Up North Action - Feb/Mar/Apr 2025 by 5 Star Marketing & Distribution

Editor’s Column

Words of winter wisdom

It took a while this season for me to get out on the local lakes to ice fish, despite the early freeze-up in the Northwoods. Today as I write this in mid-January, the morning temp was -29 degrees with a promise of a “warm-up” to 18 degrees above in a couple of days.

It’s a good day to stay indoors and finish writing for this issue of Up North Action. Inside, you can read about “The Glide,” a new and novel ice-skating rink (or ribbon) that weaves nearly a mile through the forest in Boulder Junction’s Winter Park. Even though such forest rinks exist elsewhere in the world, I can’t think of another one in Wisconsin or the UP.

Correspondingly, Winter Park (this one in Minocqua) in early January organized an ice-skating marathon on Lake Minocqua. Nearly 100 people took part in the event, which

featured a mix of competitive and casual skating races. Options were a 15K fun skate and a 30K race.

After a two-year hiatus, the folks in Eagle River were able to build their ice castle. Some 2,200 blocks of ice (70 pounds each) went into this year’s sculpture. Interestingly enough, they tested the proposed design using Lego blocks. The snow gods slept in late again and didn’t give us the usual abundant snow early in the season. That left snowmobile trails in many areas of the Northwoods silent, which hurt the tourism economy. But the three examples above show the forward-thinking of our tourism groups who have expanded on that familiar saying: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” And just add ice -- to the land they call Up North!

Dean S. Acheson | Editor

Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association .. Inside Front Cover Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad .................................. Body Front Editor’s Column.. Page 4 Western U.P. ..............................................................................Back Cover

Map & Index

NORTHEAST REGION - page 6

Covering the following counties: Florence • Forest • Marinette

Oconto • Menominee • Shawano

NORTHCENTRAL REGION - page 8

Covering the following counties:

Iron • Vilas • Price • Oneida • Lincoln

Langlade • Taylor • Marathon

NORTHWEST REGION - page 14

Covering the following counties: Ashland • Bayfield • Douglas • Burnett

Washburn • Sawyer • Rusk • Barron

Polk • St. Croix • Dunn • Chippewa

U.P. MICHIGAN REGION - page 18

Covering the following counties: Baraga • Gogebic • Ontonagon

Houghton • Iron • Dickinson • Menominee

CALENDAR

Northeast Region

Feb. 8 Lakewood – Cardboard Classics

Feb. 8 Abrams – Candlelight Ski

Feb. 12 & 23 Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

Feb. 15 Florence – Kids Fishing Derby

Feb. 15 Townsend – SnowFest

Feb. 22 Riverview -- Cornhole Tournament

Feb. 28 Mountain – Vintage Snowmobile Ride

March 1 Mountain – Vintage Snowmobile Show

March 8 Florence -- Keyes Peak Uphill Truck Drags

Sledding hill and more at Maple Hills

SHAWANO – Take your kids to the Maple Hills Recreation Area in Shawano and let them discover

old-fashioned sledding fun there. The small sledding hill is lit for early evening fun. Don’t forget the cross-country skis and snowshoes, as there are 3 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and a snowshoe-only trail that is 2.5 miles long. Maple Hills is located two miles south of Shawano on Hwy. 22 across from Maple Lane. It has parking for vehicles.

Silent sport enthusiasts are invited to try these other facilities:

Shawano Lake County Park, W5785 Lake Dr., Shawano, has one mile of cross-country ski trail.

Wilson Lake County Park has one mile of groomed cross-country ski trail. Located two miles west of Wittenberg.

Shawano Lake Golf Course, W5714 Lake Dr., Shawano, has over five miles of groomed cross-country ski trails.

Navarino Nature Center. They groom 12 miles of cross-country ski trails, plus there are countless areas to explore on snowshoes. Snowshoes and skis are available for rent. There is also a small sledding hill. On Feb. 21 & 28, snowshoe or ski the one-mile loop from the nature center across the boardwalk and back by the light of the stars, moon, torch light, and lights. (Weather dependent – Call in advance). For the events, call 715-758-6999 or visit navarino.org for times and rental rates. The center is located 10 miles south of Shawano.

