Snow Goer is planning to shine a light on a fun aspect of the snowmobiling lifestyle by compiling a list of the best snowmobiling trailside pitstops in America. And, to make it the best list possible, we’re looking for your nominations of snowmobiler-friendly places with great food and fun atmospheres in great, trail-accessible locations.
What makes a great (or at least really good) snowmobiling pitstop, from our perspective?
- It must have food, not just drinks. And, if it has something that it’s known for (Best burgers? Some unusual appetizer? Fish fry? A certain sandwich or entre? The world’s best chili?) that’s even better.
- It should have a location that a snowmobiler can ride right to, have a meal and then continue their day of riding.
- It should have a snowmobiler-friendly atmosphere and attitude – the sort of place that welcomes us in.
- Ideally, the pitstop has an area set up to handle our gear – a place to hang you jacket and helmet where they can get dry out and warm up.
- When you pull up to it at 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of February (for example) it’ll have a bunch of sleds parked outside.
- This isn’t about lodging establishments. Certainly, a pitstop can have lodging, but this list is about being a good trailside place to stop for lunch or dinner; lodging shouldn’t be a factor, pro or con.
So, what is your favorite snowmobiling trailside pitstop? If you have a favorite you’d like to nominate, either send an email to jprusak@snowgoer.com or fill in the comments box below this story. And, if you would, don’t just give us the name of the joint – tell us in a sentence or two what makes it special. Then look to an upcoming issue of Snow Goer to see if your favorite pitstop, with your nomination, made the list.
Thanks for your help. And, as we like to say, bring on the snow!
Shady nook resort, Pike Lake, Cornel, Wisconsin totally accessible by sled or atv, scenic view of the lake, roomy, outstanding food, varied menu, boasted chicken a specility, friendly staff
Bergland Bay Bar, Pine St Bergland MI , Great Beef Sandwich, Web Cams are great, Tom the owner gives great Trail Reports and a Joke here and there on his Web Page
Vansville Pitstop, Phoenix, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. The Vansville Pitstop is right on Trail #3 on the way to Copper Harbor. The owners, Jerry and Judy Rota, have welcomed snowmobilers since 1968. Premium Gas, a huge parking lot to park your rig and trailer when the snow starts to dwindle, a warm, friendly environment, and the only bar in the state of Michigan where you can buy a bottle of spirits for your trip. If you need laughter as your medicine, then listen to the owner, Jerry, tell you the Tales Of The Trails. The bar has been in the Rota family for 3 generations. Jerry will make your sides hurt because he is one of the best story tellers you’ll ever meet in your life.
Chief Lake Lodge, Hayward WI, Great food awesome fish fry, right on the trail/lake, super friendly staff/owner. sells gas and a great atmosphere by far the best trail stop!!
Great suggestions — these are just the sorts of places we’re looking for. Keep the suggestions coming, and if anybody has photos of sleds parked outside of these places they’d be willing to share, email them to me at jprusak@snowgoer.com. Thanks.
Tug Hill Hideaway, West Leyden, NY – French Canadian / American Cuisine. Authentic French Canadian Poutine, Wings, Burgers, Fish Fry, Pasta and more. Great location on the trail.
Vansville Bar. Great stop.
Goodfella’s Bar & Grill located in downtown Ronneby. Great food, winner of the Burger Battles 2012!! This place is very snowmobile friendly, has plenty of sled parking, and is located on some great trails in Benton County. The owners Candi & Jason are very welcoming, and the service is excellent!!
Buck Rub Pub, Pittsburgh NH , drive in dining and drinks!!!
Devils mountain, Quebec Canada, I believe its the highest elevation in the western part of the province. The clubhouse view out of the windows of this chalet style clubhouse are just breath taking, & should be on every sledders bucket list. Excellent food to boot!
Moose Jaw Junction, Larks Lake Mi. Great food and atmosphere the Moose Jaw club sandwich is my favorite.
Long Siding Bar and Grill outside Princeton,MN. Always packed with sleds, good food and very snowmobile friendly staff.
Lakeview Restaraunt, Longlake,ME The trails are just the best and the view is awesome and the French onion soup is the best to warm you up. I’ve been going there for over 30 years and it never gets old. Drive in on a Saturday and the place is pack.
Great Escape Bar and Resort with breathtaking views of the sunset on North Twin Lake in Phelps, WI. Close to the UP, next door to a gas station and right on North Twin. Tacos on Tuesday are not only huge but delicious. So is their homemade broasted chicken on Sundays. Think you’re good at pool? Play the owner John.