Up North Action Feb/Mar/Apr 2023

Photo by Dean S. Acheson

A distant visitor will arrive

I have seen two comets in my lifetime. The first was sometime in the early 1980s and seen through a telescope at a local university. (I know this dates me.) Not sure if it was fading when I saw it, but it was just a fuzzy blob and I came away less than impressed. So much so, that I’m not sure now which one it was, but likely Swift-Tuttle. But the second comet observation was a delight. The comet Neowise arrived in the summer of 2020.

I traveled to the shore of a large lake in Oneida County with a clear view of the northwest sky. I set the camera on a tripod with a 300 mm lens and a teleconverter on it. Using a timed exposure, it yielded a decent enough photograph. It didn’t come without a cost – something like two liters of my blood the first night as I battled hordes of mosquitoes for a couple of hours. The second night I wore a long-sleeve shirt, light jacket and head netting. I roasted in the swelting air, but kept most of my blood supply intact.

There won’t be any mosquitoes when I plan to venture out to view what’s being called the “green comet,” so called because of its green glow. Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is expected to reach its closest point to Earth – just over 26 million miles away – on Feb. 2. As of this writing, they are saying the best opportunity to see it is on Jan. 21, when the new moon phase will provide ideal dark skies. Of course, cloudy skies will keep me tucked away in bed.

Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere have the best chance of seeing the comet in pre-dawn hours. Even if it becomes visible to the naked eye, you may want to view it with a telescope or binoculars.

You don’t need a comet, or shooting stars, to come away amazed at the beauty of the skyscape after the sun and its afterglow fades away. The light pollution is minimal in the Northwoods, some places nonexistent, so the stars really dazzle. And now with this comet, it’s a light show you don’t want to miss.

Map & Index

NORTHEAST REGION - page 8

Covering the following counties:

Florence • Forest • Marinette

Oconto • Menominee • Shawano

NORTHCENTRAL REGION - page 11

Covering the following counties:

Iron • Vilas • Price • Oneida • Lincoln

Langlade • Taylor • Marathon

NORTHWEST REGION - page 23

Covering the following counties:

Ashland • Bayfield • Douglas • Burnett

Washburn • Sawyer • Rusk • Barron

Polk • St. Croix • Dunn • Chippewa

U.P. MICHIGAN REGION - page 28

Covering the following counties:

Baraga • Gogebic • Ontonagon • Houghton

Iron • Dickinson • Menominee

Find your summer getaway

It’s never too early to start planning your summer vacation in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan. There’s lots to see and do in the Northwoods. The activities and events will appeal to all family members, couples and solo travelers.

Thousands of lakes, serenity of the area and nature-based experiences are prime reasons to visit this area. The clear lakes are perfect for fishing, boating and swimming. The vast majority of them have public access, many with boat ramps and piers for effortless launching of watercraft.

Anglers with specific species in mind won’t have trouble finding a suitable waterbody to cast a lure or to dangle a worm under a bobber. From the smallest lakes to the Great Lakes, there are ample opportunities to catch a musky, walleye, trout, bass or panfish. Come July and August, you might even see scuba divers exploring the depths of those clear lakes. You can cover miles of Class A trout streams and rivers, fishing from the canoe or a kayak. That are rivers that offer leisurely floats or whitewater excitement.

If your preferred mode of recreation involves a bike, there are hundreds of miles of paved bike paths, along with expertly designed mountain bike trails through towering pines, and interesting places to tour within a community. You’re never far from an ice cream shop, restaurant or watering hole when it comes time to re-energize the body.

Local, state and national parks are yours to explore and play in with either free admission or a small fee. Vineyards, apple orchards and blueberry farms are there for the tasting and picking.

Many repeat travelers blend their outdoor pursuits with a visit to one of our charming communities and their unique shopping and dining opportunities. The Northwoods is replete with hometown celebrations, ranging from maple syrup festivals, to Native American pow wows, to fishing contests, to stock car races, to sailing regattas and classic and antique car/truck shows. Petting zoos and wildlife parks bring the wildlife and farm critters within reach.

Loons, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, coyotes and black bear all share the outdoors with us. Count yourself fortunate if you spot an elusive wolf or a moose.

Artists, skilled carvers and other talented folks welcome you to visit them in their studios or stores where their paintings, carvings, woven works, fine art photographs and more await your inspection. Museums tell the tale of our past with examples of tools and household items.

There is a place to stay the night, ranging from wilderness camping to national brand motels/hotels, resorts with housekeeping or American Plan stays, and B&Bs.

