If you’re looking for peak pristine wintertime beauty, allow Drummond Island to unfold before your eyes. When the snow arrives, this emerald escape becomes a winter wonderland full of endless adventure opportunities for everyone to enjoy.
Drummond Island was voted by Pure Michigan as “the #1 place to snowmobile.” Over 80 miles of groomed snowmobile trails wind through unspoiled wilderness unequalled in the North. From DeTour Village, ride your sled right onto the Drummond Islander Ferry! The trail picks up right off the boat. The Drummond Island Dolomite Quarry haul road closes for the season, to become The Quarry Trail. This scenic trail leads you towards town and the various trail loops the Island has to offer. Trailer parking is also available.
Those heading north on the snow trails will find breathtaking views of First Lake: part of the inland chain of lakes on Drummond Island. The Maxton Trail is the northernmost trail. It brings riders to a unique viewing of the Maxton Plains Alvar. An expansive, rare grassland blanketed in soft white snow that glistens in the moonlight and provides crystal clear dark sky views.
Exploring the island by snowmobile gives you access to sights and locations not available any other time of year. Many trails take you over privately owned land, where owners only allow use of their property to snowmobilers. As you travel along the northeastern side of the island, the route takes you past Sand Bay, where you can catch a glimpse of the marvelous ice caves and formations from the trail.
The Marble Head Trail will take you to the eastern most point of Drummond Island. The view at Marblehead is breathtaking. The stop offers a unique viewpoint of our Canadian neighbor, Cockburn Island, as you stand atop a 100-foot limestone cliff face that overlooks snow covered trees and the vastness of Lake Huron.
The Ice Bridge to Canada remains a favorite winter adventure. Marked by locally donated Christmas trees, the Ice Bridge runs across frozen waters from the US Customs office (located at Drummond Island Yacht Haven Marina) north to St Joseph Island, Canada. Be sure to download the ROAM App, provided by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, for ease with your border crossing. Also note that you will need to provide proof of insurance on your snowmobile for entrance into Canada.
Snowmobiling is not the only winter motorsport to be enjoyed in the winter.
Don’t forget your ORV! Have fun at Turtle Ridge Off-Road Park, located at the Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center. Turtle Ridge is a 400-acre playground of trails perfect for those in search of a challenging, snowy four-wheeled excursion. The Resort also offers miles of groomed cross country ski trails that await both novice and expert through rolling pine and birch forests. If it wouldn’t fit in your car or you want to try something new, rental equipment for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, and sledding, is available at the Resort too.
Anyone looking to hop off the sled and explore rugged, untouched wilderness can snowshoe through miles of state-owned land for a hearty work-out that comes with rewards of matchless beauty in the stillness of Drummond Island’s winters.
Be sure to check out www.visitdrummondisland.com for trail maps, lodging and all things Drummond Island. Once you’re here, stop in the Visitor’s Center located at the Four Corners for maps and information, or just to say hello.
We love to see your adventures, share your DI snowmobile pics with us.
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