Trucks to battle it out on Keyes Peak

FLORENCE -- The sixth annual Keyes Peak Uphill Truck Drags will blow the doors off the winter blahs when they roar in side-by-side action on Saturday, March 8 up the snow-covered slopes of Keyes Peak, near Florence. Gates open at 8 a.m. with racing underway at 10 a.m. and going until 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the Keyes Peak Ski Hill Committee, Blue Ox Trail Riders and Florence Volunteer Fire Department. More big-truck races will take place earlier in the day so fans can see the nitro excitement. The event attracts upwards of 150 trucks, ranging from stock pickup trucks to those blowing alcohol and sand drag trucks.

Spectator admission is $10 for those 13 years and older and free for kids 12 and under. There will be food and refreshments onsite (no carry-ins). In addition to 50/50 raffles, they are holding a “big raffle” with a grand prize of $10,000, paying down to sixth place. Only 500 tickets will be available.

There are no cc motor limitations for competitors. There are seven classes of competition with cash and trophies for the top three finishers per class. Go to “Keyes Peak Up Hill Truck Drags – Official” on Facebook for rules. For more information, call Ray Mills at 715-889-3378 or Jordan Stanek at 906-3670652.

Keyes Peak is located at 4960 Hwy. 101. There is parking onsite, but none allowed on Hwy. 101. Four shuttle busses will run every 15 minutes from Florence. When that on-site lot is full, spectators must park at the following locations and catch the free shuttle bus to the event: Great North Bank, 541 Central Ave.; Florence County High School, 425 Olive Ave.; Florence Visitor Center, 5638 Forestry Dr.; Northern Lites, 4838 Highway 70; Annie’s Trading Post, 5203 Keyes Lake Dr.;101 Bar & Grill, 5050 Keyes Lake Dr.; Energy Services (next to BP on Central) and the Town of Florence garage (located behind Pat’s Foods).

Menominee Casino Resort offers the ultimate overall gaming experience, great entertainment and unsurpassed guest service.

Menominee Casino Resort provides a guest dedicated worldclass casino resort experience by connecting all the features of the property: casino gaming, entertainment, lodging, and events under one roof. Over bingo. We are open 24 hours with fun and entertainment for everyone!

Menominee Casino Resort has 103 beautifully designed rooms including suites featuring modern interiors and all the amenities one would expect of a luxury casino resort. The standard rooms offer two queen-size beds or a king room with a kingscreen television, in-room coffeemaker, refrigerator in the credenza, an in-room safe; just to mention a few of the comforts that await you. If you like to be pampered, deluxe suites offer a king-size bed, television, in-room coffeemaker, refrigerator in the credenza and an in-room safe. Select suites include a loveseat sofa with pullout bed and glass-door shower.

Our resort includes a beautiful 121,000 gallon swimming pool featuring a rock waterfall. We also have a whirlpool, shower room and fitness center. As a guest you can enjoy free Internet anywhere on the property.

A stay at Menominee Casino Resort includes access to fine dining conveniently located in the casino with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.

Where

Northcentral Region

CALENDAR

Feb. 7 & 8 Minocqua – American Pond Hockey

Feb. 7-9 Eagle River – USA Hockey Pond Hockey Championship

Feb. 8 Pickerel – Polar Bear Jump-In

Feb. 8 Boulder Junction – Pink Ribbon Riders Fundraiser

Feb. 8 Rhinelander – Lions Fisheree

Feb. 14-15 Minocqua – American Pond Hockey, The Sequel

Feb. 15 Elcho – Post Lake Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 15 Conover – Northwoods Blizzard Blast

Feb. 15 St. Germain – Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe, Fat Bike

Feb. 15 St. Germain – Snowmobile Ride with the Champs

Feb. 15 Minocqua – Candlelight Ski at Winter Park

Feb. 15 Mercer – Lions Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 15 Phelps – Ice Fishing Derby

