Snowmobiling Near Milwaukee: Trails, Rentals and Tips

Looking to hit the trails this winter? The greater Milwaukee area offers over 660 miles of groomed snowmobile trails within an hour's drive—though you'll need to head to surrounding counties since Milwaukee itself is too urbanized for trails. This guide covers everything from beginner-friendly routes to rental options, regulations, and insider tips for planning a successful family snowmobile adventure.

Here's the honest reality: Southeast Wisconsin gets inconsistent snow compared to the Northwoods, so trail conditions vary dramatically year to year. The good news? When conditions cooperate, you'll find well-maintained trails through rolling farmland, woodlands, and scenic corridors maintained by dedicated volunteer clubs. And when local snow disappoints, we've included northern Wisconsin alternatives that make excellent weekend getaways.

How to access local trails

Milwaukee County has virtually no snowmobile trails—just a small connector section from Franklin into Racine County. Plan to drive 30-60 minutes to reach rideable trails in surrounding counties.

Waukesha County offers approximately 100 miles of state-funded trails maintained by 17 volunteer clubs using three Tucker Snow Cats. The rolling terrain through farmland and woodlands is perfect for families and intermediate riders. Trails connect to Washington, Jefferson, and Racine counties, opening up extended riding options.

• Trail Hotline: (414) 299-0330

• Maps: $2 suggested donation at waukeshasnow.org/trail-map or from member clubs

• Parking: Access through county parks and participating businesses (always check before unloading)

Washington County boasts 186 miles of groomed trails centered around the West Bend area. The Eisenbahn State Trail provides 7 miles of snowmobile-accessible corridor connecting to Fond du Lac County—a great option for families wanting a flat, predictable ride.

• Trail Hotline: (262) 334-6061

• Important: Snowmobiles NOT permitted within West Bend city limits

• Access Point: Eisenbahn State Trail at Lighthouse Lane

• Website: wcasc.org

Ozaukee County maintains 87-114 miles of trails through the Cedarburg area and north toward Sheboygan County. The SnowRunners club alone maintains 60+ miles. Terrain is rolling farmland suitable for all skill levels.

• Trail Hotline: (262) 284-8259

• Maps: Available from Ozaukee County Planning & Parks, (262) 284-8259

• Website: ozaukeecounty.gov/564/Snowmobile-Trails

Racine County features 188 miles of trails plus the White River State Trail—a 19-mile crushed limestone corridor connecting Elkhorn, Burlington, and Dover. This trail offers multiple parking areas with trailer-friendly lots.

• Trail Hotline: (262) 554-0133

• Maps: Available at Real Racine Visitor Center, 14015 Washington Ave (Hwy 20 west of I-94)

Kenosha County has the most extensive local network with 200+ miles (85 state-funded, 115 club-maintained). Six clubs maintain trails throughout the county, though riders coming from Illinois east of I-94 should note there's currently no access west of I-94 in Pleasant Prairie.

• Trail Hotline: (262) 671-4944

• Maps: Download the 24MB PDF at kenoshacountysnowmobiling.org (geo-referenced version available)

• Website: kenoshacountysnowmobiling.org

Understanding trail conditions and when to ride

Southeast Wisconsin's biggest challenge is inconsistent snowfall. Trails require a minimum of 6 inches of snow with sustained below-freezing temperatures. The official season runs December 1 through March 31, but actual opening dates depend entirely on conditions.

Always call before you ride. Trail hotlines provide recorded updates on current conditions:

County Hotline Waukesha (414) 299-0330 Washington (262) 334-6061 Ozaukee (262) 284-8259 Racine (262) 554-0133 Kenosha (262) 671-4944

Online resources for checking conditions:

• Travel Wisconsin Snow Report: travelwisconsin.com/snowreport/snowmobile provides county-by-county conditions rated Excellent/Good/Fair/Poor/Closed

• Groomer Tracking Systems: gts.groomertrackingsystems.com/map shows recently groomed trails

• Avenza Maps App: Download county trail maps with GPS tracking that works without cell reception

Parent tip: Don't load up the trailer until you've confirmed trails are actually open. Conditions can change rapidly, and a 45-minute drive with disappointed kids when trails are closed makes for a rough morning.

The rental reality for Milwaukee families

Here's the difficult truth: snowmobile rentals are not available within 60-90 minutes of Milwaukee. Southeast Wisconsin's inconsistent snow makes the rental business impractical locally. If you want to rent, you'll need to plan a 2.5-3.5 hour drive north to the Northwoods—which honestly makes for a better snowmobiling experience anyway, with more reliable snow and extensive trail systems.