Northeast Region

Calendar

Feb. 4 Hiles – Hiles Fishoree

Feb. 4 Long Lake – Ice Fishing Derby

Feb. 4 Three Lakes – LSR Vintage Ride

Feb. 4 Abrams – Candlelight Ski

Feb. 4 White Lake – Fishing Derby

Feb. 4 Oconto – WGAS Northern Fishing Tourney

Feb. 4 Maiden Lake – Fish-O-Ree

Feb. 4 Little Suamico – Fishing Derby

Feb. 4 Marinette – Da Yooper Winterfest

Feb. 4 Townsend – Bed Races on the Ice

Feb. 4 Neva Corners – Classic Snowmobile Cruise

Feb. 11 Mountain – Sled Dog Races

Feb. 11 Florence – Fisher Lake Fishing Derby

Feb. 11 Crivitz – Fish-O-Rama, Radar Run & Winterfest

Feb. 18 Florence – Leff’s Fishing Derby

Feb. 18 Post Lake – Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 18 Townsend – Winter Fest

Feb. 18 Suring – Fish-O-Ree

Feb. 18 Riverview – Turkey Bowling

Feb. 18 Laona – Winter Fun Day

Feb. 18 Shawano – Snowmobile Vintage Ride

Feb. 19 Florence– KAMO Ice Fishing Event

Feb. 25 Iron Mountain – Kites Over Lake Antoine

Feb. 25 Laona – Fire Dept. Fishoree

Feb. 25 Gillett – Finnegan Lake Ice Fishing Derby

Feb. 25 Shawano – Mooseyard Bar Olympics

March 3-4 Mountain – Blast from the Past

March 3-5 Iron Mountain – FIS Continental Cup

March 6-13 Pulaski – Casimir Pulaski Days

March 11 Florence – Keyes Peak Uphill Truck Drags

March 11 Shawano – Mooseyard St. Paddy’s Parade

Oconto County is a winter wonderland for outdoor fun

COUNTY-WIDE – Families and couples looking to engage winter head-on with outdoor activities should consider Oconto County, located in northeastern Wisconsin. We reached out to Samantha Boucher, Oconto County tourism director, for suggestions that are not only inviting to all family members, but that are easy on the budget.

Among the winter activities she recommends are these:

• Paul Bunyan Ski Hill, the “Biggest Little Hill” in the Midwest, offers excellent downhill skiing, including a newly-added terrain park for skiers seeking a thrilling new challenge. You can also go tubing allowing all to enjoy the outdoor activities, no matter the age. Equipment rentals are available, along with a full-service restaurant.

• Lakewood cross-country ski trails that wind through the scenic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are among the state’s best trails. As a bonus, they offer free access. Five color-coded trails of varying lengths and difficulty provide skiers with an ideal location for a casual ski with friends or a challenging ski to prep for competition.

• Snowshoe through the picturesque Cathedral Pines, a towering canopy of centuries-old pine trees and one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Wisconsin, and the crown jewel of this part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet. Viewing it in the winter is pure magic. Snowshoe rentals are available at Lakewood Ski & Sport.

• Hike to the top of Quartz Hill for a majestic view of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest below. The trek is less than half a mile and worth the adventure to take in the spectacular panoramic view. Depending on snow cover, you may need snowshoes for the short journey.

• Snowmobile the hundreds of miles of trails winding deep into the forest and that link to other trail systems throughout the state. Don’t own snowmobiles? Not to worry. Northwoods Powersports Adventures in Lakewood offers equipment rentals and guided tours through the majestic forest and across the vast frozen lakes of the region. Plus, the trails start from or lead to a variety of excellent dining and lodging facilities, allowing for full day or complete weekend or longer of fun.

• Oconto Falls Tubing Hill offers the perfect family winter activity. It features a 900-foot hill, complete with a tow rope to get you back up to the top for another ride. The activity is free thanks to Oconto Falls Lions Club International. Simply bring your own tube, dress warm and prepare for a day of fun.

• Ice fish one or more of the hundreds of lakes within Oconto County that are abundant with a variety of fish species such as bluegill, bass, northern pike, perch and the prized walleye. Never ice fished before? The local guides, along with the equipment and ice shanties, will put you onto the local fishing hotspots.

The county also boasts a variety of excellent restaurants and lodging for that cozy, romantic getaway. For more information on Oconto County and all of its winter activities, visit ocontocounty.org.

Trucks to challenge Keyes Peak

FLORENCE – Keyes Peak in Florence is hosting the fourth annual uphill truck drag racing event on Saturday, March 11. Starting at 10:30 a.m. trucks from five states will be racing side by side up the snowy slopes to the finish line at the top of the ski hill.

Watch as all types of modified trucks, some with jacked up fuels, step on the gas and race to the top. Spectator admission is $10 (kids 12 and under admitted free). Gates will open at 8 a.m. Food and beverages will be sold onsite (no carry-ins). Go to Keyes Peak Up Hill Truck Drags on Facebook for any event changes.

