Want to hit the trails in your new (or not so new) snowmobile this winter? Be sure your registration is current! Illinois boasts almost 2500 miles of trails, and we’re anticipating a snowy season ahead. Both Illinois and Wisconsin have more awesome spaces for snowbirds to explore than even many locals are aware of.
What you can find in the upper Midwest are whole systems of trails that connect towns, lakes, and forests into long, rideable days.
What Snowmobiling Trails Should You Check Out?
Below are six of the best places to aim your snowmobile if you want good mileage, reliable grooming, great scenery and lots of riding fun.
Lockwood Park & Anna Page Park (Illinois)
From December to March, Illinois riders can check out numerous trails throughout the Rockford Park District. They will take you through small towns and past refreshing, rural vistas, and even into Wisconsin if you’d like. Riding options can last anywhere from an hour to a whole day.
Jo Daviess County (Illinois)
For something closer to home, the Jo Daviess County trail network in northwestern Illinois offers a lot of rolling terrain and scenic farmland. It can be a nice change of pace from the woods to the north, particularly for riders who don’t want to trailer all the way into Wisconsin. Trail options, as well as opening and closing hours, may be weather-dependent, so follow local club updates.
Eagle River (Wisconsin)
The Eagle River–Three Lakes trail system in northern Wisconsin offers a more classic choice. Enjoy the wide, well-marked trails that loop riders through forests and across frozen lakes. Folks can plan full-day routes to include stops for fuel and food right on the trail. Remember to get a Wisconsin trail pass, and check lake ice reports, especially early or late in the season.
Vilas and Oneida County (Wisconsin)
Do you like long, uninterrupted runs with tight woods as well as faster open stretches? The Vilas and Oneida County trail system has hundreds of miles of connected riding, including some of the most consistent grooming in the state. Travelers from around the world appreciate the area’s smoothness and predictability. As with others, check county trail reports the morning you ride.
Minocqua to Arbor Vitae (Wisconsin)
Still farther north, trails from Minocqua to Arbor Vitae are another favorite for riders who love both scenery and speed. Spend the day weaving through lakes and pines, and passing the occasional small town, without repeating the same stretch twice. Plan ahead, though, as weekends can get busy.
Iron County (Wisconsin)
Explore the 308 miles of groomed, snowy trails that make up the Iron County trail system, including some of its extensive north–south routes. If it’s your first time, be sure you’re ready for this type of trail. Sleds need to be in good shape to handle the more rugged terrain. Prepare for a quieter experience with fewer fuel stops, but a lot of serene beauty.
Where Can You Register Your Snowmobile?
Registration is required for most snowmobiles used in Illinois. However, no matter where you use yours, keep in mind that some trails or counties may require additional passes or permissions.
Always be sure to:
- Register through an authorized agent like Cash2Go Financial.
- Call in advance, as fees can vary based on residency and duration.
- Bring proof of ownership, your ID, and payment for fees.
Once you’ve registered, carry proof of registration when out riding. Those decals must be properly displayed on the sled! Furthermore, check the status of any trail you visit, respect private land crossings, and plan fuel stops ahead of time.
Register at Chicagoland’s Cash2Go Financial
There’s a wealth of great snowmobiling in this region, but success depends on timing as well as making sure you’re properly registered. At Cash2Go Financial, registration is usually an easy walk-in process. You simply:
- Submit the paperwork electronically.
- Pay the necessary fee to an assistant, who will enter your information online.
- Receive a temporary permit, which you can use while waiting for the official decals to arrive.
Ready for some seriously fun riding days? Register your snowmobile and auto at the nearest Cash2Go Financial location in Illinois. Call 847-269-2274 with any questions about registration!