Best rental options for families

Adventure North Snowmobile Tours (Minocqua) — Best for beginners and families

• Distance: 3.5 hours from Milwaukee

• Address: 8579 US HWY 51 N, Minocqua, WI 54548

• Phone: (715) 892-7777

• Guided tours: $150/snowmobile for 3-hour tour, plus $20/adult passenger, $10/child

• All-day tour: $250/snowmobile

• Self-guided rentals: $200-240/day depending on day of week

• Includes: Helmets at no charge, access to 1,600+ miles of trails

• Requirements: Must be 21+ to rent, valid driver's license, safety certificate if born after 1/1/1985

• Website: adventuresnowmobiletours.com

P-Dog Snowmobile Rental (St. Germain) — Best value for experienced riders

• Distance: 3.5 hours from Milwaukee

• Address: 2508 WI-155, Saint Germain, WI 54558

• Phone: (715) 542-2865

• Pricing: $175-250/day depending on model and day

• 2-UP models available: Perfect for parent/child riding

• Gear rentals: $10/day per piece (helmet, coat, bibs, boots, gloves)

• Deposits: $100 reservation + $1,000 damage deposit

• Website: snowmobile-rental-wisconsin.com

Anchor Marine (Three Lakes) — Newest equipment

• Distance: 3.5 hours from Milwaukee

• Address: 1037 State Hwy 32, Three Lakes, WI 54562

• Phone: (715) 546-8333

• Pricing: $179 weekdays, $239 weekends/holidays

• Equipment: Polaris Indy Adventure 650 with GPS screens, heated grips

• Heated helmet rentals: $25/day

• Website: anchormarineandstorage.com

Parent tip: Book early during peak season (late December through February), especially for weekends and holidays. Many rental shops require a 2-day minimum on weekends. Plan your Northwoods trip as an overnight adventure—the kids will love making a mini-vacation out of it.

Registration, passes, and certification

Trail pass requirements (mandatory for all riders)

Every snowmobile on Wisconsin trails must display a valid trail pass. The easiest way to get the discounted rate is joining a local club:

Pass Type Cost Who Qualifies Club member pass $10/year Wisconsin-registered sled + AWSC club membership Standard pass $30/year Wisconsin-registered sled, non-club member Nonresident pass $50/year Out-of-state registered sled

Purchase online: GoWild.wi.gov or AWSC.org

Fine for riding without a pass: $295 per sled. Not worth the risk.

Registration requirements

All snowmobiles kept in Wisconsin for more than 15 consecutive days must be registered within 10 days of purchase.

• Registration fee: $30 for 3 years

• Antique registration (35+ years): $20 for 3 years

• Where to register: GoWild.wi.gov, DNR Service Centers, or local DNR agents

Milwaukee-area DNR offices:

• Milwaukee: 2300 N. Martin Luther King Dr., (414) 263-8500

• Waukesha: 141 NW Barton St., Room 180, (262) 574-2100

• Sturtevant: 9531 Rayne Rd., Suite 4, (262) 884-2300

Safety certification requirements

Who needs certification: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, who is at least 12 years old, must complete a Wisconsin-approved Snowmobile Safety Course and carry the certificate while riding.

Course options:

• Classroom course: $10, minimum 6 hours, all ages eligible

• Online course: $34.95 at snowmobile-ed.com/wisconsin (must be 16+ for online option)

Parent tip: Complete safety certification before your trip. The online course takes about 2 hours and provides a printable temporary certificate immediately. Kids under 12 can take the class, but the certificate isn't valid until they turn 12.

Age restrictions and rules every family needs to know

Minimum age requirements

Children under 12 cannot operate a snowmobile unless accompanied on the same machine by a parent/guardian or someone 18+ years old. This means young kids must ride as passengers with an adult driver—they cannot operate their own machine, even on "kid-sized" snowmobiles, unless on private property owned by their family.

Children 12 and older (born after 1/1/1985) can operate independently but must have completed safety certification and carry their certificate.

Helmet laws

Wisconsin has no helmet requirement for snowmobile operators—but don't let that influence your family's decision. Full-face helmets with goggles or visors are strongly recommended, especially for children. Rental shops include helmets, and you should insist everyone wears one regardless of the law.