Among the changes made last summer was a new PA system and announcer deck. There are now six truck classes, and more bigtruck races will be held earlier in the day so fans can see the nitro excitement. A new groomer/tiller will keep the hill more consistent for each driver. The parking area at the hill was also expanded. Online preregistration is now required, which will shorten the check-in process Saturday morning so the races will start on time.

Spectators can park in the expanded lot north of the Ski Lodge. When that lot is full, spectators must park at the following locations and catch a free shuttle bus to the event: Great North Bank, Florence High School, Florence Visitor Center, Northern Lites, Annie’s Trading Post, Leff’s Sports Bar. Four shuttle buses will be running every 15 minutes. For safety reasons, there will be no parking along Hwy. 101.

Northcentral Region

Calendar

Feb. 1-2 St. Germain – Snowmobile Trail Groomer Show

Feb. 3-4 Minocqua – Pond Hockey Invitational Tournament

Feb. 4 Conover – Cornhole Tournament & Chili Cookoff

Feb. 4 Minocqua – Ice Cold Beer Festival

Feb. 4 Merrill – Ice Age Trail Snowshoe Hike

Feb. 4 Deerbrook – Vintage & Classic Snowmobile Ride

Feb. 4 Land O’ Lakes – Arts and Crafts Fair

Feb. 4 Tomahawk – Ice Fishing Festival

Feb. 4 Tomahawk – Treehaven Tromp Snowshoe Race

Feb. 4 White Lake – Fishing Derby

Feb. 4 Minocqua – Wolf Tracks Rendezvous XC Races

Feb. 4-5 Land O’ Lakes – Three Bear Sled Dog Races

Feb. 10 Phelps – Spaghetti Dinner

Feb. 10-12 Eagle Lake – Pond Hockey Championships

Feb. 11 Sayner – Plum Lake Ice Fishing Tournament

Feb. 11 Phelps – Northern Exposure Ice Fishing Tournament

Feb. 11 Pickerel – Snowmobile Ride In

Feb. 11 Pickerel – Polar Bear Jump-In

Feb. 11 Manitowish Waters – Snowmobile Poker Run Fundraiser

Feb. 11 Rhinelander – Fisheree

Feb. 17-18 St. Germain – Snowmobile Ride with the Champs

Feb. 18 Phelps – North & South Twin Ice Fishing Tournament

Feb. 18 Mercer – Lions Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 18 Manitowish Waters – Winter Rendezvous

Feb. 18 Conover – Northwoods Blizzard Blast

Join the fun at Winterfest Rendezvous

MANITOWISH WATERS – The Manitowish Sno-Skeeters Club will host their 22nd annual Winterfest Rendezvous on Saturday, Feb. 18 with activities planned for all ages. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be headquartered at the club’s heated groomer barn located behind the Community Center, Hwy. 51 in Manitowish Waters.

Throughout the day there will be food, refreshments and raffles inside the barn and a bonfire outside. The raffle items will include an ice auger, snowblower, TV, generator and many more items. The drawing for the club’s annual raffle of the 2023 Arctic Cat ZR 8000 will take place at 6 p.m. Try your luck and skill with bowling and the hockey shot contest. There will be kids’ games, sledding hill, and free rides in the club’s 2021 Tucker Groomer.

If you are eying that sled raffle, but can’t make Winterfest, the Sno-Skeeters are also having a breakfast fundraiser Feb. 12 at the Pea Patch Motel & Saloon, where raffle tickets will be available. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon. Local businesses and club members also have tickets available for purchase.

Feb. 18 Phelps – Sand Lake Ice Fishing Derby

Feb. 18 Land O’ Lakes – Bent Camp’s Radar Run

Feb. 18 St. Germain – Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Fat Tire

Feb. 18 Conover – Jerky Making Contest

Feb. 18 Town of Sherman – Sherman Snowshoe Shuffle

Feb. 18 Minocqua – Candlelight ski

Feb. 23 Post Lake – Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 24-26 Eagle River – Snowmobile Races

Feb. 25 Mercer – Turtle-Flambeau Flowage Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 25 Presque Isle – Winterfest & Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 25 Three Lakes – Junker Sled Races

Feb. 25 Conover – “We Ride for Jacob” Fundraiser

Feb. 25 Presque Isle – Winter Fest & Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 25 Montreal – Hygge Hike at Night

Feb. 25-26 Eagle River –Snowmobile Racing

March 1 Minocqua – Loopy Fest XC Ski races

March 4 Boulder Junction – Cabin Fever Party

March 4 Minocqua – Loopy Fest

Continued on page 12

Calendar Continued

March 4 Minocqua – Ice Golf Tournament

March 4 Tomahawk – Taste of Tomahawk

March 4 Eagle River – Mules up North Mixed Drink Contest

March 5 Minocqua – XC Youth Cup Races

March 11 Rhinelander – St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 11 Pickerel – St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17 Conover – Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

