The town of Minocqua, according to local legend, is named after an Ojibwe word meaning “noon-day rest,” but there’s hardly any time for midday siestas for people living and working in this Wisconsin Northwood vacationland mecca.
Surrounded and bisected by incredibly scenic lakes that are decorated by countless resorts, restaurants and entertainment options, the socalled “Island City” has become a bustling hub of activity with fun-loving but hard-working residents who play host to visitors all year long.
That includes members of the Minocqua Forest Riders, a longstanding, well-respected snowmobile club. Every winter, the trails they created and maintain host thousands of visitors. To make those trails what they are, though, takes year-round diligence and dedication.
Learn more about the Minocqua Forest Riders by reading the answers to our survey provided by club member Claire Leinonen.
To have your club featured, check out our submission’s page!
What are the best in-season club activities that make membership fun?
“We support numerous local non-profits during the off season. One major event is Minocqua’s Beef A Rama held every September. We work with the Lakeland Noon Rotary in all aspects of prepping and selling brisket sandwiches in addition to supporting a huge beer garden with live music.”
What is your club’s best off-season event or activity?
“Our Les Hillstrom Memorial ATV poker ride honoring one of our lost members. It’s held in August of every year and usually brings out 100-plus participants.”
What’s your club’s best means of finding new members?
“We have some of the best maintained and groomed snowmobile trails in the Northwoods. Using social media and our website to engage with visitors about what it takes to keep the trails pristine seems to help us ensure we draw new members each year while maintaining the ones we have.”
How do you make new members or prospective members feel welcomed?
“We host in-season member meetings/ mixers and ensure new members have the opportunity to engage with others. We also hold weekly club rides to different trail map-sponsoring businesses that also help new members to meet other club members.”
Other than safety training, does your club do anything to get / keep youth involved?
“We support young people (members) who are interested in becoming a groomer operator, giving them the opportunity to ride alongside with experienced operators to begin learning so that when they turn 18, they can begin the formal training program we have in place.”
One interesting thing that our club does for the good of the sport and the community is…
“We ensure we are active in our own community by providing club member volunteers to four other non-club-specific fundraising events annually.”
Overall, the thing that makes our club great is …
“Our generous, hardworking and committed members, landowners and business partners. Without all of them, our club and the trails we maintain would not be possible.”
This article originally appeared in the December 2025 issue of Snow Goer magazine. That means you could have enjoyed it long ago if you only subscribed! Go ahead and sign up today to get the print or digital edition of the magazine and feed your love of the greatest winter sport ever created.