Speed and safety rules

• Near dwellings (10:30 PM - 7:00 AM): Strict noise and speed restrictions within 150 feet

• Within 100 feet of ice fishermen or shanties: Maximum 10 mph

• Nighttime riding: Maximum 55 mph; don't override your headlights

• Road crossings: Full stop required, yield to all traffic, cross quickly at safe locations

Equipment requirements

• White headlamp and red tail lamp must be on during darkness and when riding along highway rights-of-way

• Registration decals visible on both sides of cowling

• Registration certificate must be carried while operating

Which trails work best for beginners and families

Best beginner-friendly options

Eisenbahn State Trail (Washington County) offers 7 miles of flat, predictable riding on a former railroad corridor—ideal for first-timers. Connect to 12 more miles into Fond du Lac County for extended riding. Access at Lighthouse Lane parking area.

White River State Trail (Racine County) provides 19 miles of crushed limestone trail connecting multiple communities with well-marked parking areas:

• Burlington: Hwy 36 west 1.8 miles to Spring Valley Road, turn south

• Dover: Hwy 11 west to Eagle Lake, left on Vandenboom Road

• Springfield: Off Hwy 120, one block east on Signal Street (trailer-friendly)

Waukesha County trails through rolling farmland and woodlands offer a good mix of terrain without extreme challenges. The extensive club maintenance means reliable grooming when conditions allow.

Trail difficulty overview

Most southeast Wisconsin trails feature rolling farmland and woodland terrain suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. You won't find the challenging hills and tight turns of northern Wisconsin's forest trails—which makes this region excellent for families learning the sport.

What to expect:

• Relatively flat to gently rolling terrain

• Wide, well-groomed corridors when conditions permit

• Mix of open fields and wooded sections

• Occasional road crossings (always stop and look)

• Trail markers maintained by volunteer clubs

Local snowmobile clubs worth joining

Joining a club saves you $20 on your annual trail pass and supports the volunteers who maintain trails. Most clubs welcome families and host events throughout the season.

Waukesha County (WCSA)

• Membership: $35/year (includes WCSA and AWSC membership)

• Trail pass: $10 with membership (vs. $30 without)

• Website: waukeshasno.org

• Notable clubs: Sussex Sled Bugs, Muskego Icetronaunts (35+ miles maintained), Sno-Snoops (Mukwonago)

Washington County (WCASC)

• Website: wcasc.com

• Notable clubs: Germantown Sno-Drifters, Plat 5 Snowmobile Club (trails cross into Waukesha County)

Ozaukee County

• Website: ozaukeecounty.gov/566/Snowmobile-Clubs

• Notable clubs: SnowRunners LTD (60+ miles, oldest club established 1968), Monticello Sno-Mobile Club (50+ years)

Kenosha County Alliance

• Membership benefits: Discounted passes, free county trail map

• Website: kenoshacountysnowmobiling.org

• Six member clubs including Brighton Ghost Riders, Bristol Drift Busters, Prairie Riders

Parent tip: Attend a club meeting before the season starts. Most meet monthly from September through April and welcome newcomers. It's the best way to get insider knowledge on local trails, conditions, and family-friendly riding spots.

Events, shows, and guided experiences

Milwaukee Snowmobile USA Show

The region's biggest snowmobile event has run for over 40 years at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Find OEM factory displays, clothing and accessories, performance parts, destinations, and club information—plus safety classes and seminars.

• Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, 8200 W Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee

• Website: snowmobileusa.com

Charity and special events

MS Snowmobile Tour — A fully-supported 2-day guided adventure benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Held at Lac du Flambeau with all-inclusive lodging, meals, and group riding. Fundraising minimum: $750 adults, $500 youth 12-17.

• Website: events.nationalmssociety.org

Wisconsin Military Snowmobile Ride — Free annual ride for veterans and their families, providing sled rentals, helmets, lunch, and dinner.

• Date: January 20, 2025 (annual event)

• Location: World Championship Derby Complex, Eagle River

• Website: wimilitarysnowmobileride.com

Rolling Dice Riders — This club provides free wheelchair-accessible snowmobile rides at Milwaukee County events, including sleigh options for those unable to ride on a standard machine.

Warming shelters and trail-side stops

Southeast Wisconsin has limited dedicated warming shelters compared to northern trail systems, but several options exist:

Kettle Moraine State Forest (Southern Unit) — About an hour from Milwaukee, the Nordic ski trailhead features a warming shelter open daily with parking and vault toilets.