April 1 Merrill – Children’s Festival

April 1 Phelps – Maple Syrup Fest

April 16 Minocqua – Artrageous

April 22-23 Merrill – Concertina Festival

Ice golf tournament enters 20th year

MINOCQUA – You won’t have to worry about losing your golf ball in the woods when you tee off at the 20th annual Lake Minocqua Ice Golf Tournament set for Saturday, March 4. Held on the frozen Lake Minocqua, the 36-hole course (participants golf 9 holes) is laid out on the Aqua Bowl in front of the Thirsty Whale, downtown Minocqua.

The charity-driven gathering draws a large number of players each year. Most comprise foursomes, but others tag along for the camaraderie, the food, the raffles and music (4-8 p.m. featuring Indyclyne). You don’t have to be a seasoned golfer to participate as this fun event welcomes players of all abilities (or none). Most walk the course, but you’ll see snowmobiles, ATVs and even golf carts out there.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Thirsty Whale (the event sponsor) with the shotgun start at 1 p.m. There is a registration fee. All you need is a golf club, as they provide the tennis balls. Proceeds go to local charitable groups and for scholarships. Any questions, call Deanne Kidd at 715-614-7108.

The cold truth is, it’s fun!

PICKEREL – You may not blast out into space, climb Mt. Everest, or wow the crowd by singing at the Super Bowl halftime show, but you can do something that probably none of the aforementioned people have done – jump into the open waters of a northern Wisconsin lake in the dead of winter.

For anyone who wants to bear the unbearable, the Saturday, Feb. 11 Jerry Schuh’s Pickerel Polar Bear Jump-in welcomes any and all to take a dip in the teeth-chattering water of Pickerel Lake. We have it on good authority that the local fish don’t mind and the water is super clean. Thousands gather to watch the polar bears and also to watch the snowmobile skipping that takes place over the open water.

Whether you jump, or prefer to watch (as we do!), the fun begins at 1 p.m. with the signature event at Jerry’s Sportsmen’s Lodge, 8915 Pickerel Lake Road, the headquarters. There will be a food and refreshments tent out on the ice.

The event will be preceded by the Pickerel EMS pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m. at the Pickerel Rescue Station 2 on Hwy. 55, and followed by the Tombstone-Pickerel Snowmobile Club’s chili ride-in.

We’re loving these easy to do snowshoe hikes

TOWN OF SHERMAN – A new year brings snowshoers a couple of fun outings to enjoy with friends and family. We direct you first to the Town of Sherman where the Sherman First Responders are hosting their annual Snowshoe Shuffle on Saturday, Feb. 18. This 5K is a “go at your own pace” event, with sign-in beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the event starting at 10:30 a.m., both at the Sherman town hall, 3053 Hwy. 182. The festivities will wrap up at 1:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is suggested and is necessary if you want to borrow a pair of snowshoes. Early registration begins Feb. 16 by e-mailing tracylmurrin@gmail.com or by calling 715-583-4477. Early registration fee is $20 and on the day of event the fee will be $30. All proceeds will benefit the Sherman EMR-First Responders.

Lunch (featuring award-winning chili) is included with the registration fee. Non-shufflers can drop by for the lunch, with a donation. The after-event party will include a 50/50 raffle and other raffles beginning at 1 p.m.

MONTREAL – The fifth annual Hygge (Hoo-ga) Hike will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the Historic Montreal Ski Trails. This event is sponsored by NICER and the Penokee Rangers Trail Corps, A $10 suggested donation per family will be collected at the trailhead, with proceeds to benefit NICER and the Penokee Rangers who maintain the Montreal Ski Trails.

Participants will find a variety of luminaries lining the 1.5-mile route along a portion of the Historic Montreal Ski Trails, with multiple bonfires, Swedish torches, hot chocolate, and a few other surprises along the way. Participants are encouraged to wear anything that glows to help light up the night (glow sticks, LED light vests, reflective clothing ... get creative!).

The Extension Iron County office will have snowshoes available to use for free, with kids and adult sizes available. Even though this is a dog friendly trail system, they ask that you leave your dogs at home during this event. If you have any questions, e-mail benicer@nicer715.com.

Parking will be limited. Use the entrance to Number 4 Road when arriving at the event. Do not enter on the south side of Montreal Street, as they will be using it as an exit only for the Rose Wreath parking area. The parking attendants will direct traffic to the Rose Wreath parking lot, with overflow parking directed to Number 4 Road (right side only), or across Hwy. 77 on the north side of Montreal Street.

