Snowmobile and most cross-country ski trails closed for the season.  No further trail updates for the season.

Thanks to all for a winter of great trails.  See you next season!

Well, it’s Valentine’s Day this week, and there’s love in the air. How do I love thee, Vilas County? Let me count the ways…

• Great lakes. Whether you’re a swimmer, angler or kayaker, you can find something to do on one of Vilas County’s 1,300 lakes, one of the largest collections of freshwater lakes on the planet.
• Fishing. Vilas County boasts great angling opportunities for musky, walleye, smallmouth bass and more. And fishing isn’t just meant for open water, either: ice fishing in Vilas County is some of the best in the Midwest.
• North Lakeland Discovery Center. A nature-based community center, North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters offers educational programs year round, as well as recreation opportunities galore.
• Little Bohemia Lodge. Bullet holes can still be found in the walls of this Manitowish Waters resort, the site of bank robber John Dillinger’s infamous shootout with FBI agents in 1934.
• Snowmobile trails. More than 600 miles of trails stretch across Vilas County, and snowmobilers can find hundreds more miles of trails in the surrounding counties and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• The Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Speaking of snowmobiling, Vilas County is also home to the Snowmobile Hall of Fame (located in St. Germain), which showcases the history of the popular Northwoods sport.
• 12 great communities. From Arbor Vitae to Winchester, Vilas County’s diverse communities offer great lodging, dining and recreational opportunities for every visitor.
• Natural areas. Vilas County means nature, and there are plenty of places to explore the area’s wilderness, from the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest to the Blackjack Springs Wilderness Area east of Eagle River to Cathedral Point near Trout Lake.
• Wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts can find an abundance of wild creatures in Vilas County, including bald eagles (found everywhere, especially near St. Germain) and the famous albino deer of Boulder Junction.
• The Northwoods Children’s Museum. This Eagle River institution offers hands-on learning for visitors young and old through its interactive exhibits and fun events.
• Fall color. Vilas County explodes with color in the fall, painting the scenery in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. Travel Rustic Road 60 south of Boulder Junction to take in this amazing display.
• Hiking and biking trails. Visitors to Vilas County can find dozens of hiking and biking trails that wind through some of the most beautiful scenery in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
• Unique retailers and restaurants. Find everything from art galleries and traditional fish fry fare to specialty shops and cafes in Vilas County.
• Fun events year-round. Winter, spring, summer and fall, visitors to Vilas County can find fun festivals, kids’ activities and more.

Percent to Color:  past peak

As we transition through the fall, there is still time to enjoy any of Vilas County’s 48 designated trails for hiking or biking and the crunch of leaves under your feet.  Be sure to wear your fall wardrobe on your hike – a reminder from the DNR to wear blaze orange on outdoor excursions.

Thinking about your late fall/early winter getaway?   Check out all the events ,  outdoor recreation opportunities, and packages to help plan your trip to Vilas County.

Fall Color is on it’s way!

Snowmobile and Cross Country Ski Trails are closed for the season.  Thanks for a great year and we’ll see you in 2010-2011!

as of March 12

Friday…Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers…mostly during the morning. Highs around 12. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50 percent.

Friday Night…Partly cloudy. A chance of flurries. Lows 5 below to 10 below zero. North wind 5 to 10 mph in the evening becoming light and variable.

Saturday…Partly cloudy in the morning then clearing. Highs in the middle teens. Light and variable wind becoming southwest at 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night…Mostly clear. Lows around zero.

Sunday…Mostly sunny. Highs around 20.

Sunday Night…Partly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above zero.

Cross Country Skier

Cross country ski trails remain in good to very good condition and groomers remain busy.

As winds may create drifting situations in exposed areas, skiers are reminded to be watchful of trail conditions.

Presque Isle Snowmobiling

Vilas County snowmobile trails remain in good to very good condition as groomers have been busy following heavy holiday traffic. Light dustings of snow in the forecast.

As ice thickness varies greatly, riders are reminded not to cross any area lake until a crossing has been clearly marked and to stay on the marked trails.

Looking forward to a great season

Snowmobile Trails

Cross Country Skiing is open for the season!

State funded trails are open!

Caution is strongly recommended as trails are in early season condition and more snow is needed. Riders are reminded to stay on the trails as marked and not cross any area lake until the trail has been clearly marked.

Looking forward to a great season!

Cross Country Ski Trails

Cross Country Ski Trails have been groomed and reported in very good to excellent condition.

Winds may cause some drifting in open, exposed areas.

Snowmobile Trails

Vilas County snowmobile trails are listed in good to very good condition with some wear spots beginning to develop on heavily traveled trail sections. While more snow is always welcome, the light dustings of snow and cold weather have helped the groomers maintain the trails.

Ice thickness varies greatly and riders are reminded to stay on the trails as marked and to not cross any area lake until a crossing has been clearly marked.

For information on specific trails or areas, check out the links below.

Looking forward to a great season!

Cross Country Ski Trails

Cross country ski trails remain in good to very good condition and groomers remain busy.

As the sun peeks through the clouds, scattered rough spots may develop on sun exposed and heavily traveled trail sections, so skiers are reminded to be watchful of trail conditions.

Snowmobile Trails

Vilas County snowmobile trails are listed in good to very good condition with some wear spots beginning to develop on heavily traveled trail sections. While more snow is always welcome, the light dustings of snow and cold weather have helped the groomers maintain the trails.

Ice thickness varies greatly and riders are reminded to stay on the trails as marked and to not cross any area lake until a crossing has been clearly marked.

For information on specific trails or areas, check out the links below.

Looking forward to a great season!

Cross Country Ski Trails

Cross country ski trails remain in good to very good condition and groomers remain busy.

As the sun peeks through the clouds, scattered rough spots may develop on sun exposed and heavily traveled trail sections, so skiers are reminded to be watchful of trail conditions.

Snowmobile Trails

Vilas County snowmobile trails are listed in good to very good condition with some wear spots beginning to develop on heavily traveled trail sections. While more snow is always welcome, the light dustings of snow and cold weather have helped the groomers maintain the trails.

Ice thickness varies greatly and riders are reminded to stay on the trails as marked and to not cross any area lake until a crossing has been clearly marked.

For information on specific trails or areas, check out the links below.

Looking forward to a great season!

Cross Country Ski Trails

Cross country ski trails remain in good to very good condition and groomers remain busy.

As the sun peeks through the clouds, scattered rough spots may develop on sun exposed and heavily traveled trail sections, so skiers are reminded to be watchful of trail conditions.