Bottineau County Family Snowmobilers

About Bottineau County Family Snowmobilers

Bottineau County Family Snowmobilers is a volunteer snowmobile club based in Bottineau, North Dakota, at the foot of the Turtle Mountains near the Canadian border. The club is part of the effort behind the Peace Garden Trail, one of the most scenic snowmobile trail systems in the state, which winds through the Turtle Mountains, passes through Lake Metigoshe State Park and connects to Canadian trails. As the name says, it is a club built around families who ride together.

The Peace Garden Trail

The Peace Garden Trail is one of fourteen state trail systems overseen by Snowmobile North Dakota, and it is unlike anything else in a state known for flat prairie. It runs through the wooded hills of the Turtle Mountains in Bottineau and Rolette counties, linking communities including Bottineau, Rolla, St. John, Dunseith, Souris and Rock Lake.

Two stops make this trail stand out. A section runs through Lake Metigoshe State Park, and the trail continues to the International Peace Garden on the border between the United States and Canada. The system connects with Canadian trails at the Peace Garden and at the Carbury port of entry, so riders can cross into Manitoba. Anyone planning to ride across the border should check current border crossing and documentation requirements before going.

Bottineau tourism notes that the Lake Metigoshe area connects to more than 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trail in the Turtle Mountains, which gives a sense of how much riding the area offers.

Snow Comes First

The Turtle Mountains usually hold snow better than the open prairie around them, but trails still open only when conditions allow grooming and lakes and wetlands are safely frozen. Snowmobile North Dakota posts current trail status for the Peace Garden Trail, trail by trail, along with snow depth. Check it before heading out.

Riders should also confirm current North Dakota snowmobile registration and trail permit requirements through Snowmobile North Dakota.

A Four Season Town

Bottineau makes a good base for a riding weekend. The town is home to Tommy the Turtle, a giant statue of a turtle riding a snowmobile that has become a North Dakota landmark. Bottineau Winter Park offers skiing and snowboarding nearby, ice fishing on Lake Metigoshe draws anglers from both sides of the border, and Mystical Horizons, a modern prairie take on Stonehenge, sits on the edge of the Turtle Mountains.

Getting Involved

Like every snowmobile club in North Dakota, this one runs on volunteers and memberships. Club members help sign and maintain trails and support the grooming that keeps the Peace Garden Trail open. Updates, meetings and volunteer calls are posted on the club’s Facebook page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bottineau County Family Snowmobilers based?

In Bottineau, North Dakota, near the Turtle Mountains and the Canadian border.

What trail system does the club ride?

The Peace Garden Trail, which runs through the Turtle Mountains in Bottineau and Rolette counties.

What towns does the Peace Garden Trail connect?

Bottineau, Rolla, St. John, Dunseith, Souris and Rock Lake.

Can I ride into Canada?

Yes. The trail connects to Canadian trails at the International Peace Garden and the Carbury port of entry. Check border crossing requirements first.

Does the trail go through Lake Metigoshe State Park?

Yes. A section of the Peace Garden Trail runs through the park.

Where can I check trail conditions?

On the Snowmobile North Dakota website, which posts status for each trail in the Peace Garden system.

How do I join or volunteer?

Reach out through the club’s Facebook page.

More information on Bottineau County Family Snowmobilers; Click here https://www.facebook.com/botnocountyfamsnowmobilers/

For more snowmobile venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/snowmobile/