For many sledheads the real reward of any great snowmobiling trip is the much-needed pitstop that fills stomachs and maybe sleds, while also offering a warm place to rest, or some entertainment before the next ride. Oftentimes a remote-location can be the best-kept-secret of the snowmobiling world.
A good pitstop is any establishment within reach of snowmobile trails for fueling sleds, that also offers a traditional menu of warm foods such as cheeseburgers, French fries and warm beverages. But a great pitstop goes above and beyond – offering hearty and imaginative dishes, snowmobiling-specific amenities to store riding gear and décor that’s reminiscent of snowmobiling’s past, present and future (such as vintage photos, trail maps and more). It also has an alliance with the snowmobiling community at around it, including clubs and trail-owners.
Do you know the spot we’re describing? To compile the list of 101 Great Snowmobile Pitstops, we’re seeking expert advice from those who know best – you!
If you know of a place that deserves to be noticed, please email NLongworth@SnowGoer.com with your nomination, or add yours in the comments below – Try and avoid ones already submitted last year, as we’re always looking for the best fresh ideas! All nomination will need to be made new this season (meaning no comments from last year will be counted).
Be sure to include the pitstop’s official name/location, along with a brief description of what you think makes the place great. Last year we received nearly 200 submissions, so please do be as specific as possible! If you’re able, please also send along a photo as a JPEG attachment (we’ll choose, then print our favorite).
Root Seller UP
What makes this place great, Tim? Food? Fuel? Thanks for the submission!
Dean’s in portage Maine or the Lakeview in St.Agatha Maine doesn’t get any better than the way life should be
Your 100% correct! I love the Lakeview in St.Agatha ME, Plus if your looking for a wonderful place to stay near by, the Long Lake Motor Inn is a snowballs trow away. “Life is good”.
Thanks for the suggestion! Why do you think it is great? Do they have food? Fuel?
what a bout the canadiens pit stops or do you show them
Absolutely! Send along any submissions you may have to nlongworth@SnowGoer.com – be sure to include why you think they are great and any photos you have!
Hideaway, Starvation Lake, MI
What do you like about this place? Do they have fuel? Any food? Thanks for the suggestion!
The Inn Gastro Pub, Paradise, MI
Foggy’s, Christmas, MI
Nice! Thanks for the suggestions! What is it about these spots that you like?
La Face de Boeuf in Thetford, Quebec, Canada
Super great food, large screen TVs, live music, friendly staff, large parking lot where you can SEE your sleight outside, direct access to nearby FCMQ 25 (provincial official groomed trail), gas station is within 100ft on that same parking lot ! And….well…. come ride with us ! 🙂
Nice! We all definitely add it to the suggestions! Feel free to send along any more, and email us a photo or two if you have them!
Hobos Fireside Grill in Homer NY. Located on the Cortland county S-57 trail , they offer GREAT food a great atmosphere and ALWAYS super friendly! TONS of sled parking. There is a 15+ pump gas station next door with Non Ethanol fuel! They have been a friend of snowmobiling for the last 20+ years , always helping with fundraising whenever possible!
Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub. Paradise Michigan. Great food. Brewery offers several different beers. Gift shop(closed but they will help you). And of course The Amazing Tahquamenon Falls upper falls. Halfway between Paradise and Newberry Michigan on trail 45. Second vote goes to Pine Stump Junction. Burgers, wings and Pizza. Friendly staff and great atmosphere.
Wittigs resort boulder junction wi
Cold beer, beautiful views, homemade shots, and great service
Pit stop update( I gave a short version of the name) My vote is for wittigs point resort on fish trap lake in boulder junction WI. The family has owned it since 1946 so there is real cool old stuff in the bar. Great views, full amenities, and give ice fishing a try, you might be able to ring the Muskie bell.
The to Tahquemenon Falls Brewery is my favorite place on the entire planet to have dinner! Lightly breaded white fish dinner is the best!
Bowlin Lodge and Cabins!! Patten/Mt chase Maine.
Homemade chili and stews and grilled hot sandwiches, also a heated restroom.
