[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 7 (Wednesday, February 2, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                SNOWMOBILING IN WISCONSIN'S NORTH WOODS

                                 ______


                             HON. TOBY ROTH

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 1994

  Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the Wisconsin North 
Woods.
  Any of you in this chamber who have had the pleasure of spending time 
in northern Wisconsin knows full well the splendor and beauty of the 
North Woods. Its sparkling lakes and pine forests have long been among 
the state's premier tourist attractions. The North Woods offer 
vacationing families and dedicated sporting enthusiasts boundless 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, boating, water and snow skiing as 
well as countless other recreational activities.
  One of the best kept secrets is that the North Woods are also home to 
the country's finest snowmobiling trails. Snow Goer, a national 
snowmobiling magazine, recently ranked the area as the top destination 
for snowmobiling enthusiasts. Of the 18 award categories this year, the 
North Woods won nine prizes for first place. The area was cited for 
having the best trails, the best area catering to families and the best 
guided snowmobile operation. The North Woods also host the World 
Championship Snowmobile Derby held every January in Eagle River. In 
fact, Eagle River has staked a legitimate claim to being the snowmobile 
capital of the world.
  Having spent numerous winters in northeast Wisconsin, I have had many 
occasions to enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling. Almost nothing can match 
the exhilaration of sledding across a frozen lake. The speed and power 
of the machine, with the majestic beauty of the Wisconsin winter 
landscape as a backdrop, make snowmobile riding truly one of winter's 
most pleasurable winter activities.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the people of Wisconsin's North Woods for 
making this area the country's finest snowmobiling spot. Thanks to 
their efforts, millions of snowmobile enthusiasts will continue to 
enjoy one of winter's greatest pleasures in one of America's most 
beautiful winter destinations. I ask that my colleagues to join me 
today in saluting the people of Wisconsin's North Woods.

          North Woods Snowmobiling Ranked Best In The Country

       The North Woods was ranked the best overall snowmobiling 
     vacation area in the country by readers of Snow Gear magazine 
     in the publication's third annual SnowTime Awards.
       ``Beating out last year's champ, West Yellowstone, the 
     Wisconsin North Woods is actually no surprise considering how 
     many other categories it has taken this year. Face it, it's a 
     great place to go sledding,'' wrote Snow Goer editors. 
     ``Whether you go on a short weekend trip or plan your 
     vacation around attending the World Championship Snowmobile 
     Derby in Eagle River, the North Woods of Wisconsin is an 
     inviting destination.''
       Of the 18 award categories this year, the North Woods 
     received nine first places, which were released in the 
     December 1993 issue of Snow Goer.
       Other firsts for the North Woods went for best trail 
     riding, best trail signing, best area for service facilities, 
     best area for trailside pitstops, best weekend or day trip 
     area, best individual restaurant in the snowbelt, best guided 
     snowmobile tour operation, and best area catering to 
     families.
       Several area businesses received awards, including Pub'N 
     Prime and Blink Bonnie's, both in St. Germain, which tied for 
     best individual restaurant in the snowbelt. Worthen's Sayner 
     Pub placed second. Blink Bonnie's also received a second 
     place for best individual pit stop. The Chanticleer Inn, in 
     Eagle River, received honorable mention for best individual 
     resort or motel in the snowbelt.
       Decker Sno-Venture Tours of Eagle River, a pioneer in the 
     business of planning and executing snowmobile 
     touring vacations, has for the third year in a row 
     captured top honors as the best guided snowmobile tour 
     operation.
       The North Woods also received third-place finishes for best 
     nightlife, area most likely to visit in the future, best area 
     offering additional activities, and most scenic snowmobiling.
       Bob Johnson, executive director of the Eagle River Area 
     Chamber of Commerce, said the awards should make North Woods' 
     residents and business people proud.
       ``It's a great satisfaction to be chosen over such places 
     as Yellowstone, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Idaho and 
     the Black Hills of South Dakota as the place to spend your 
     winter vacation,'' said Johnson. ``We knew it all along and 
     now a lot more people know.''
       Johnson said a variety of businesses and other people are 
     responsible for the North Woods doing so well in the survey.
       ``We thank the snowmobile clubs for all their efforts, the 
     lodging people for providing comfortable and affordable 
     accommodations, the snowmobile service facilities so our 
     visitors know that help is never too far away and the 
     restaurants and pit stops that are so inviting,'' said 
     Johnson.
       Johnson added that having the World Championship Snowmobile 
     Derby in Eagle River each January is also a big boost for the 
     area.
       ``Our thanks also to the Deckers for the World Championship 
     Snowmobile Derby and for everything they've done to make 
     Eagle River the Snowmobile Capitol of the World'', concluded 
     Johnson.

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