulder Junction area snowmobile clubs — see vilaswi.com
Conover/Phelps Trail System
80 miles of trails in eastern Vilas County. Connects north to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and south toward Eagle River. The Conover trail includes 3 water crossings in the first half and leads to Conover Community Park.
Trailheads
- 📍Conover Community Park
📞 Conover area snowmobile clubs — see vilaswi.com
Cross Country Cruisers — Arbor Vitae/Woodruff/Minocqua
Nearly 100 miles of trails in western Vilas County maintained by the Cross Country Cruisers club. Includes scenic bridges and connections to Lac du Flambeau and Manitowish Waters.
Trailheads
- 📍Minocqua, Woodruff, Arbor Vitae
📞 Cross Country Cruisers Snowmobile Club — see vilaswi.com
Rules & Regulations
- All snowmobiles must display Wisconsin State Trail Pass AND state registration sticker
- Wisconsin residents: $30 annual pass — OR $10 with AWSC club membership at awsc.org
- Out-of-state trail pass: $50
- Fine for operating without trail pass: $200.50
- Operators born after January 1, 1985 must complete DNR snowmobile safety course
- Children under 12 cannot operate a snowmobile unless accompanied by parent or guardian
- Stay on marked trails — off-trail riding is trespassing on private property
- Alcohol and speed are the leading causes of snowmobile accidents — ride responsibly
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle River — multiple locations near Derby Complex | World Championship Derby Complex, Eagle River WI | Eagle River area trails |
| Conover Community Park | Conover WI | Conover/Phelps trail system |
| Multiple trailheads throughout 12 communities | See Map It Vilas County app for all locations | Various |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️Multiple clubs throughout all 12 Vilas County communities — see vilaswi.com/activity/snowmobiling for full listing — vilaswi.com
While You're Here
- World Championship Snowmobile Derby Complex — Eagle River (annual January race, crowds up to 50,000)
- International Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame & Museum — St. Germain (world's largest collection of historic snowmobiles)
- World Snowmobile Headquarters Museum — Eagle River (70 vintage snowmobiles, racing history)
- Sayner-Star Lake — birthplace of the snowmobile, Carl Eliason's home community
Official Resources
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Vilas County
- Trail Types
- Snowmobile
- Total Miles
- 500 miles
- Difficulty
- Varies
- Season
- winter
- Groomed
- Yes
- Fee
- Yes