We also offer fuel for the sleds.
The last has been compiled for this year – Be sure to check out the February issue of Snow Goer to see if your suggestions made it!
Haliburton Forest and the Cookhouse Restaurant is by far the best pit stop which is conveniently located on OFSC Trail #11 between Kennisis Lake and Little Redstone Lake. Whether heading out on the OFSC trails, sledding the Algonquin wrap tour and/or hitting Haliburton Forest’s very own 400 kms of professionally groomed private trails. They are sledders haven!
They have ethanol free regular and premium gas at reasonable prices, ample parking, heated washrooms with free showers, comfortable accommodations. They also offer a great family friendly restaurant that serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week, with a spectacular view of Kennisis Lake. Their homemade burgers are to die for! As if that wasn’t enough you can make it a full adventure by viewing their resident pack of wolves at the Wolf Centre (an Ontario Signature Experience), wandering through their antique snowmobile display/Logging Museum, taking in a dog sledding experience/tour (make sure to book ahead) and/or checking out their Woodshop!
Whether you are looking for a quick pit stop or an extended adventure there is always plenty to do at Haliburton Forest.
Check them out at http://www.haliburtonforest.com
P.S. Did I mention they also have 100 lakes onsite to ice fish?
Thanks for the submission, and feel free to send along any more (preferably in other states as well)!
Slo’s Pub – Great location, food, and owners. This is a definite last stop of the day. It has a very inviting atmosphere!
Nice! Where is it located?
Slo’s Pub
10599 Big Arbor Vitae Dr.
Arbor Vitae, WI 54568
Pine stump junction fuel good food and great service
I agree and the pizza is fantastic. Marrisa (the owner) is great as well as Debbie (her mom). Always busy in snowmobile season.
Benson’s Emporium in Walker, MN **Great Pizza!!
What else, Marc??
I have two places. Camp 61 Beaver Bay Mn. It is a small hotel with a bar restraint with great food and friendly staff. The second one is the Trestle Inn in findland Mn. It is a great little bar restraint about 20 miles out in the middle or nowhere. They have great food and it is right on the trail.
Thanks, Glen! Feel free to send along any photos!
Tinney’s Tavern in Lake Desolation, NY! Amazing food, fun atmosphere, club and trail supporters.
Thanks, Athena! Feel free to send along any photos too!
Pine Junction – Findley Lake New York
What about it, Ron??
Valhalla View Pub & Grub in Washburn,Wisconsin. Great Bar, bar food, steaks,seafood,fuel and rental cabins.
Thanks for the suggestion! What’s your last name, Jeff?
Hahn’s peak roadhouse the best food and the best riding gerally now crowds!!
Dunlop Lake Lodge in Elliot Lake Ontario. Awesome atmosphere and right on the ofsc trail. They have great food, good selection of beverages, and even offer lodging for the night or just plan your whole trip and use this as your home base. Super friendly staff and excellent pricing as well. Highly recommended
My nomination for a great trail side pit stop is the Chez Pidgeon located in Norton Vermont on route 114, the restaurant located in the northern most part of VT borders Canada. It caters to snowmobilers and is beyond snowmobile friendly, the owners are extremely involved in the local club, the northeast kingdom snow blasters. They allow the club to have numerous events and club meetings there. The owners will go out of there way to provide a welcoming feeling to riders no matter what time of day, it’s not uncommon to see dozens of sleds parked outside at any time, the food is great too! thanks for allowing me to nominate this great trail side stop.
Joe Maida
Black Iron Bar and Grill on Trail 5 in Hayward, WI. Best pizza on the trail!
I recommend Wildwoods Trailside Cabins Lodge and Restaurant at 125 Russell Rd, in Brownville, Maine. The name says it all… it is in the woods in central Maine. They offer cabin rentals which are very popular for those visiting our great state. You can gas up your sleds and enjoy a nice home-style meal in the lodge next to a crackling fire. The owners and staff are friendly and always ready to help with trail information and never fail to go above and beyond for their patrons. The minute you enter the lodge you feel like one of the family.