Waukesha County — Trails traverse through county parks where facilities may be available. Check with individual parks for seasonal hours.

Northern Wisconsin alternatives: If you make the trip north, the Northwoods offers extensive trail-side amenities:

• Four heated shelters in Rusk County along 330 miles of trails

• Restaurants like Slo's Pub (Minocqua), Eddie B's White Spruce (St. Germain), and Knockers Pizza welcome snowmobilers

• Eagle Waters Resort and Clearview Supper Club (Eagle River area) offer dining right off the trails

Planning your first family snowmobile outing

What to bring

• Layered clothing (base layer, insulating layer, waterproof outer shell)

• Waterproof boots and insulated gloves

• Balaclava or neck gaiter for face protection

• Goggles or helmet with face shield

• Sunglasses for bright conditions

• Hand and toe warmers

• Snacks and water

• Fully charged phone (download trail maps to Avenza app for offline use)

• Safety certification card

• Registration and trail pass documentation

Pre-ride checklist

1. Check trail conditions by calling county hotlines or checking Travel Wisconsin's snow report

2. Verify registration is current and decals are properly displayed

3. Confirm trail pass is affixed to windshield (or front cowling if no windshield)

4. Carry safety certification for all riders who need it

5. Top off fuel before hitting trails—gas stations aren't conveniently located on most local routes

6. Tell someone your plan including where you're riding and expected return time

Teaching kids to ride

• Start on private property if possible, where age restrictions don't apply

• Complete safety certification regardless of whether it's legally required for their age

• Practice mounting, dismounting, and emergency stopping before hitting trails

• Begin with short rides and build endurance gradually

• Dress them warmer than you think necessary—cold kids are miserable kids

• Consider renting a 2-UP model so younger riders can experience trails as passengers before operating independently

When southeast Wisconsin snow disappoints

Some winters, southeast Wisconsin simply doesn't get enough snow for reliable trail riding. When that happens, consider these alternatives:

Make it a Northwoods weekend: The 2.5-3.5 hour drive to Eagle River, Minocqua, or St. Germain accesses over 1,600 miles of interconnected trails with far more reliable snow conditions. Most rental operators offer weekend packages, and towns are set up to welcome snowmobilers with trail-accessible lodging and restaurants.

Eagle River — Self-proclaimed "Snowmobile Capital of the World" with 500+ miles of trails and the World Championship Derby in January

Minocqua — 1,600+ miles of trails, multiple rental operators, excellent family amenities

St. Germain — Connected trail system, radar runs, good dining options right off trails

Northern trail conditions typically run late December through late March, with some years extending into April. Iron County averages over 200 inches of annual snowfall—a completely different world from Milwaukee's unpredictable accumulation.

Essential contacts and resources

County trail hotlines

County Phone Waukesha (414) 299-0330 Washington (262) 334-6061 Ozaukee (262) 284-8259 Racine (262) 554-0133 Kenosha (262) 671-4944

Online resources

• Trail conditions: travelwisconsin.com/snowreport/snowmobile

• Registration/passes: GoWild.wi.gov

• AWSC (statewide organization): awsc.org, (800) 232-4108

• Safety certification: snowmobile-ed.com/wisconsin

County websites

• Waukesha: waukeshasno.org

• Washington: wcasc.org

• Ozaukee: ozaukeecounty.gov/564/Snowmobile-Trails

• Kenosha: kenoshacountysnowmobiling.org

• Racine: burlingtonsnosnoopers.com

DNR contacts

• Call Center: 1-888-936-7463 (7 AM - 10 PM)

• Violation Hotline: 1-800-TIP-WDNR

The bottom line for Milwaukee families

Snowmobiling near Milwaukee is absolutely possible—with the right expectations. You won't find rentals locally, and trail conditions depend heavily on weather cooperation. But with 660+ miles of trails maintained by passionate volunteer clubs within an hour's drive, families who own or can borrow sleds have excellent options when snow arrives.

For first-timers or families without their own machines, plan a Northwoods getaway to Minocqua, Eagle River, or St. Germain. The extra drive time pays off with reliable snow, professional rental operations with guided tours for beginners, and trail-side amenities that make for memorable family adventures.

Either way, join a local club, complete safety certification early, and keep those trail hotlines bookmarked. When the snow finally falls, you'll be ready to hit the trails.