Feb. 15 Land O’ Lakes – Snowmobile Radar Run

Feb. 15 Catawba – Vintage Snowmobile Show

Feb. 15 Tomahawk – Swamp Lake Shoot Out

Feb. 21 & 23 Eagle River – Snowmobile Racing

Feb. 22 Boulder Junction – Winterfest

Feb. 22 Merrill – Fat Tire Biking/Snowshoeing Race

Feb. 22 Merrill – Ultimate Ice Racing

Feb. 22 Mercer – TF Flowage Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 22 Presque Isle – Winterfest

Feb. 22 Lake Tomahawk – Vintage Snowmobile Show & Ride

Feb. 22 Minocqua – Turkey Ice Bowling

Feb. 22 Montreal – Hygge (Snowshoe) Hike

Feb. 23 St. Germain – Tip Up Ice Fishing Contest

March 1 Phillips – Winter Golf Classic

March 1 Minocqua – Winter Park Bark Skijor Race

March 8 Minocqua – Spring Fling Candlelight Snowshoe

March 14 Boulder Junction – Family ‘Shoe and S’more Event

March 15 Brantwood – Finnish Independence Day Dinner

March 15 Tomahawk – Taste of Tomahawk

March 15 Merrill – Spring Cornhole Tournament

March 15 Pickerel – St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 15 Rhinelander – St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 15 Eagle River – Snowmobile Club Fundraiser

April 5 Phelps – Maple Syrup Fest

April 25 & 26 Merrill – Merrill Concertina Festival

Flurries of Fun for everyone at Northwoods Blizzard Blast

CONOVER – Winter fun in the Northwoods doesn’t take a back seat to anyone, especially when the competitors dig in their boots at the start of the recliner races during the annual Northwoods Blizzard Blast in Conover. The recliner races are just one of many fun events and attractions awaiting visitors to Northwoods Blizzard Blast on Saturday, Feb. 15. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Northwoods Blizzard Blast features activities for winter enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you choose to watch the zany fun from the sidelines or jump in on the action, this event is the cure for the winter blues. All proceeds support Northwoods area Fire & EMS departments.

In addition to the recliner races, visitors can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, pony rides, sledding, ice bowling, slap shot hockey, snow art for kids, children’s carnival, giant ski races, firefighter’s expo, archery and snowshoe demonstrations. On site will be food, snow bar, music, raffles, warming fires and heated restrooms.

The Artisan Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the adjacent Community Center will feature handcrafted jewelry and accessories, home décor and gifts, as well as specialty foods and candies.

For more information, go to northwoodsblizzardblast.com or follow Northwoods Blizzard Blast on Facebook. Conover Community Park is located at 4697 Park Circle, Conover.

Reel in these three fishing tournaments

RHINELANDER – The 49th annual Rhinelander Lions Club’s Fisheree will be Saturday, Feb. 8, from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Headquarters is the Hodag Park in Rhinelander. Some $2,600 in prize money is up for grabs for the largest fish in multiple fish categories. There’s also a free fishing event for kids 10 and under. For rules and updates go to the club’s Facebook page.

POST LAKE -- The 26th annual Post Lake Ice Fishing Jamboree will be Saturday, Feb. 15. The all-day fishing hours on Upper & Lower Post Lake begin at dawn. No pre-registration is required. The deadline to register fish is 4 p.m. at the Post Lake Improvement Association Building, corner of County Rd. K and Post Lake Drive.

For adults there will be cash prizes awarded for longest fish of each fish species. The kids group will have prizes for longest fish in each fish species. All children will receive an attendance prize. Awards and drawings will begin at 4:30 p.m. Inside the PLIA Building will be the raffles, as well as food and beverages. For more information visit postlakes.org or call 715-777-5470.

PEARSON -- The fourth annual Rolling Stone Lake Fisheree will be Saturday, Feb. 22 beginning at 7 a.m., weather and ice conditions permitting. The tournament headquarters is the Walleye Lodge Bar & Grill, N1159 Walleye Rd., Pearson.

Tickets are $10 each. Every ticket is eligible for prizes and you don’t need to fish to win. Advance registration is available at Walleye Lodge. Call 715-484-3333 for more information.

Snowmobile raffle prize to be drawn at Sno-Skeeters’ 2025 Winter Rendezvous

MANITOWISH WATERS – Have a bunch of fun and help the Manitowish Waters Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile Club raise funds for trail maintenance by stopping by the 23rd annual Winter Rendezvous on Saturday, Feb. 15.

