St. Germain Snowmobile Trails: Adventure Awaits

St. Germain Snowmobile Trails: Adventure Awaits

St. Germain is located in the heart of Wisconsin’s snowmobile country and it’s one of the best snowmobile destinations in Wisconsin. We have everything you need for an unforgettable ride: gorgeous trails, spectacular scenery and plenty of trailside amenities to make the experience complete. Ready to ride? Here’s a quick guide to snowmobiling in St. Germain and why St. Germain is one of the best places in Wisconsin to hit the trails.

Community

The largest snowmobile club in Wisconsin is located in St. Germain – the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club. The club boats more than 1,200 active memberships, including family memberships – because family memberships cover multiple riders, at any time, thousands of riders belong to the club! The club works tirelessly to maintain its system around St. Germain. 

If you’re not a member yet, consider joining. Here’s more information on the club.

Scenery

The trails in St. Germain are gorgeous. Bo-Boen maintains over 100 miles of trails in Vilas and Oneida Counties and St. Germain’s trails link to thousands of miles of connecting systems elsewhere in Northern Wisconsin and beyond. The trails take you through the heart of Northwoods beauty, including the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, the largest state forest in Wisconsin. Rides in the St. Germain area will take you across scenic bridges, through wild forests and along beautiful lakeshores. 

“They are scenic trails in the woods, and they are some of the best groomed trails that you’re going to find,” said Roger Klein, Bo-Boen’s president.

But while our trails will help you escape into nature, you’re never far from a delicious restaurant meal, a fresh tank of fuel or a warm and cozy lodging property. Klein said the club maintains road routes that intentionally connect as many chamber businesses as feasible. 

“That’s what attracts some of the families that come here to ride,” he said. “They can come up with other family members, enjoy a ride and be back in time for lunch.”

Trail conditions

While weather conditions always have the final say over the trails, a lot of work goes into ensuring you’ll have a great ride in St. Germain. Klein said the club has the best-groomed trails the county. 

Klein said the club invests substantial resources into trail grooming equipment and it pays off.

“A big part of our budget is for new equipment, and in the last 10 years we’ve tried to replace it (frequently) so it’s always under warranty and if something breaks down, we get a loaner,” he said. 

The club currently operates three new groomers with drags and they are carefully stored in a grooming barn.

St. Germain’s trails are also very well marked with signs, to help you find your way. The club keeps a close eye on trail conditions. Here’s a link to the current St. Germain trail conditions and follow the club’s Facebook page.

Heritage

St. Germain has been the heart of snowmobile country for a very long time. The modern snowmobile was invented just north of us in Sayner by Carl Eliason and you can explore the evolution of the snowmobile at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, right here in St. Germain. The collection is always changing but it’s always impressive – it has the largest collection of historically significant snowmobiles on earth!

St. Germain also is connected to an important aspect of the snowmobile industry. Hamblen Equipment Inc., “Home of the Arrowhead Groomer” is located right in town. Its high quality products are used on scores of trail systems and every winter it hosts a big grooming show that features vendors from Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.

Rentals

Need a sled? You’re in luck. St. Germain businesses have everything you need to get on the trails, including a high quality machine. Reserve your sleds at St. Germain Sport Marine, Premier Powersports & Marine and Rocks Rent-All.

Safety

The Bo-Boen Club wants all riders to have a safe and enjoyable experience. The club’s DNR-certified snowmobile safety instructors host the largest in-person safety class in the state.

Safety is a priority. The club’s president-elect Joe Domenico said that because St. Germain’s trails are very well groomed, it can be tempting to travel at faster speeds. He said watching your speed, staying on your side of the trail, and avoiding stopping after blind turns will help keep you safe on the trails, and never snowmobile while intoxicated. “Ride sober,” Domenico said.

A trail pass is also required in Wisconsin. Here’s how to get a trail pass.