Trail conditionsNOTE! Our Facebook page is updated as-it-happens.
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Another sledding season comes to an end as the Grant-in-aid trails close at midnight March 31. Remember that these trails have seasonal easements... starting April 1 you'll be trespassing unless you have landowner permission! The Arrowhead will remain open, but will not be groomed after the 31st.
Thank you to everyone who visited Voyageurs Country riding the trails and enjoying our area businesses. We appreciate you all and hope you'll return year after year. Many thanks to our groomers for taming the trails and making them so fun. Our area snowmobile clubs & early season trail clearing volunteers also deserve a shout-out, as do the Voyageurs National Park staff that maintains the trails in the park, and the DNR for their help maintaining the Arrowhead Trail. A special Thank You to our volunteer first responders who come when needed no matter the time of day, distance or conditions. Many hands help keep the trails open and safe for all to enjoy. We're thankful to have so many area resorts, restaurants, bars and businesses open to welcome our winter visitors with your hospitality and help. Voyageur Country in northern Minnesota is a special place to enjoy nature and wildlife year-round. As snow season comes to a close, we're now starting to guess at ice-out dates. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer... and look forward to your visits next winter. Last night brought another 5-6 inches of snow to the area. Folks who have been out riding are saying the trails are the best they've been all season. Grooming will continue into this weekend. Spring means staying alert to changeable conditions while you ride, and watching for possible ice on trail corners and slush on water crossings. Active logging is still happening in several spots. This weekend is forecast to see highs around 40 and lows in the teens.
The DNR reports the Arrowhead is groomed and in fair to good condition from Tower to International Falls. All snowmobile trails in the Park remain groomed and open to the same extent as last week. However, the Kabetogama Lake ice road closed for the season due to the weight of snowfall causing slush to push up along its narrower edges. The Rainy Lake ice road is currently still open. Comfortable temperatures and beautiful groomed trails are waiting for you in Voyageur Country this weekend! Quick reminder that area resorts and restaurants are changing to late season hours, so check ahead as you plan your rides. For the latest updates, visit:
Please also remember to stay to the right and watch your speed. With 4-6 inches of new snow on the ground and more forecast over the next few days, we're able to stretch the season just a bit more so come up and ride! Area groomers are smoothing the trails and will be out through this weekend and as conditions allow. Trails are in good to fair condition based on reports from the Falls down to Crane Lake. Some icy patches, especially on corners, and some exposed ground in a few spots are reported on the Arrowhead. IVSC alerted that slush has formed at the Black River on the west Birchdale trail so use caution when crossing. It's the time of year where being alert on all water crossings makes sense. Around Kabetogama, trails are smooth and in good shape, apart from areas near logging operations. VNP reports that all trails are open and groomed (purple trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls groomed from the green intersection to Lost Bay portage).
A number of area resorts and restaurants are changing to late season hours, so check ahead as you plan your trip. Everyone is enjoying the comfortable temperatures and groomed trails. Come up to Voyageur Country where you can ride nice trails and enjoy great hospitality! For the latest updates, visit:
Please also remember to stay to the right and watch your speed. We're into March bonus season and have several inches of snow forecast for this weekend. Get up here and enjoy the warmer weather and longer days! Trails are in good to fair shape in all areas with a few bare patches according to folks who have been riding the last few days. There's exposed dirt where logging had taken place so please stay alert to varying conditions. The DNR reports the Arrowhead is fair from Tower up to International Falls. VNP reports that all trails are open and groomed (purple trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls groomed from the green intersection to Lost Bay portage).
All clubs and DNR will be grooming this week and through the weekend. From that point it sounds like like week-to-week assessments will be made based on weather. Melgeorge's at Elephant Lake is hosting their annual Antique & Classic Snowmobile Race this Saturday, March 11, noon to 5pm. This a special time of year to enjoy our trails. Come and enjoy great weather and fun trails this weekend. We look forward to seeing you up here! Ride safe by staying on the right side & watch your speed. Please visit our sponsoring area businesses & restaurants while you're enjoying the trails, great food and fun along the way! For the latest updates, visit:
Really, not much has changed from last week. Trails continue to be in good condition from all reports. A little snow to refresh things would be nice... so please continue to think snow! Logging is still happening in a few areas. Please remember to keep right and travel safely on the trails.
Orr area: Trails are groomed & in good condition. Reminder... Melgeorge's Antique & Classic Snowmobile Race is next Saturday, March 11! Crane Lake/Buyck area: The Crane Lake Challenge is this Saturday. Please be careful as there are several new snowbanks near Crane Lake Bar and Grill and Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats from the plowed parking area and track. The track extends to the northwest a good distance, and crosses the trail coming in from the south and the lake trail headed north. Be safe out there. See you Saturday in Crane Lake! All trails are groomed regularly, and are in good condition. Kabetogama/Ash River area: All trails are regularly groomed and in good shape. International Falls area: Trails are in great shape and being groomed regularly. In Voyageurs National Park: No significant changes from last week. Continue to be alert to signage and be aware of your surroundings; snow drifts and frozen slush are still present in some areas. All trails in the Park are open. The International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail), is groomed from the Green intersection to the Lost Bay portage. All other trails are fully groomed. The ice roads to Black Bay ski & snowshoe trailhead on Rainy Lake and the Sphunge Sledding Hill on Kabetogama Lake are both open. Arrowhead State Trail / DNR update: The Arrowhead is groomed and in good condition from Tower to International Falls. We will continue to groom this week and through the weekend. Please visit our sponsors while you're enjoying the trails, great food and fun along the way! For the latest updates, visit:
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