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Grab your helmet and bring your appetite—snowmobiling through the Keweenaw isn’t just about the scenic trails; it’s about the tastes along the way. From cozy roadside lodges to iconic Yooper taverns, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s snowmobile trails are packed with must-visit stops serving up hearty, homemade meals to keep you fueled for adventure. Whether you’re craving a classic pasty, a fresh fish fry, or a loaded burger after a long ride through the snow-covered north, this guide will take you on a delicious journey through some of the best snowmobile-friendly eateries in the region.
Discovering the thrills of Keweenaw snowmobile trails (and the food scene) is better with friends! Better hurry before they get their order in first.
Trail 3: Parkview Lodge & Grill - Twin Lakes
Craving hardy favorites like chicken cordon bleu or a Philly cheesesteak? Parkview Lodge & Grill has it all, complete with a kids menu, trail cam reports, and lodge for weary travelers. If you’re starting (or ending) your trek in the snow-draped forests of the southern Keweenaw Peninsula, this lodge will welcome you in with warmth and open arms.
Trail 3: The Mosquito - Toivola
Making your way north, be sure to stop by the newly reopened Mosquito Inn for a hot cup of chicken & dumplings, their famous fried chicken, a delicious breaded perch basket, or unique apps like the Saaski Poppers (bacon-wrapped jalapenos stuffed with cheese) served with a tantalizingly sweet Thai chili sauce. The wooded inn right off the trails, affectionately coined after the UP’s most heralded beast, the Mosquito, offers ample parking, a full menu, and those cozy, homegrown Yooper vibes. A pro tip would be to try the mac and cheese: a decadent treat after a day of the outdoors.
If this Mosquito were the UP's only, we'd certainly be in heaven year-round!
Trail 3: 1902 Tap and Grill - South Range
This tavern, a warm, lively beacon in the town of South Range, offers live music and some seriously delicious homemade eats like the BYO Brisket Burger, Philly cheesesteak pizza, or made in house beer cheese soup. 1902 Tap and Grill offers a kids menu, so bring the whole family to fill up on your adventure!
Houghton Waterfront Access Trail: Library, Soumi, Ambo, & More - Houghton
Downtown Houghton features a stretch of walkable shops and eateries with a plethora of local favorites. Park your sled at the public parking situated between the Waterfront Pier and The Library Restaurant (Note: the Waterfront Pier itself is NOT sled parking) and head to the Library for a loaded menu with a great view of the Canal! My personal favorite being the spicy seared ahi tuna appetizer or a local’s favorite, the Creamy Au Gratin soup!. Don’t forget to chair a plate of garlic fries with garlic aioli - you deserve it.
While traversing Sheldon Avenue in downtown Houghton, you may smell a pleasant aroma. That’s the Ambassador Restaurant - a local favorite for thin and crispy pizzas scratch made from original recipes. The Copper Country charm is off the scales here - hand-painted murals commissioned by Joseph Bosch depict mischevious beer-brewing gnomes and stained-glass chandeliers glow above antique wood booths.
Soumi is a no-nonsense Finnish favorite and staple of the area. With great prices and quick service, this popular eatery is famous for their hearty breakfasts. Explore the warming Finnish flavors of nisu french toast and warm pannukakku! Don’t forget a sweet confection before you hit the trails!
Just across the street is Victoria’s Kitchen. Entrees include popular favorites like seafood or pasta, all served with a flavorful flare. The kitchen also serves breakfast with a twist: Try their traditional Traditional Mexican Chilaquiles!
The only thing you'll be checking out of The Library is a full stomach!
Trail 17: Gino's - Hancock
The Hancock eatery boasts a killer menu - staple entrees like chicken parmesan, the portobello burger, pizza, or fish tacos, as well as some flavor-packed salads and unique appetizers like Korean BBQ steak bites or Cuban pickle rolls. The family-owned restaurant prides itself on its made-from-scratch Italian food and some of the best service in the area. The location can't be beat either - Trail 17 winds through Hancock mere feet from Gino's entrance!