The event will be at the club’s groomer barn at 5707 Airport Road, Manitowish Waters, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. They will be serving food all day, including brats, hot dogs and chili. There will be s’mores, snow cone making, kids games, a sledding hill, hockey puck shot game, a bonfire and free groomer rides.

Among the prizes to be awarded in the day-long raffles is a 65-inch TV and a generator. At 6 p.m., the club will draw for their season-long sled raffle. Someone will be going home with a 2025 Arctic Cat Riot 858 ES with a MSRP sticker price of some $16,000.

The snowmobile club is also having a breakfast fundraiser at the Pea Patch Motel & Saloon on Sunday, Feb. 9, from 8 a.m. to noon. Carry-outs will be available.

Don’t miss this sweet celebration

PHELPS – The community of Phelps – the Maple Syrup Capital of Wisconsin – is hosting its 14th annual Maple Syrup Fest on Saturday, April 5. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Phelps School, 4451 Old School Road. Alice in Dairyland will be there to greet visitors.

The organizers are offering self-guided tours of four sugarbushes to see maple syrup production in action. You can enter completed tour punch cards into a drawing for prizes. Maple syrup will be sold at each sugarbush and at the Fest with $1 from each bottle going towards the local scholarship fund.

The Maple Café will be serving breakfast and lunch, as well as offering natural maple treats. Everyone is invited to make maple taffy on the snow. Children can enjoy age-related activities.

Inside the school, dozens of vendors will have for sale homemade mustards, custom laser engraved items, handmade fishing lures, wine jellies, and much more. Check out the maple syrup table for locally-made syrups, honey, maple ice cream and maple suckers. A raffle will reward the lucky winners with prizes.

Classes on learning the flavors of maple syrup, and honey and beekeeping production will be offered. Producers from near and far will compete for honors in the maple syrup judging contest.

For more information about this event, contact the Phelps Chamber at 715-545-3800, or visit phelpswi.us/event/maple-syrup-fest.

Plenty of green,

plenty of fun at St. Patrick’s Day parades

PICKEREL – Make plans for an enjoyable time at the 34th annual Pickerel-Pearson St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 15 at Pickerel. The parade will begin at noon. The parade route will go from the Tombstone Pickerel Sno-Club Clubhouse on Country Road DD to Saint Mary’s Church on Highway 55.

On parade day, there will be food available at Country Inn Bar & Grill (parade headquarters and sponsor), as well as from food trucks and Bloody Mary tents outside. Live music, face painting, festive green gear and more are part of the festivities. Stick around after the parade for the bands and fun at local bars and restaurants. Any donations given will be sent to the Pickerel Rescue Squad.

Be sure to get raffle tickets for a chance to win a 2024 Polaris Indy XC Prostar 4 Stroke 129 ES snowmobile, plus other prizes. The drawing will happen after the parade at Quig’s Maplewood Golf Course.

RHINELANDER – Visit Downtown Rhinelander on Saturday, March 15 for the 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. On tap will be food, merchant specials at several downtown businesses and music. The parade will start at 1:30 p.m. on Brown Street in the downtown. The parade is open to any business, family or group, and there’s no cost. Come dressed to celebrate. Anyone interested in participating the parade should contact Jack at 715-369-3030.

There’s an on-going pub crawl with 18 participating taverns, restaurants and supper clubs. Pub cards can be purchased for $5. The drawing for numerous $100 prizes will take place Sunday, March 16. Half of the proceeds will go to the Safe Ride Home program.

Glide into this new winter attraction

BOULDER JUNCTION – Winter outdoor enthusiasts are discovering, or rediscovering, the magic of ice-skating when they travel to Boulder Junction to experience first-hand, “The Glide” – the unique outdoor adventure in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

Nestled in the heart of Boulder Junction’s Winter Park, The Glide is a stunning new 0.8-mile ribbon of groomed ice that weaves through the scenic woods in a loop. The ice trail is eight feet wide, allowing plenty of room for passing or skating with the family in tow. During the evening, solar lights along the trail add a magical glow to the flow. This all came about when organizers and volunteers seized upon a suggestion to transform the park’s under-utilized cross-country trail -- not too challenging because of its flat terrain and short distance -- into something special. Trail preparation, that included ground leveling, took place last summer. A Zamboni purchased by the town ensures smooth sailing during the season.

