What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
The morning after a busy Thursday night on Lake George, Billie Towne arrived at Flick’s Resort Bar & Grill to find something that stopped her cold: the patio fence along the lakefront was completely destroyed. Somewhere between closing time and sunrise, a snowmobiler had veered off the adjacent Hodag Sno-Trails route, crashed through the fence, and vanished into the winter darkness without reporting the damage. For Towne and her team at the popular Rhinelander establishment, it was a jarring reminder that even the best trail systems require riders who respect boundaries and signage.
The incident comes during one of the busiest stretches of the snowmobiling season in the Northwoods, with thousands of riders taking advantage of well-groomed trails and fresh snow conditions. While trail tourism brings vital winter revenue to lakeside resorts like Flick’s, the hit-and-run crash highlights an ongoing tension between welcoming recreational traffic and protecting private property along busy snowmobile corridors.
The Hodag Sno-Trails system runs directly across Lake George, passing alongside Flick’s Resort at 4225 West Lake George Road. The trail’s proximity to the restaurant and bar makes it a natural stopping point for hungry riders, and Towne says the business genuinely appreciates the snowmobile community. But last Thursday night, someone strayed from the designated path and plowed into the resort’s patio fence with enough force to completely wreck a section of the barrier.
According to Towne, no one was injured in the crash — a stroke of luck considering the patio sits between the trail and the main building. An American flag damaged in the incident was recovered and respectfully transported to the VFW for proper retirement by a local veteran. Towne believes excessive speed played a role, though without the rider coming forward, the exact circumstances remain unclear. What’s certain is that someone left a mess behind and never looked back.
In response to the damage, Hodag Sno-Trails has installed additional markers to clearly delineate where the trail runs and where private property begins. It’s a practical step, but one that shouldn’t have been necessary if riders were already following existing signage and common-sense trail etiquette.
The Northwoods boasts thousands of miles of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by dedicated clubs and volunteers who spend countless hours ensuring safe, enjoyable riding conditions. These trails cross both public and private land, often through arrangements with property owners who generously allow access. When riders ignore boundaries or treat signage as suggestions rather than rules, they jeopardize those relationships and create genuine safety hazards.
Trespassing on private property isn’t just discourteous — it’s illegal and can carry real consequences for landowners and riders alike. Businesses like Flick’s Resort face liability concerns when unauthorized riders enter their grounds, especially near structures where customers gather. A fence repair is an inconvenience and an expense, but what if the next off-trail rider strikes a building, a parked vehicle, or worse, a person? The stakes go beyond property damage when trails run this close to commercial and residential areas.
Trail clubs work hard to balance access with safety, routing paths through scenic areas while respecting property lines. Rhinelander sits at the heart of this network, with trails radiating out toward Eagle River, St. Germain, and beyond. Major events like the World Championship Snowmobile Derby and St. Germain Radar Run draw thousands of riders each winter, amplifying both the economic benefits and the responsibility that comes with increased traffic on the trails.
Snowmobile tourism represents a critical revenue stream for Northwoods resorts during the long winter months when lake recreation shifts from boats to sleds. Flick’s Resort operates year-round, offering lodging in lakeside cottages, a full bar and grill menu featuring their popular fish fry, and direct trail access that makes it a natural waypoint for riders exploring the Lake George area. When incidents like this hit-and-run occur, they create unexpected costs — fence repairs, insurance adjustments, and the time spent dealing with aftermath rather than serving customers.
Beyond the immediate property damage, off-trail crashes pose environmental risks along sensitive lakefront areas. Lake George’s shoreline supports diverse vegetation and wildlife habitat that can be damaged by snowmobile intrusion. Fuel spills from damaged machines, soil compaction, and disruption to winter ecosystems all become possibilities when riders leave designated paths. The trails exist not just for convenience but to concentrate traffic in areas that can handle it while protecting fragile environments.
The economic equation works only when the relationship between trail users and property owners remains positive. Resorts welcome the business snowmobilers bring — the meals purchased, the lodging booked, the friendships formed over a pint after a long ride. But that goodwill depends on mutual respect, and every fence-smashing hit-and-run chips away at the foundation of trust that makes Wisconsin’s expansive trail system possible.
Despite the frustration of dealing with property damage and a rider who chose not to take responsibility, Towne emphasized that Flick’s remains grateful for the snowmobile community. The vast majority of riders follow the rules, respect private property, and contribute positively to the local economy. One careless individual doesn’t define an entire recreational culture, but it does serve as a teaching moment about the importance of trail etiquette.
As the season continues and more riders take to the trails during February’s prime conditions, the message from Flick’s Resort and trail clubs across the region is clear: stay on marked trails, obey signage, watch your speed near structures and crossings, and if something goes wrong, stop and make it right. The Northwoods trail network thrives because generations of riders have understood that access is a privilege, not a right, and that privilege comes with responsibilities.
For those planning to ride near Lake George or anywhere in the Rhinelander area, the trails are in excellent shape and the welcomes are warm at trail-side establishments. Just remember that the fence between the trail and someone’s business isn’t there for decoration — it marks a boundary that matters. Respect it, and everyone gets to enjoy another great season in Wisconsin’s winter playground.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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