Just wondering if anyone has been out yet. Curious what the ice depth is and if any of the channels are still open.

I've seen some clamshells out, as well as an ATV on the Upper Lake near Mound. I would venture a guess that the channels might still be open. I did see some tracks close to shore, but I have no reason to chance it yet, plus I have a boat if I feel like seeing the lake...

I have not been tempted to go out on it yet. I will wait until there are multiple other people out... I have seen a few clamshells out though...

Like the others have said, I too have seen some portables out. I have also seen a few sled tracks. I have also seen several slushy spots that the sleds have gone through. I will be waiting a while myself.

Jason

Is that lake ever safe? Didn't some kids dirve a car into open water mid season last year?

Many cars were driven into the lake last year I believe. I can remember passing one that was in the water a foot or so...

Saw a lot more sleds and ice houses out this weekend. Anyone venture out?

Went from Stubb's Bay West to the trail leading North towards Delano - went about 4 miles and turned around since they didn't groom during the last snows - trails were bad (they should have at least been out to pack the trails down??). Went back to the Luce and then Went South to HWY 7 Ditch - still ridable and plenty of snow. Hollywood Ranch for Lunch then back home. Luce is smooth as can be, just snirt. Needs a good 3-6" of snow and it will be in real good shape. No more riding around here until we get snow I guess.

Too bad the forecast shows no signs of snow in the next week or so.

hey trdehmr My buddy and I are new to the lake minnetonka area. We did already ride the Luce from somewhere near stubbs bay to Silver Lake. We heard there was a trail somewhere that heads south through the middle of the lake and further. Off of shoreline drive in Spring Park. Any ideas?

Where can I get a GOOD map of all the trails in the area. Looking on the DNR it shows quite a few but not very detailed.

Any suggestions on where we should check out...good bars, gas stations? How's Minnetonka safety wise. Heard it was unpredictable. we live in spring park off of Black Bay near the Cat dealer. Although i havent been in there yet.

Let me know if ya ever wanna join up some time also. We're always looking for more riders.

Oh yeah...and whats a good sled club down here?

I believe the trail you are talking about is the trail that goes through the Lake Minnetonka Regional Park. It is on the SW side not too far from you. You are right about Minnetonka, it is very unpredictable. The channels are always alittle sketchy. Especially the one on the north side of Seton Lake and the one by Lord Fletchers. I would be up for riding sometime. Just let me know. As for the local club, it is the Westonka SnoBlazers.

Jason

As Confused said, your probably talking about the trail access that goes from the Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, we found that a couple of years ago and its the best place to get on a trail head that leads to the South - you can also go almost any other direction from there. There are some spots that aren't marked well, one that comes to mind is the trail going into Lake Waconia - then from that lake going to another trail head - hard to find sometimes. Nancy's on Lake Waconia is good, Luce Line will take you to Watertown and you can park in the Hardware Store parking lot and eat at the Luce Line Lodge - both those are good. There are others (Hollywood Rance House, some Bar/Grill in Biscay, Etc., etc,). Found another place the other day by mistake - didn't go in (B's on the River just out of Watertown - ditch gets you there). Not sure how to get to the Luce Line from there unless you get on the Crow river - which is not froze well over.

I'm not sure what the Westonka club supports, the website is no good with no updates on trail conditions - if clubs have a website that is the most important info they can post. If they don't, its worthless IMO.

The Cat dealer in town has an older Southwest Map (there is a newer one out there now). Many bars have updated maps if they have actually been updated. DNR Map (also online - in fact that is what I use a lot just printed out) is o.k. I've found many of the other local maps are very incorrect and many times dead end or aren't close on what is the actual, which will get you lost easily.


My recommendation is to find all the snowmobile clubs online you can and have them send you a map, many times the City Hall has them and will mail them out. Best you can do is compile maps for all the counties.

what about OX Yoke?? You cant forget that place on the Luce line...

Excellant info. Thanks.

we did stop at the lodge off of the Luce. The have a good margarita bar on Sundays for $3.00. Watch th egame, then took off to silver lake. Easy riding, except in Winsted it gets a lil tricky.

I will be planning a trip from Minnetonka to Leech lake this year for eel pout festival. I'm currently looking/scouting some trails to get to the Paul Bunyan Trail in Brainard. Once there it should be easy as that trail goes right by our cabin up in Walker. If anyone cares to join us on Wednesday or Thursday February 13th and 14th, let me know, send me a PM. If you have any good suggestions feel free to fill me in.

Let me know if that is possible. We go to our in-laws cabin on Lake Kabakona out of Walker when there is snow... I'd be interested to hear how many miles that is and how long it would take to get from here to Walker.

I mapped out the trails today. The only questionable part I have is getting from Here to Brainard. A lot of secondary trails, which probably means ditchbanging. I am going to create another topic regarding this trip as I do not want to Highjack this thread. I'll call it Minnetonka to Leech. So far i have about 6 friends tat want in. I know of quite a few restauraunts between here and there for stops and what not. And I am a pretty good navigator. I'll map it on my GPS later and see what I get.

hey firecatf5red let me know if you ever want to ride I live on wayzata bay. Also hit me up if you ever need parts or work done to your firecat.
As for the cat dealership in spring park don't bother with them way overpriced and just a bunch of tools. Check out DSC in Delano or waconia arctic
cat

I seen a few sleds at Lord Fletchers last Sunday.

Ice should be pretty good by now, except in channels. And DO NOT go over 15 mph in channels. Cops busted me 3 yrs ago for speeding. 42 in a 15. Of course this is not in the DNR manual. Same rules as PWC's.

Looks like this blizzard should move through in the next few hours. Not much snow, but a lot of wind blowing it around, should make for some sweet drifts to plow through.

the ice is pretty good all around, i have seen two trucks by fish houses in wayzata bay already. i also rode to fletchers tuesday night for dinner the snow on the main lake is really patchy we just need some more snow

i was just a fletchers with my sled today went with a couple of friends on the lake today

i think i saw your phazer their

If anyone ventures onto the trails, please post trail conditions.

ttt

Still think that is a bogus and unsafe law. The last place I want to slow down is in a channel on a snowmobile. Esp the channel next to Fletchers....