The Glide isn’t the only attraction there. Winter Park also has a lighted ice-skating rink, bonfire pit, small sledding hill, pavilion, portable toilet and a warming hut. Leashed pets are welcomed. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

There is a limited number of ice-skates on-site to borrow or you can rent skates from Coontail in downtown Boulder Junction. Coontail also has a new skate sharpener. To reach Winter Park from downtown Boulder Junction, turn right on Old Hwy. K and go about a quarter mile. Winter Park will be on the right. There is a parking lot there.

Favorite winter trails to warm your journey

RHINELANDER – Give your fat-tire bike or snowshoes a workout on two popular trails in the Rhinelander area. One of them, the Enterprise Trails, is accessible only in the wintertime, so put that one first on your agenda.

Enterprise Trails can be found 8.0 miles south of Rhinelander on Hwy. G. The trailhead is at the parking lot at the Zimmer Road entrance. The 8-mile loop (with a 4-mile cut-off) will take you through the Enterprise Hemlocks State Natural Area, notable for its peat bogs, black spruce swamps and glacial eskers. Many of the hemlocks there escaped the logger’s axe and are now some 200 years old! The trail is groomed for fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, and back-country skiing. Reminder: foot traffic is prohibited except with snowshoes. Your four-legged friend is also allowed to accompany you.

Another winter trail that should catch your attention is the Mud Lake Trails, located 3.5 miles north of Rhinelander at 4963 Crystal Lake Road. This mostly single-track trail accommodates fat-tire biking and snowshoeing in the winter (mtn. biking and running in the summer). The trail system has numerous loops, accommodating all user levels. The 8-mile trail features a gentle rolling topography and includes aspen, pine and hardwood, along with a cedar swamp. This trail also welcomes dogs.

Northwest Region

CALENDAR

Feb. 7-8 Luck – Luck Winter Carnival

Feb. 8 Iron River, WI – Sled Dog Race

Feb. 8 Hayward – Lions Pre-Birkie

Feb. 8 St. Croix Falls – Candlelight X-C Ski

Feb. 9 Seeley – North End Classic Ski Race

Feb. 15 Ashland – Book Across the Bay, Winter Carnival

Feb. 15 Drummond – Barstool Races

Feb. 15 St. Croix Falls – Iceman 300 Races

Feb. 15 Osceola – Big Lake Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 16 Clayton – Lake Magnor Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 15 Shell Lake – Winter Fest

Feb. 16 Washburn – Bike Across the Bay

Feb. 19-23 Cable to Hayward – American Birkebeiner Week

Feb. 22 Chetek -- Winterfest

Feb. 28 Cable – World’s Largest Weenie Roast

March 1 Bayfield – Winter Festival

March 1 Hayward – Lighted Snowshoe Walk

March 8 Cable – Fat Bike Birkie

March 9 Bayfield – Mt. Ashwabay Spring Carnival

March 15 Hayward – 5K Run/Walk

April 12 Turtle Lake – Smelt Fry

Flambeau Hills

Trail accommodates

all skill levels of X-C skiing

WINTER -- The Flambeau Hills Trail System located in the Flambeau River State Forest has 14 miles of cross-country ski trails groomed for both skate and classic skiing providing opportunities for a variety of skill levels. A trail pass is required for all skiers 16 years of age and older.

With views of the Flambeau River and heavily timbered landscape, this multi-looped trail offers exceptional scenic enjoyment all year long. Winding through a mixture of hardwoods and conifers, the trail crosses three bridges, provides occasional glimpses of the Flambeau River, and has a three-sided shelter, fire ring and picnic spot.

This trail varies in difficulty with plenty of easy skiing in the first loop and the west half of the upper loop. Portions of the upper loop and cutoffs on the east side of the lower loop provide

more challenges for advanced and expert skiers. Trail signs denote degree of difficulty: Green Circle – easiest, Blue Square –more difficult, Black Diamond – most difficult. “You are here” signs are posted at most intersections. Other trails on the property are open to skiing and snowshoeing, but are not groomed.

