Ride scenic snowmobile trails in Marquette, Michigan

Marquette County offers an extensive snowmobile trail network with over 400 miles of accessible routes. Riders can find plenty of lodging, dining, and winter adventure opportunities, making it ideal for multi-day trips. Don’t forget to purchase a trail permit before heading out.

Trail highlights:

• Trail 14: This popular, groomed route stretches 26 miles from Big Bay to Marquette, featuring scenic overlooks and winding paths.

• Trail 417: Running along the Lake Superior shoreline, this trail provides beautiful views and easy access to dining options like the Dry Dock Bar and Grill, known for its burgers and pizza.

• Al Quaal Recreation Area: Located near Ishpeming, this area offers additional trails and recreational activities.

Take time to map out the trailheads and attractions you're interested in exploring so you can find the most convenient entrance. Eight primary parking lots provide access to the Marquette Country trail system, including:

• MUPSA Parking Lot

• Carp River Furnace

• Marquette Welcome Center

• Crossroads Restaurant

• Negaunee ORV and Snowmobile Trailhead

• Larry's Family Foods, Gwinn

• Van Riper State Park, Champion

• Cram's General Store, Big Bay

With so many trails and routes to explore, preplanning your trip is important if you have limited ride time. For route insight, visit the Travel Marquette website and review the Michigan Department of Natural Resources trail map. You can also check out this helpful interactive map.

The trails are open from December through April, with peak snowfalls occurring in December, January, and February. Here’s a look at the average monthly temperatures and snowfall in Marquette:

Prioritize safety on the snowmobile trails, especially in remote areas. Plan your route in advance and carry a map—either a physical copy or a downloaded version on your phone you can access without internet or cellular service.

Here’s a list of more essential tips to follow:

• Always check weather and trail grooming conditions before heading out

• Dress in layers, including a base, mid, and outer layer

• Wear a DOT-approved helmet

• Follow trail signage and respect private property

• Watch for trail groomers and yield to them

• Carry an emergency supply kit, such as extra gas, a shovel, a blanket, food, water, and a compass

If you experience snowmobile issues, you can visit a local repair shop for assistance:

• Adventure Center Arctic Cat, Marquette, MI

• Meyer Yamaha, Ishpeming, MI

• Ride North Marquette Powersports, Marquette, MI

Before you head out on the Michigan snowmobile trails, be sure you're ready for the winter elements. Although Michigan doesn’t require snowmobile insurance, having coverage can help you safeguard your sled, yourself, and others on the trails.

At Dairyland^®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, we offer affordable, customizable snowmobile insurance to help get you back to riding quickly after an unexpected incident. Call for a free quote today!