When the snow starts accumulating, snowmobilers across the Green Bay area know it’s time to fire up the sled. But Wisconsinites aren’t just good at snowmobiling—we invented it! In 1924, a northern Wisconsin shop owner named Carl Eliason built the very first “motor toboggan” in a garage behind his general store. That simple 2.5-horsepower machine sparked a winter sport that is enjoyed all over the world.
Today, more than 200,000 registered snowmobiles travel Wisconsin’s 25,000 miles of groomed trails each winter, and Green Bay sits right in the middle of some of the best riding around. You don’t have to drive hours north to find scenic routes and fresh pow.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just discovering all the fun you can have on a “motor toboggan,” here’s your guide to snowmobiling in Green Bay for 2026. Let’s hit the trail.
Snowmobiling in Brown County
Brown County is home to nearly 200 miles of marked and groomed snowmobile trails, making it easy to explore the region in every direction. Trails are divided into Zones 1 through 6 and span across the county, connecting with neighboring communities.
Snowmobilers can also view trail conditions and an interactive trail viewer, so you can plan your perfect ride. These trails weave through a diverse range of landscapes and communities, offering scenic views and plenty of great pit-stop opportunities for food, fuel, and warming up.
Fox River State Trail
In winter, the Fox River State Trail transforms into a snowmobiler’s wonderland. Riders can follow the limestone portion of the trail from Calumet County into Brown County, enjoying peaceful river views and wooded stretches along the way. This trail also connects to numerous county snowmobile trails, making it a perfect jumping-off point for longer adventures.
Mountain-Bay State Trail
This former railroad corridor stretches 83 miles from Green Bay to Wausau, passing through Marathon, Shawano, and Brown counties. Along the way, you’ll cruise through charming small towns, rolling farmland, and snowy forests. Add in multiple bridge crossings over rivers and streams, and you’ve got one of the most scenic snowmobile routes in the region.
Devil’s River State Trail
This historic rail trail running through Brown and Manitowoc counties offers a little bit of everything in terms of scenery and terrain, including two railroad trestles crossing the Devil’s River and its tributaries. You’ll also pass through four welcoming small communities along the route where you can stop for a bite to eat and warm up.
Ahnapee State Trail
Following the former Ahnapee and Western Railway corridor, this trail once transported dairy goods, cherry crops, and lumber through Door, Brown, and Kewaunee counties. Today, it carries snowmobilers instead. The trail overlaps with portions of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a 1,200-mile hiking route across Wisconsin, and runs from Kewaunee to near Luxemburg, and from Algoma along the shores of Lake Michigan to Sturgeon Bay.
Important Safety Note: Cat Island Chain of Islands
A special warning for all Green Bay area snowmobilers: If you’re traveling along the west shore of Green Bay, use extra caution near the Cat Island Chain of Islands in Dead Horse Bay.
The restoration of this island chain has created a wave barrier approximately eight feet high and protected by heavy rock, which can pose a serious hazard to snowmobilers. Riders traveling between Duck Creek and Long Tail Point must use the on-shore trail to safely avoid the wave barrier.
In short: stay on the marked trail and keep safety your top priority.
Snowmobile Clubs: Ride Better Together
Looking for riding buddies or ways to get involved in the snowboarding community in Brown County? Check out the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs and the Brown County Snowmobile Alliance.
Local clubs offer group rides, youth programs, safety classes, volunteer trail maintenance opportunities, and rider assistance. Together, these dedicated volunteers help maintain hundreds of miles of trails in Brown County, and they’re always happy to welcome new members!
With so many riders out on the trails each winter, safety and etiquette are essential. Learn more about snowmobiling safety, rules, regulations, etiquette, and more at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Happy trails!