South Trailhead at County W: The south trailhead parking lot is on County W, 0.6 miles east of the County W bridge over the Flambeau River.

North Trailhead at Snuss Blvd: The north trailhead parking lot is just off Highway 70 on Snuss Blvd, 1.3 miles east of the Highway 70 bridge over the Flambeau River. A self-registration station is also located at the trailhead.

Chetek Winter Fest brings out the fastest snowmobiles

CHETEK – The Chetek Chamber of Commerce announces the 2025 Winter Fest is set for Saturday, Feb. 22. The track holds the record speed at 194.38 mph. Spectator gates open at 8 a.m. on Lake Chetek.

Food and beverages will be available on the ice. Saturday’s racing line-up will feature National Straightline Snowmobile Racing, with pro-am radar runs starting at 9:30 a.m. In addition, there will be Kids Pro Ice Racing on an oval track. Other kids activities, some with prizes, will take place. The Bikini Run will also take place.

Trophies, drawings, awards and more will follow the racing at Pokegama Lakeside Cantina, beginning at 6 p.m. The public is welcome; there is a banquet fee. For more information visit chetekwinterfest.org or the Chetek Chamber of Commerce at chetekwi.net or the Winter Fest page on Facebook.

Lots of fun promised at bar stool races

DRUMMOND – Looking for a fun event to take the family to this February? Don’t look any further than the Dirt & Sno-Jacks’ 25th annual Bar Stool Races & Chili Feed in Drummond on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Drummond Lake Park in Drummond. Registration is at 11 a.m. and races start at noon. Spectator admission is free.

Participants decorate their bar stool-on-skis with some of the zaniest things you’ll ever see, and then they set off in head-to-head competition down the man-made hill for thrills, chills and lots of spills! The racer has to be in upright seated position and the feet cannot touch the ground on the way down.

For those who want to get in on the action, there are three race classes: General, Powder Puff, and Open. The top racers will receive cash prizes and trophies. There’s also a prize for Best of Show. Visit dirtandsno-jacks. com for more information and to register if looking to be a racer.

This year brings a couple of new competitions, including a prize for the racer who goes the furthest, as well as for the runners-up. There’s a modified version of a pub crawl on the ice rink, with cash prizes and gift certificates.

For the spectators there is chili, brats and drinks served trackside, and a chance to win raffle prizes. There’s also a heated pavilion to warm up in. After the races, the club will draw for the big money raffle, which offers a $7,500 cash payout.

There is plenty of car parking and the club’s tractor-shuttle will pick you up. Snowmobilers may park in designated areas at the bottom of the hill and on Drummond Lake. All proceeds support the snowmobile and ATV trails and other worthy causes.

You are always welcome at Mt. Ashwabay! Overlooking Lake Superior in beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin, we have over 40km of some of the best Nordic skiing in the country, downhill runs with postcard views, groomed fat bike & snowshoe trails with plenty of backcountry opportunities, training, races, special events, youth & family programs... right here in your own back yard. What are you waiting for? Come play with us!

Birkie Ski Trail to host two major events

CABLE TO HAYWARD – The 51st annual American Birkebeiner will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, sending thousands of classic skiers (53 km) and skate skiers (50 km) racing on the storied Birkie Ski Trail. The skiers will take off in waves, the first one at 8:15 a.m., from the start line at the Cable Union Airport. They will finish on Main Street in Hayward.

It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon and third largest in the world. The organizers are expecting some 12,000 skiers of all ages and nationalities to participate in Birkie Week (Feb. 19-23) events, including the famed Birkebeiner, the 29K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 15K, the children’s Barnebirkie, and Junior Birkie. Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and giant ski competition.

Switching gears, literally, the Birkie Ski Trail will be the race course for the annual Fat Bike Birkie on Saturday, March 8. Riders can choose to do the Big Fat 47K, the Half Fat 21K, or the Fun Fat 10K. The 47K race starts at 9 a.m. followed by the other two in 15-minute intervals. The post-race party will include live music and food. At the Fat Bike Birkie Expo riders can check out top-of-the-line fat bikes and outdoor lifestyle gear, chat with industry professionals, and collect event swag.

