Michigan's free snowmobiling weekend takes place Jan. 17-19
(CBS DETROIT) - Michigan's public snowmobile trails are free to use one weekend a year without a trail permit – and those open dates have arrived for 2025.
From Jan. 17 to 19, recreational users can legally ride on the winter trails without snowmobile registration or trail permit required. In its announcement, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said there are over 6,000 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails and other areas that are available for exploring.
The state-designated trails are open from Dec. 1 through March 31 at sites such as Outdoor Adventure Center along Detroit's riverfront, Lake Hudson Recreation Area and Waterloo Recreation Area.
Although the trail permits are not required during Free Snowmobile Weekend, all other snowmobile regulations such as age restrictions still apply.
In addition, the state Recreation Passport will be required for admission at designated sites. Michigan residents can add on a Recreation Passport to their annual vehicle registration fees; the stickers also are available at state park or recreation area along with most DNR customer service centers.
DNR officials urge winter recreational park and state land visitors to check weather and trail conditions before they go outdoors.
Interactive snowmobile maps, trail reports and safety tips can be found at Michigan.gov/snowmobiling.