Racers warm up to World Championship Merrill Ice Drags

Organized and run by the Merrill Ice Draggers, the lake becomes one-eighth mile drag strips in head-to-head racing, including muscle cars, dragsters and trucks on consecutive Saturdays in February. The 57th annual season’s last race will be Feb. 25.

The track setup features frozen snow banks separating the two drag tracks, a modern timing system, a two-story race control tower and the Christmas tree. Some racers run “nailies” – tires with 3,000 to 3,500 dry wall screws protruding from the tires for the absolute best ice traction. The club notes they host “the fastest 1/8th mile drag auto racing on ice in the world.” The world record – 141.6 mph and 5.431 ET in 660 feet – was set on this track! An average of 50 racers each week compete for cash, prizes and trophies. Drivers come from as far away as Ohio, Indiana and Iowa to race.

MERRILL – Drivers and spectators with “a need for speed” are invited to take in the ice drag races on Lake Alexander off Council Grounds State Park in Merrill this winter. The World Championship Merrill Ice Drags features both modified and rubber tire classes in more than 15 car and truck categories, including the Powder Puff class.

Spectator admission and parking on the ice is free (on land requires a state park sticker). Access Lake Alexander from Council Grounds Drive (not Forest Drive) and follow signs to the boat landing. Concessions will be available on-site. For the latest updates (weather or ice conditions can cause a cancellation), phone 715-218-9668 or visit merrillicedrags.com or follow Merrill Ice Drags on Facebook.

Maple Syrup Fest is a sweet time to visit Phelps

PHELPS – Maple syrup draws humans like, well, like bees to honey – and you’ll see both at the 12th annual Maple Syrup Fest in Phelps on Saturday, April 1. It’ll be a day of tasting all things maple syrup and free educational activities. The event hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Phelps School, 4451 Old School Road.

The greater Phelps area – Phelps is the Maple Syrup Capital of Wisconsin – has an abundance of maple trees, perfect for tree-tapping demonstrations and tours of sugar bushes. Event goers can pick up maps and punch cards for self-guided sugarbush tours featuring four local sugarbushes where visitors can see maple syrup production in action. Completed tour punch cards will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Stop by at the Maple Café for breakfast and lunch specials, as well as the delicious maple treats. You can also learn how to make maple taffy on the snow. Enjoy presentations and demonstrations including, flavors of maple syrup, honey and beekeeping, and cooking with maple syrup. The popular maple syrup judging contest will feature entries from producers in Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine and New York. Entries are evaluated on density, clarity, flavor, color and containers.

The craft fair will showcase handmade items from dozens of vendors. Children will enjoy activities just for them. Maple syrup will be sold at each sugarbush and at the Fest with $1 from each bottle going towards the Phelps Maple Syrup Fest Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact the Phelps Chamber at 715-545-3800, or visit phelpswi.us/event/maple-syrup-fest.

Minocqua Winter Park is your go-to place for fun

MINOCQUA – Now that Mother Nature has transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland, it’s time to explore the recreational opportunities at Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center, located several miles west of Minocqua. Winter Park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, snow tubing, sledding, snow biking and skijoring. The ice-skating rink is a favorite of many. Free use of ice skates is available.

Winter Park’s trail systems traverse some 6,500 acres of scenic upland forest and lowlands. Weaved into the landscape are some 85 kilometers of PistenBully groomed XC ski trails (classic and skate), as well as 14.5 kilometers of single-track classic. There are 10.4 kilometers of snowshoe trails, winter fat biking trails and skijoring trails. The two dozen XC trails offer many options for distance travel and for all skill levels. All trails are marked at the intersections; paper trail maps are available at the chalet. Along those trails are shelters to rest, to warm up before a fire and to socialize with like-minded skiers and snowshoers.

The heated chalet is where you can purchase trail passes, warm up, store your gear, use the restrooms, rent ski equipment, sign up for PSIA-ski school lessons and prep your skis in the wax room. The chalet has free wi-fi. The café offers eats, including grab-n-go options.

The CXC Adaptive Center offers stand-up and sit-ski equipment to provide XC skiing to people with physical disabilities or visual impairments. Call for appointments for instructions and free equipment use.

Upcoming races and events this season, include the Wolf Tracks Rendezvous XC Ski Race on Feb. 4; candlelight ski on Feb. 18; snowshoe hike to Squirrel Hill on Feb. 25; Loopy Fest (CXC Youth Cup Races, Loopy Loppet & Beat the Bunny) on March 4; CXC Youth Cup Races on March 5 and candlelight snowshoe on March 11. For more information about times and registration fees, visit minocquawinterpark.org or call 715-356-3309.

