2026–27 Snowmobile Race & Event Calendar: WI, MN, MI

Can’t-Miss Snowmobile Events of the 2026–27 Season

Riding the trails is only half the fun of snowmobile season. The other half is the races, vintage shows, radar runs and small-town winter festivals where riders gather to swap stories and cheer on the fastest sleds around.

We rounded up the biggest snowmobile events in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan for the 2026–27 season. Dates can shift with snow and weather, so always confirm with the event organizer before you load the trailer.

2026–27 Season at a Glance

Check snocross.com for the latest.

Wisconsin

World Championship Snowmobile Derby, Eagle River

This is the big one. Known as the Indianapolis 500 of snowmobile racing, the Derby draws more than 40,000 spectators to watch over 500 drivers race at better than 100 mph on a half-mile banked ice oval (Eagle River Chamber). The 2027 Derby is listed for January 14–17. The race has run since 1964, and Sunday's World Championship final is the one to see.

Vintage World Championship Snowmobile Derby, Eagle River

The vintage Derby usually runs on the same famous oval shortly before the main event. The 2026 edition marked its 25th year (WJFW). If you love classic Polaris and Arctic Cat sleds, this is the weekend to go. Make it a double trip with a stop at the World Snowmobile Headquarters museum in town.

RK Compound Snocross National, Hartford

New for 2026–27, the national snocross tour adds a stop at the RK Compound northwest of Milwaukee, a training track many top racers already know (AMSOIL Championship Snocross). Expect big air and a close-to-home option for southern Wisconsin fans.

Minnesota

Minnesota hosts three of the eight stops on the 2026–27 AMSOIL Championship Snocross national tour (AMSOIL Championship Snocross).

US Air Force Snocross National, Shakopee

Canterbury Park is nicknamed the Daytona of Snocross. Racers launch off towering jumps built right inside the horse track, with packed grandstands, indoor viewing and a big vendor expo. It's the easiest national-level race to reach from the Twin Cities.

ERX Motor Park Snocross National, Elk River

ERX has one of the largest tracks on the tour, with long rhythm sections and lots of passing. Coming late in the season, it's often where the championship picture gets decided.

AMSOIL Snocross National, Duluth

The season finale runs on the hillside at Spirit Mountain, with Lake Superior in the background. Duluth is considered the birthplace of modern snocross, so crowning the champions here is a tradition. Pair it with a late-season ride on the North Shore if there's still snow.

Michigan

I-500 Snowmobile Race, Sault Ste. Marie

The I-500 is the endurance test of snowmobile racing: 500 laps around a one-mile, high-banked ice oval, taking roughly eight hours. The 58th running is set for Saturday, February 6, 2027, with race week starting January 31 with kids' Mini-5 races, a skate night and a rider meet-and-greet (I-500). A week-long admission button costs $30 for anyone 13 and older (I-500). Book lodging early, since rooms in the Soo fill up fast.

Mt. Zion Snocross National, Ironwood

The national snocross season opens under the lights on the steep climbs and drops of Mt. Zion in the western U.P. It's the first look at new teams and new sleds for the season, and Ironwood's lake-effect snow means you can ride the trails the same weekend.

Free Snowmobiling Weekend

Each year, the Michigan DNR waives the trail permit and registration requirement on DNR trails for two days (Iron Mountain Daily News). It's a great chance to bring a friend who's never ridden. Watch the DNR's site for the 2027 dates.

Tips for Race Day

• Book lodging now. Eagle River and Sault Ste. Marie hotels fill up months ahead of Derby weekend and I-500 week.
• Dress warmer than you think. You'll stand still on ice or in grandstands for hours. Layer up, bring hand warmers, and wear insulated boots.
• Bring ear protection. Race sleds are loud, especially for kids.
• Pack a seat cushion or blanket. Metal bleachers get cold fast.
• Ride in if you can. Many towns have trail access close to the venues, so you can skip the parking lot and make a full riding weekend of it.
• Double-check dates before you go. Weather can shift schedules, so follow each event's website or social pages the week before.

Show Your Colors in the Stands

Race crowds love to rep their brand. Cheer on Team Red in Polaris snowmobile apparel like the Retro 70's Snowmobile Hoodie, or back Team Green with Arctic Cat gear like the ZR800 "The Cat is Back" Tee. Order by early December to have it in hand for Derby season. Free shipping on orders over $69.