For details on all the above events, visit birkie.com.

Amazing sled dogs will put on a show

IRON RIVER, WI – The Northern Pines Sled Dog Races on Saturday, Feb. 8 in Iron River will feature both sprint and mid-distance races, along with weight pulls and kids’ mutt races. Some 300 K9 athletes will compete, according to organizers.

Presented by the Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce, the races start and finish at the Northern Pines Golf Course & Event Center, 69420 Airport Rd., Iron River. Spectator admission is free.

Mushers leave the start chute in two-minute intervals and race against the clock for a share of the $3,000 guaranteed purse. The mid-distance race will get underway at 8:45 a.m., followed by the Open

Class at 10 a.m. The weight-pull is set for 10 a.m. The afternoon schedule begins with the 4-dog teams at 12:45 p.m. and the 6-dog teams at 2:15 p.m. The mutt run at 12:30 p.m. is open to kids 4-12 years of age using their furry friend to pull them down a 75-foot course. There will be free snowshoeing and sled dog rides.

Spectators can catch all the action from the Event Center grounds or from vantage points along the trail route. There is a heated viewing area and food and drinks and basket raffles. There will be clothing items for sale, 50/50 raffle and vendors on site.

For more information, and a map of recommended spots to view the race, visit northernpinessdr.com. Arrive early for an opportunity to talk with mushers and see their dogs and equipment.

U.P. RegionMichigan

CALENDAR

Feb. 15 Wakefield – Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 21-23 Iron Mountain – FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping

Feb. 22 Ontonagon – Porkies Winter Snowburst Carnival

Feb. 23 Ironwood – Yooperbeiner Snowshoe Race/Walk

March 1 Lake Gogebic -- Fishing Tournament

March 8 Bergland – Perch Fishing Tournament

March 14-16 Ironwood – Snocross Nat’l Championships

March 22 Lake Gogebic – Community Poker Run

April 26 Norway – Norway Spring Classic

Popular lake hosting two fishing contests

LAKE GOGEBIC – Popular Lake Gogebic in the UP will again be hosting two large fishing tournaments in March. If you go, make sure you have a Michigan fishing license and be mindful that the 14-mile-long lake crosses CST and EST time zones. Check fishing hours and weigh-in times for each tournament.

Gogebic Lodge Ice Fishing Derby

The 42nd annual Gogebic Lodge Ice Fishing Derby is set for Saturday, March 1, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST. More than $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, including $1,000 each for the top walleye, perch, and northern that is registered. There are 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. Tournament contestants can enjoy free chili and soup during the tournament, with additional refreshments and food available for purchase. There will also be door prizes. Register starting 6 a.m. Day of the derby or pre-register at the Lodge.

For more information, call 906-842-3321 or visit gogebiclodge. com. The Lodge is located at N9600, State Hwy. M-64.

Hog-a-Thon Fishing Tournament

On Saturday, March 8, the 20th annual Hog-a-Thon Fishing Tournament is expected to see a few hundred anglers. Fishing hours are from daybreak to 5 p.m. EST. Entry fee is $35, which includes a raffle entry and food. This is an open contest with no age categories, says the sponsor, Bergland Outfitters Bait Shop & Motel. The open payouts include $1,500 for first place in the perch category. The sponsor also added a women’s and youth division for the heaviest perch. Cash prizes will be awarded for top entries in other fish categories. Food and awards will take place at Bergland Outfitters, located 2 miles west of Bergland, 35802 State Hwy. M-28. For more information and entry cost, call 906-235-8288 or visit berglandoutfitters.com

Will more records be set at FIS

IRON MOUNTAIN – The 2025 Continental Cup Ski Jumping Series, sanctioned by the International Ski Federation (FIS), will return to Iron Mountain on Friday-Sunday, Feb. 21-23. Competition on the Pine Mountain Ski Jump takes place all three days with Thursday, Feb. 20 being a training day.