The facility is located at 7543 Squirrel Hill Rd, Minocqua. Travel Highway 70 – 6.8 miles west of the U.S. Highway 51/70 intersection in Minocqua; turn south onto Squirrel Lake Road. Go south for 4.7 miles and turn left (east) onto Scotchman Lake Road and continue to Minocqua Winter Park.

Northwest Region

Calendar

Feb. 4 Hayward – Crappie Ice Fishing Tournament

Feb. 4 Wanderoos – Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 4 Cable – Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 4 Balsam Lake – Winterfest

Feb. 10-11 Luck – Winter Carnival

Feb. 10-12 Rice Lake – Model Railroad Show

Feb. 11 Winter – Vintage Snowmobile Run

Feb. 11 Centuria – Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 11 Hayward – Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie

Feb. 11 St. Croix Falls – Candlelight Ski

Feb. 16 Sarona – Nordic Snowshoe Hike

Feb. 17-18 Sarona – Long Lake Shoot Out (snowmobile drags)

Feb. 18 Ashland – Book Across the Bay

Feb. 18 Cable – Snowshoe Hike

Feb. 18 Drummond – Bar Stool Races

Feb. 18 Amery – Vintage Snowmobile Ride

Feb. 18 Clam Falls – Winter Carnival

Lightning-fast sleds on ice, and more at Chetek Winterfest

CHETEK – How fast can they go? That question will be asked more than once when the National Straightline Snowmobile Racing (NSSR) drivers fire up their sleds during the sanction radar runs at the Chetek Winterfest on Saturday, Feb. 25. In 2020, one driver answered that question when he blistered the 1,000-foot track, setting a world record run of 194.38 m.p.h. Drivers this year will be eyeing to break that record.

Racing will take place on Lake Chetek in front of the beach. In addition to the sanctioned radar races, there will be a fun run track. Admission is $5 with kids 12 and younger getting in free. Spectator gates open at 8 a.m., racing begins at 9:30 a.m. There will be food and beverages on the ice (no carry-ins). Other activities include kids games, kids pro ice racing and kart races.

The Bikini Run fundraiser will take place at 1 p.m.; all proceeds will go to the Pink Ribbon Advocacy of Barron County. Prizes will be awarded for fastest time and top male and female fundraisers, who are crowned King & Queen of Winterfest.

Trophies, drawings, awards and more follow at 6 p.m. at Lakeside Cantina. Proceeds help with event expenses and support the Chetek Area Chamber of Commerce, the event sponsor. For a schedule of events, fundraising forms and complete information, visit chetekwinterfest.org.

Feb. 18 Osceola – Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 18 Iron River – Sled Dog Races

Feb. 18 Springbrook – Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 19 Clayton – Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 19 Washburn – Bike Across the Bay

Feb. 23-26 Hayward & Cable – American Birkebeiner

Feb. 24-25 Chetek – Winterfest

March 3 Cable -- World’s Longest Weenie Roast

March 3 Bayfield – Winter Festival

March 11 Hayward – Fat Bike Birkie

March 11 Bayfield – Ashwabay Spring Carnival

March 11 Dresser – Troll Cup Race

April 8 Turtle Lake – Smelt Fry

April 8 Luck – Smelt Fry

April 15 Cushing – Spring Bash

April 15 Cable – Midwest Crane Count

April 29 Balsam Lake – Smelt Fry

Cozy up to the Luck Winter Carnival

LUCK – Luck’s Winter Carnival is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, and this year it will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10-11 in this Polk County community. Kicking off the event, the Queen coronation gets underway at 7 p.m. Friday at the Luck School.

Saturday’s lineup of fun includes the local Lions serving up a hearty breakfast from 7-11 a.m. at the Luck School. Stop by the public library book sale and get some books for cozy winter reading before the fireplace or for next summer as beach reads.

If you have young Michelangelos-in-waiting, bring them to Fort Luck Park on Saturday where there are two age categories (ages 6 & younger, and 7-12 years) for the kiddie snowman building contest. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Fort Luck Park will be the site also of the sawdust pile for kids 2-12 years old, with two age categories.

The alumni basketball tournament runs all day at the Luck School. There’s bingo at the Lions Hall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Refreshments and food will be provided by the Little Butternut 4-H. Door prizes awarded throughout the day. You can register Winter Carnival buttons at the Lions Hall for a chance at door prizes. The Lions Hall is also where you can scope out the clues posted hourly for the Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt. Find the medallion and you will take home the $100 prize.

The highlight of Winter Carnival is the 26th annual Torchlight Parade. It starts at 6 p.m. Saturday from Ruby’s Retreat. Parade route: West on Park Avenue, right onto Main Street, right onto 2nd Avenue, and right onto 1st Street.

