Fresh powder means something exciting up north: it’s sled time. As the first snowflakes touch the ground and start to accumulate, snowmobile covers are lifted, and fuel or gear runs eat up entire afternoons. After you’ve tuned up your sled, checked for fuel, and cleared away the dust, you’ll be anxious to hit the trails. When it’s time to dig out your snow pants, puffy winter coat, and thermal undergarments, we’ve got some tips to keep you safe, informed, and excited about hitting the trails.

1. Check the Weather: Knowing the forecast can save you from heading home in a storm or steering straight into thin ice. From December snowstorms to March melts, checking the weather before you head out on the trail can save your life.
2. Check the Trails: Before you take the sled out of the garage, you’ll need to check trail conditions. Voyageur Trail Society, Inc. keeps up-to-date trail conditions posted. Many trails are well-groomed and the National Park Service keeps trail specific updates on their site here. You’ll want to check your trail to be sure it is open (especially during the early snowmobile season in December) before heading out.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothes and Gear: Goggles? Helmet? Thermal layers? Water? Dressing appropriately for the trail ensures your safety and the safety of those around you. Depending on how long you plan to be out on the trails, you may even consider packing a snack or lunch. Most importantly, dress in layers and make sure you are wearing appropriate gear and clothing for the weather.
4. Share Your Plans: If you’re a solo rider, tell someone your plans and your route. It’s important to communicate your plans with someone before heading out on the trail for your own safety. In case of an emergency, there will be someone who knows where to find you and when you left.
5. Pack In and Pack Out: Rainy Lake and Voyageur’s National Park are visited by tourists every year. Adhering to the Boy Scouts motto of pack in and pack out, it’s important to help keep this area clean for all who visit, from tourists to our furry friends. If you packed a lunch or brought your favorite soda along, remember to take any trash you have from it with you. This helps keep this beautiful area clean and safe for your return next year.

 
Excited to get out and ride? With so many trails to choose from, the hardest part of your trip might be choosing which trail to ride first. Here is a map to help you plan your route.
 
Remember to have fun and be safe!

Feb. 28, 2018

It’s that time of year.  Warm days and cool nights makes for a great week to ride.  After all the snow last week, we have an excellent base and groomers are out.  The trails are still in great shape and should continue for the rest of the week.  Checking with riders, they are finding excellent riding and are enjoying the warmer temps.  It looks like more snow for the weekend, so another chance to have some fun riding here in Voyageur country.

Trail conditions are brought to you by Voyageur Trail Society, Inc.

Ice anglers are preparing for the upcoming Rainy Lake Sport Fishing Club Derby, and are targeting all types of species. Word is the walleye are responding to live bait whether you are jigging or using a bobber. Crappie are also responding to minnows but have not been very consistent. Most of this fishing has been going on around Sand Bay.

Some people are getting out further east, like around the mouths of Black and Cranberry Bays, but they are targeting Northern Pike.

Access to that area greatly improved when the Park Service completed the Rainy Lake Ice Road between the two bays. Along that road you might find some structure holding walleye like around the east end of Dryweed Island, try to get into about 25 to 30 feet of water.

Meanwhile, we've been running into snowmobilers from all over the state, they are finding our trails in excellent condition, The groomers have been out regularly as we have had some six inches of new snow fairly frequently. The trails in Voyageurs National Park are well marked and make some nice loops between the gateway communities. Need a map? Contact us and we'll put one in the mail!