The annual competition, organized and run by the local Kiwanis Ski Club, draws well over 20,000 fans to the venue. Two competitors set record jumps last year on the newly rebuilt ski jump, amazingly both tying at 129 meters. Spectators this year will see more than 40 world-class jumpers, both men and women, from powerhouse countries, including Germany, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland and Austria, as well as the USA.

Continental Cup?

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. Public porta potties are available at the Popple Palace. Private porta potties are also available for an additional fee.

Learn more about the Pine Mountain event and purchase your admission button on-line at kiwanisskiclub.com/button. Buttons are also available locally at various businesses and on-site.

The Pine Mountain Ski Jump is the largest in the United States that is solely used for ski jumping and not ski flying. The 176-foot slide sits on top of a 632-foot hill (a.k.a. Giant Pine Mountain) with a total ride length of 1,032 feet. Jumpers achieve speeds 55 to 65 mph off the scaffold.

Visit the Porkies for winter fun

ONTONAGON – Take the edge off winter blahs with either an afternoon guided snowshoe hike or a lantern-lit evening trail outing, or better yet, both, when you visit the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park this season. There are multiple opportunities for both of these free outings.

The snowshoe hikes will take place every Saturday, Jan. 25 to Feb. 22, from 1-3:30 p.m. ET at the winter sports complex. The starting point will be the snowshoe barn located on the open slope of the ski hill. Snowshoers will ride the chairlift to the top of the ski hill, snowshoe to the east vista, and then they make their way down the mountain. It’s anticipated that there will be 15-30

inches of snow, organizers say. A limited number of ‘shoes will be available to borrow (first come, first serve).

Hikers and cross-country skiers are welcome to join snowshoers on the Lake Superior Trail every Saturday, Jan. 25 to Feb. 22, from 6-8 p.m. ET. The 1-mile snow trail will be lit by the flickering light of kerosene lanterns. The stars will shine brightly through the crisp clear air (if no clouds of course). You can warm up by the fire at the White Birch cabin during the event. The starting point for participants will be across from the ski hill entrance. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Porkies or call 906885-5206. While the above programs are free, a Michigan state recreation passport is required for entry within the park.

Free admission announced for snocross races

IRONWOOD – Late-season snocross racing will come to Mt. Zion Ski Hill in Ironwood when the Cor PowerSports series championship weekend takes place Friday-Sunday, March 14-16. Races in various classes are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. each day.

The event is named “Gogebic Community College Ironwood XC Snowmobile National Championship.” Thanks to the support of Travel Ironwood (Ironwood Tourism Council) admission each day is free for spectators.

The Ski Area Management Program at Gogebic Community College is one of the nation’s most comprehensive training programs for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the snow sport industry. Hosting races are a training tool for these students and this event will also serve as funding for the Ski Area Management program.

Course routing will use as much of the Mt Zion ski area and cross-country ski trails as possible. The exact course layout will be determined

about two weeks prior to the event. Those wanting to race are reminded that registration closes March 12 at 6 p.m.

Updates and more information can be found on corpowersports. com. For lodging, check out the Travel Ironwood Lodging page at travelironwood.com.

Get out and enjoy the Wolverine Trails

IRONWOOD -- Whether you’re new to snowshoeing, or a veteran, you’re invited to take part in the Wolverine Winter Challenge being held on the Wolverine Ski Trails near Ironwood. The Challenge goes from Feb. 1 to Feb. 23; the latter date is when the Yooperbeiner snowshoe race/walk is scheduled.

The Challenge guidelines call for snowshoeing one or all six Wolverine trails and/or ski 10K. Participants record their progress online. Names are entered into door prize drawings, which will be given out at the wrap-up party at Cold Iron Brewing on Sunday, March 2 at 4 p.m. Team and individual totals will be recognized. There is a $30 registration fee. Teams of five or more get $5 off each registration.

The Yooperbeiner, now part of the Wolverine Winter Challenge, is a 5K snowshoe race/walk on Saturday, Feb. 23. It will take place on the Wolverine groomed ski trails and is included in the Winter Challenge registration. The first three men and women to cross the finish line will receive Yooperbeiner medals. Food and giveaways from Aspirus will be available in the chalet post-race on March 2.

Additional race information on the Challenge and the trail system can be found at wolverinenordic.com.