Snow blanketed forests filled with the sights and sounds of the Wisconsin North Woods is what allures many snowmobilers to Iron County. The nearly 200 inches of snow annually and over 450 miles of meticulously groomed trails are great reasons to set your sights on this beautiful country for your next riding adventure. Mercer is also the destination of choice for riders wishing to enjoy a delicious meal or rest after a long day on the trails. This popular snowmobile hub, located in southeastern Iron County, is filled with wonderful scenery and rich iron mining heritage. It’s an excellent choice to spend a week or weekend exploring all this area has to offer.

Iron County lies in the heart of Big Snow Country, with mountains of the most dependable, fluffy, white snow you can find in the Midwest. Four major downhill ski areas lie in Big Snow Country, with Wisconsin’s largest downhill ski area, Whitecap Mountains, right here in Iron County. Nordic skiing? In winter the trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing, as well as foot trails for snow shoeing. The terrain is suited for both beginners and advanced skiers and there is a cozy log cabin shelter and privy. Watch for the annual moonlight ski in January. Hikers and mountain bikers will find wildlife watching an added amenity to the beautiful vistas of the Little Turtle River and Flowage. The varied habitat, from open wetlands to aspen and pine plantations, offers an exhilarating and peaceful encounter with nature.

Looking for excellent canoeing, kayaking, and biking areas off the beaten path? This is where you’ll find them, wrapped in the color palette of the season. Whether you are a novice or looking for an “extreme” experience the Mercer area has what you’ve been looking for. The Pines and Mines Mountain Bike Trail System offers 300 miles of marked and mapped mountain biking opportunities in the abundant public lands of Iron County and the Nearby Ottawa National Forest. Trails incorporate many of the country’s historic transportation, mining and lumbering sites, as well as, plenty of forests, lakes and waterfalls.