Trail 3: Quincy's - Dollar Bay
Head up to Dollar Bay’s beloved Quincy Restaurant, featuring popular daily specials like the Wednesday Mexican or Sunday turkey dinner, complete with cranberries and stuffing. This cozy kid-friendly cabin restaurant promises a warm respite for your journey, a wide array of historic Copper Country photos and artifacts in the decor, and a satisfying meal to fuel your adventures. A popular choice for the snowmobile crowd is the steak, available in all cuts. Whatever entree you choose, I recommend a side of their famous French Onion soup.
Quincy's is a perfect place to get immersed in the Copper Country history-inspired decor and enjoy a hot dish!
Trail 3: The Drift Inn - Copper City
The Drift Inn is a warm and inviting trailside stop that is beloved by locals and snowmobilers alike! Here you’ll find a daily rotating menu featuring hearty American Tavern-style plates, so there’s something worth stopping in for every day! If you “Drift on Inn” during the weekend, don’t be surprised to be welcomed with live music to pair with a mean bar-style pizza, BBQ burger, or tasty sandwich.
Dollar Bay Access Trail: Dreamland Restaurant- Bootjack
The historic Dreamland Restaurant on the way to Jacobsville is a beloved gem of the Keweenaw, once a destination inn and dining venue for lumbermen, copper miners, and their families. Traveling here via snowmobile requires following an access trail along through Dollar Bay’s outskirting neighborhoods, and cutting across frozen Torch Bay. This access point is graciously granted by a private landowner, so be especially respectful as you traverse this seasonal trail. This trail is only open when conditions allow Torch Bay to be safely frozen - respect closures and follow Keweenaw Snowmobile Club and Valley Sno Drifters for updates.
Offering homemade fare from Mexican to fresh-caught Lake Superior fish fries, this restaurant doesn’t run low on variety or Copper Country hospitality! If you’re on a family snowmobile ride, kids will find a lovingly packed kids section conveniently catering to small busy hands. The service and cozy feels makes this restaurant a must-stop if you’re in the area!
Can't beat fresh-caught Lake Superior fish! Dreamland serves up one of our favorite fish fries!
Trail 132E: Bear Belly Pit Stop - Lac la Belle
Continuing North to Lac La Belle, Bear Belly Pit Stop is a must-stop for snowmobilers looking for hearty, flavor-packed fare. This cozy lodge serves up satisfying to-go meals with a side of stunning frozen lake views. Whether you're craving smoky, fall-apart brisket or perfectly sauced BBQ wings, Bear Belly offers the kind of comfort food that hits the spot after a long day on the trails. Don't want to wait? Pasties are always hot to go! If you find yourself lacking literally anything - the Bear Belly general store is also well stocked with snacks, drinks, first aid, and all manner of clothes (from warm fleece to bathing suits for the Nordic Spa)! With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse, delicious menu, it’s the perfect place to warm up and refuel before continuing your Keweenaw adventure.
Seems fitting to enjoy a French Dip in the Lac la Belle, itself named in française.
Trail 134: Mariner North - Copper Harbor
In the heart of Copper Harbor, staff welcome you into the warm haven of the Mariner North, where locals and snowmobilers alike gather for food and camaraderie. Try their regionally famous trout dip, loaded tacos, or cheesy, melty, mushroom-y garlic cheese sticks. At the Keweenaw’s farthest north, the Mariner is a signature destination point for bragging rights!
The Mariner North knows the magic of an epic cheese-pull!
After a long day carving through the Keweenaw’s snowy trails, there’s nothing better than warming up with a satisfying meal at one of the Peninsula’s welcoming eateries. From classic comfort foods to locally inspired specialties, each stop offers a taste of the region’s rich flavors and hospitality. Whether you're refueling with a hearty breakfast, grabbing a quick bite, or settling in for a well-earned feast, these snowmobile-friendly spots make the journey as memorable as the destination. So bundle up, hit the trails, and eat your way through the Keweenaw—one delicious stop at a time.
(A Note from the Editor: While often a good hot meal calls for an icy cold adult beverage, it is critical to not drink and drive on your snowmobile adventure across the Keweenaw. Alcohol and speed are leading factors for trail accidents and fatalities. We want you to get home safely, and return for another great year of snowmobiling! If any of these venues call you back for an evening nightcap, be sure to return in an automobile with a designated driver.)