Snow Outlaws go faster, much faster than you

SARONA – Here’s your chance to see some of the fastest snowmobiles on the planet. The Snow Outlaws will bring their amazing sleds – 1,000 hp+ – to Long Lake on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17 and 18.

Presented by the local chamber,ww the Long Lake Shoot Out will take place starting at 5 p.m. both days on the lake in front of The Pioneer. Admission is free for spectators. The Pioneer is located at N1690 Cty. Hwy. M, Sarona.

Snow Outlaws is a professional snowmobile racing organization showcasing the world’s fastest sleds on snow in an exciting flashlight start, 500-foot drag competition. Racers and teams from all over North America come to compete for the world championship in three classes of high horsepower-purpose built sleds. The sleds can reach 160 m.p.h. in three seconds!

The World Finals will be March 3 & 4 held during the annual Weenie Roast at Lakewood’s Resort in Cable.

U.P. RegionMichigan

Calendar

Feb. 11 Watersmeet – Craft & Vendor Show

March 3-5 Iron Mountain – International Ski Jumping Tournament

March 4 Gogebic Lake – Ice Fishing Derby

March 11 Bergland – Hog-A-Thon Fishing Tournament

Iron County destinations: Rev up for epic snowmobile trails

COUNTY-WIDE – Wondering where to go snowmobiling?

Iron County, MI boasts abundant snowfall, more than 260 miles of extensively groomed and well-marked snowmobile trails, drawing riders from throughout the region and beyond to enjoy scenic journeys that are a trademark of trails here.

The wide-open trails traverse abandoned railroad beds, weave through varied wooded terrain and cross lakes for excellent sledding. Depending on your schedule, you can carve out a few hours of riding, or open the calendar for days of exploring the great Northwoods. Snowfall totals are between 90 and 120 inches each season. The season opens Dec. 1 and closes March 31.

The Iron Range Trails system includes Amasa, Crystal Falls, Iron River, Sidnaw and Kenton areas. The Iron Range Trail Club (ironrangetrailclub.com) maintains and grooms about 150 miles of trails while the Chippewa Sno-Kats Snowmobile Club (chippewasnokats.com) maintains and grooms about 100 miles of trails. Snowmobile derbies, festivals and races are sponsored each season by the clubs and communities.

Iron River serves as a main hub for many trails in the area, providing all the amenities snowmobilers seek, including gas stations, restaurants, lodging and sled rentals.

Trail 16, known as the “Chippewa Trail,” travels east on a wellgroomed scenic route to Crystal Falls. From here it continues on to the Sagola area on the Arsenia Hershey Trail. A jaunt on Trail 15 takes riders north deep into the magnificent Upper Michigan Northwoods offering the rider many opportunities to view or photograph wildlife and scenery. This trail gives snow-tourers the option of traveling to Sidnaw or connecting with Trail 4 toward Kenton or Trail 111 to Amasa. Snowmobilers can also tap into the vast network of trails in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin for an extended riding adventure.

For trail reports call 906-265-7152 or 888-879-4766. For trail maps contact the South Central UP Snowmobile Council at osieger@fast-air.net. Iron County snowmobile trail maps are available at the Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance office (iron.org) in Iron River, at most area gas stations, and many local businesses. Trail permits can be purchased at the Chicaugon Lake Inn.

Two ice fishing contests set for Lake Gogebic

LAKE GOGEBIC – The 14-mile-long Lake Gogebic has a wellearned reputation as an excellent fish factory, a fact anglers can discover or rediscover when they take part in one or both of the two ice fishing tournaments set for the lake this March. Don’t forget, you will need a Michigan fishing license, as required. The lake crosses CST and EST zones so check fishing hours and last weigh-in times for each tournament!

Gogebic Lodge Ice Fishing Derby

The Gogebic Lodge Ice Fishing Derby – now in its 40th year as the longest running fishing contest in the area – is set for Saturday, March 4, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST. More than $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, including $1,000 for the top walleye, perch, and northern that is registered. There are smaller cash prizes for the first registered whitefish, crappie and rock bass. Live bait will be available the day of the derby. Entry fee is $40.

Participants can enjoy free chili and soup during the tournament, with additional refreshments and food available for purchase. There will also be door prizes. For more information call 906842-3321 or visit gogebiclodge.com. The Lodge is located at N9600, State Hwy. M-64.

Hog-a-Thon Fishing Tournament

Then the following Saturday, March 11, it will be the 18th annual Hog-a-Thon Fishing Tournament’s turn in the spotlight. Fishing hours are from daybreak to 5 p.m. EST. Entry fee is $35 cash, or $40 if using a credit card.

