Snowmobile Trails in Northern Michigan: Ride Sober, Shop After

Can I use cannabis and ride a snowmobile?

No. Operating a snowmobile while impaired is illegal and dangerous. Cannabis affects reaction time, judgment, balance and attention, and a sled at speed on a trail leaves little room for error. Michigan also does not authorize use in public places, which includes trails and parking areas. Keep cannabis away from riding, full stop.

Why impairment is worse on a sled

Northern Michigan riding means fast-moving machines, cold, wind, whiteout potential, trees and rocks near the trail, other riders, and long days far from help. Any impairment raises the risk. Sober riding is the only safe riding.

Trails near the stores

Michigan has a large network of groomed snowmobile trails that connects towns and lodges. For current maps, permits, grooming reports and closures, see the Michigan DNR snowmobiling page. Riding season depends on snow, so check conditions before you travel.

• Kalkaska area. Kalkaska is in Northern Michigan trail country. The DNR maps show routes near town.
• Traverse City area. More tourism-oriented, with Grand Traverse Bay approaches. Check the DNR maps for routes near the city.

Pick trails that match your experience. Lodge-to-lodge routes are common, so plan where you will stop before you start.

A trip that keeps riding and cannabis apart

• Before the ride. Eat breakfast, check the sled and gear, and look at the trail report.
• On the trail. Ride sober and pay attention to the trail, the weather and other riders. No cannabis in your jacket, your storage compartment or your hand.
• After the ride. Park the sled, change out of wet gear and eat dinner.
• Evening. Once all riding and driving are finished for the day, any use belongs on private property that allows it. Many lodges prohibit smoking and vaping indoors, so ask before you bring anything.

Stopping at Olswell

Order ahead on the live menu and pick up in store. You pay cash at pickup, and there is an ATM on-site. Orders are held until the end of the business day, so the easy plan is to order in the morning and pick up after the sled is put away. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID showing you are 21 or older. Olswell does not deliver. Inventory rotates, so check the live menu for what is in stock.

• Kalkaska: 102 Northland Plz, Kalkaska, MI 49646. See the Olswell Kalkaska store page and the Kalkaska live menu.
• Traverse City: 728 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686. See the Olswell Traverse City store page and the Traverse City live menu.

First-time customers get 25% off their first visit. Happy Hour takes 20% off the whole shop at both Kalkaska and Traverse City on Monday 5-9 PM and Thursday 9AM-1PM. Weekly deals change, so check the live menu.

If you are new to cannabis, tell the team and start with the lowest strength. Edibles can take an hour or two to arrive, so give them time before you take more. See the first-time visitor guide for Kalkaska.

Snowmobile safety basics

• Gear. Helmet, insulated jacket and pants, winter boots, gloves, base layers and face protection.
• Pre-ride checks. Fuel, skis and runners clear, battery charged, lights working, emergency kit on the sled.
• Trail rules. Stay on marked trails, yield to oncoming traffic, respect no-trespassing signs and ride within your skill level.
• Never ride alone if you can help it, and tell someone your route and return time.
• Weather. Check the forecast, know the whiteout risk and dress for wind chill, not just temperature.

Beyond the sled

Winter in Northern Michigan also means cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing on Grand Traverse Bay and winter hiking, and indoor options like museums, galleries and live music. None of these goes better with cannabis in your system. Plan any use for a private evening, after the day's activities and driving are done.

Your next step

Order ahead and pick up after your ride: Kalkaska live menu or Traverse City live menu.

Kalkaska snowmobile trip guide Winter driving to Olswell Kalkaska Michigan cannabis tourism guide

For adults 21 and older only. Must present valid government-issued photo ID. Please consume responsibly.

Never operate a snowmobile while impaired. Cannabis impairs reaction time, judgment and coordination, which makes vehicle operation unsafe.

Michigan recreational purchase limits: up to 2.5 ounces per transaction, with no more than 15 grams of it as concentrate.

Sources: Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency