Snowmobile Club Focus: The Lakeshore Driftbusters

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EDITOR’S NOTE: In each issue of Snow Goer we focus on one snowmobile club that is doing great things. This article first appeared in the January 2020 issue of Snow Goer. The quoted information was provided by the snowmobile club.

Situated a few miles from the shores of Lake Michigan, Howards Grove, Wisconsin, is home in the Lakeshore Driftbusters – a club that hosts hayrides in the fall, appreciation parties in the spring and a generosity throughout its community all year round. With possibilities as endless as the waters near which its headquarters is stationed, all it needs is new members to thrive as it approaches its 50th anniversary.

What’s the best in-season club event or activity that makes membership fun?

“We host a club trip in northern Wisconsin that’s always fun. We like to hold trips in different locations each season, and to ride different trails to see different areas that we might not normally see.

“Our club brat fry fundraiser, held the second Saturday in February, is also an annual event that’s always fun for anyone in attendance. Throughout the season we also try to host local club rides when conditions are ideal, and everyone is welcome to join.

“We are extra excited for this season because 2020 will be our club’s 50th anniversary! This is a huge accomplishment. Throughout the decades there are not many organizations that make it 50 years. Our club is planning on celebrating the special occasion with all our past and present members, and also with the people that made the past 50 years possible – our landowners.”  

What is the club’s best/most attended off-season event or activity?


“Every October we host an annual hayride. We have a club member who owns an old John Deere tractor, and a different club member hosts the party each season with drinks and snacks. After enjoying the scenery and company, we hop on the wagon for a ride to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and leaves. We stop at a local supper club for a delicious meal, and then back for a campfire – it’s always one of our favorite nights.

How has the club tried to attract new members to join?

“Trying to find new members has been tough in the last few years; Mother Nature has not helped us in central Wisconsin and low-snow conditions hurts efforts to recruit new members. But this last winter blessed our area with some great snowfall – our membership was up, we recruited new members and had the best trails we have seen in years. Since we recently purchased a different groomer this past summer, hopefully Mother Nature will continue to bless us with snow. Our club prides itself on having well-marked and well-groomed trails – that’s how you get new members. With last winter’s exceptional snowfall, the trails around our area were great, and snow brings in memberships and renews that excitement about snowmobiling. Our membership still is very dedicated and has a positive attitude about the winters turning around. We refuse to give up.

“All new members are also sent a ‘welcome new member packet’ in the mail. We always hope every new member will be an active member, and they are always welcome at all meetings and club functions. Our club also holds a ‘membership appreciation party’ in April as a way to say ‘thanks’ for their hard work and for being a member.”

One interesting thing that the club does for the good of the sport is…

“The club awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have been club members, and donates to local fire departments and other local organizations. It also participates in the ‘Adopt A Highway’ roadside clean up program twice a year.

“The best thing about our club is our wonderful landowners – their generosity is overwhelming. Working with them has been a pleasure. We receive tremendous support from our community.”

Lakeshore Driftbusters

Established: 1970

Total Members: 120

Miles Of Trails Maintained: 56

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Contact: www.Hgdriftbusters.com

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Editor’s Note: Every Snow Goer issue includes in-depth sled reports and comparisons, aftermarket gear and accessories reviews, riding destination articles, do-it-yourself repair information, snowmobile technology and more. Subscribe to Snow Goer now to receive print and/or digital issues.

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