This is an open contest with no age categories, says the sponsor, Bergland Outfitters. There is a “pre-fish” opportunity on Friday, March 10, with a $100 prize for the top perch. The big payouts are in the Saturday contest, including $1,500 for first in the perch category. Other cash prizes will be awarded for the top entries in the walleye, crappie and silver perch categories. Weigh-ins will take place at Bergland Outfitters until 5 p.m. EST or The Root Cellar 4 p.m. CST.

Bergland Outfitters is located 2 miles west of Bergland, 35802 State Hwy. M-28. For more information, call 906-235-8288 or visit lakegogebicfishguide.com/hog-a-thon.

Wolverine Winter Challenge up next

IRONWOOD – February may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s no shortage of fun to be had for winter enthusiasts in the Ironwood area. The Wolverine Nordic Ski Club invites skiers and snowshoers to sign up for their third annual Winter Challenge to be held Feb. 4-26 on the Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails in Ironwood. Participants can snowshoe one or all 6 trails, and/or ski 10 km.

There is no timing and there is a registration fee for individuals and teams. (See wolverinenordic.com for details.) Snowshoe, ski or bike an entire trail, report the trails completed on-line and your name will be put into a drawing for a door prize. The entire trail loop must be completed in a single day, but different trails may be completed on different days. The 10 km ski may be done in parts and reported after all 10 km have been completed. A team challenge for five or more members can earn team points. Team and individual totals will be recognized.

About the trails

Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails offers 24 km of ski trails, including several loops for classic striding and skate skiing. There are 14 km of marked snowshoe trails and 7 km of snow bike trails. The rolling terrain offers trails for all levels of skiing, snowshoeing and snow biking.

Ski and snowshoe trails can be accessed at the chalet trailhead at 5851 Sunset Road. There is also a trailhead behind Apsirus Ironwood Hospital. The Summit Road trailhead provides access to snow bike trails as well as ski and snowshoe trails.

The warming chalet offers a view of the historic wooden ski jump structure that was part of the club’s original activities. Cookies and hot chocolate are available in the chalet, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the ski season. Volunteers with the Wolverine Nordic Ski Club maintain and groom the trail system.

Pine Mountain Continental Cup Ski Jumping Tournament

IRON MOUNTAIN, MICH. – The International Ski Federation (FIS) has announced that the Continental Cup Ski Jumping Series will return to Iron Mountain Friday-Sunday, March 3-5. Event organizer Kiwanis Ski Club is excited to be back in action with three competitions surrounding Super Bowl weekend.

The 2023 event will represent the 84th year of ski jumping at Pine Mountain and the second year of jumping on the newly renovated ski jump tower. Teams representing the world’s Nordic powerhouses are expected to attend with several athletes likely coming fresh off the Junior World Nordic Championship in Whistler, Canada the week before.

The venue hosts jumpers from a dozen or so Nordic powerhouses, including from Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway and Italy, as well as the host USA. The event is considered by many as the best such tournament in the United States. The annual competition draws well over 20,000 fans to the venue throughout the three-day event. All classes of records have been set on

Pine Mountain, including the U.S. record for the longest jump in World Cup competition at 459 feet, as well as the overall distance record at 472.44 feet.

Food and refreshments will be available on the grounds. Spectators can bring portable grills and tailgate with others. The facility is located at N3330 Pine Mountain Road. Learn more about the Pine Mountain event and purchase your admission button on-line at kiwanisskiclub.com. Buttons are also available locally.

The Pine Mountain Ski Jump, originally built in 1937, is one of the highest artificially created ski jumps in the world. The original wood structure was fully replaced with a hot-dip galvanized steel structure. The top reaches nearly 600 feet above the surrounding landscape, making the view similar in scope to looking out from a 60-story skyscraper. There are two other significant ski jumps in the Upper Michigan. One is Copper Peak, located near Ironwood. The other is Suicide Hill, located near Ishpeming and near the National Ski Hall of Fame.

Area Events!

Feb-March, Fri, Sat, Sun. - Ironwood: Mt. Zion Kids

Snow-tubing & ski

Feb 4-26 - Ironwood: Wolverine Ski Trails Winter Snowshoe Challenge

Feb. 11-12 - Western U.P.: Free Snowmobiling Weekend

Feb 25 - Porcupine Mountain Winter Carnival. www. porkies.org

March 4 – Annual Ice Fishing Derby at the Gogebic Lodge on Lake Gogebic. Call 906-842-3321

March 6-31 - Ironwood: School Student Art Exhibit at the Downtown Art Place

March 11 – Annual “Hog-a-thon” Perch Fishing Tournament, sponsored by Bergland Outfitters. Call Mike at 906-235-8288.

April – ICE OUT – Lake Gogebic & Lake Superior. View Mother Nature at her best! Bring your camera and await the thunderous sounds of large ice-bergs breaking up.