CENTRAL REGION CENTRAL REGION - page 6

The Town of Plover

Portage County Has Hundreds of Miles of Snowmobile Trails

PORTAGE COUNTY – Wisconsin is where snowmobiling was born, and the state continues to offer some of the best snowmobiling opportunities you are likely to find. More than 200,000 registered snowmobiles hit Wisconsin’s 25,000 miles of groomed trails each winter.

The riders discover new trails, meet new friends, and enjoy amenities on the trails, such as restaurants and other pit stops.

Portage County has nearly 300 miles of groomed scenic snowmobile trails to ride on. And while the trails may open a bit later than those farther “Up North,” they are still a lot of fun when they do.

The county has six snowmobile trail zones and a snowmobile trail hotline for trail conditions. The number is 715-343-6277. There are 10 snowmobile clubs that belong to the Alliance of Portage County Snowmobile Clubs.

The Alliance promotes safety, education, and safe snowmobiling. It unites clubs throughout Portage County and some of the adjoining counties. At their monthly meetings (September–May), club members from each of the 10 localized county clubs share information on current local activities and events.

To see a map of Portage County snowmobile trails, go to portagecountysnow.com. The Town of Plover has motels, restaurants, pubs, and other attractions that will make your stay enjoyable.

ALL TOWN ROADS ARE OPEN TO ATV/ UTV USAGE

The Town of Plover is a unique township where residents enjoy a beautiful river and appreciate being part of a growing cosmopolitan area at the crossroads of major highways with hotels, shops, restaurants and parks, adjacent to an educational community, supported by highly accredited medical facilities. Visit our businesses and notice the wide variety of local enterprises we are proud of!

Enjoy your visit!

Town of Plover

5081 Hoover Avenue - South, Plover, WI 54467 Town Offi ce: 715-344-7684 • www.townofplover.com townofplover@townofplover.com GREAT TROUT FISHING

MUSKY FISHING

The Gateway to ‘Up North’

The Town of Plover

Plover River Trail Beckons XC Skiers and Snowshoers

Just a short distance upstream—so to speak—from the Town of Plover is the scenic Plover River Trail. It’s one of the longest segments of the Green Circle system and attracts cross-country skiers and snowshoers when the snow flies.

The Plover River Trail connects with other trails on Izaak Walton League land to offer 6.2 miles of cross-country ski loops groomed for classical (stride) skiing. Use of the ski trails is free. Pets, hiking, and snowshoeing are not allowed on groomed ski trails.

This wooded trail, one of the longest segments of the Green Circle, follows the meandering Plover River on its journey to the Wisconsin River. A picnic shelter near the river offers a quiet break from the trail. The diverse woodlands, towering trees, flowing water, and ample wildlife viewing make this trail a favorite among users.

The Plover River Trail can be accessed from Hwy. 66 north of the airport or on Maria Drive just east of Barbara’s Lane.

If you start at the warming house on Hwy. 66 and go all the way to Maria Drive, you’ll cover 4 miles. There are several loops (red, green, yellow, orange, and blue) that allow you to extend the distance you go by skis, snowshoes, bike, or by walking. The trails through Izaak Walton League lands are only open to the public when snow is on the ground.

The Gateway to ‘Up North’

Skiing the trail takes an hour or less, depending on the number of loops taken. Snowshoeing and hiking takes the better part of two hours (all times are based on one-way distances).

The Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, the headquarters of the Green Circle Trail, has snowshoes and cross-country skis available to rent.

Groomed ski trails (2.4 miles) are also available at Iverson Park in Stevens Point. Contact Portage County Parks at 715-356-1433 for current ski trail conditions.