Which Wisconsin town hosts the World Championship Snowmobile Derby?

The World Championship Snowmobile Derby is hosted by Eagle River, Wisconsin.

The race takes place at the World Championship Derby Complex, formerly known as the Eagle River Derby Track. Eagle River is in Vilas County in northern Wisconsin, a region strongly associated with groomed snowmobile trails, frozen lakes, and winter motorsports.

The first Derby was held in 1964 after local innkeeper John Alward, his wife Betty, and Walter Goldsworthy organized a snowmobile rally. The early race was run around Dollar Lake, and Stan Hayes won the marquee event on a 9-horsepower snowmobile. The competition later developed into a major oval-track championship.

Eagle River is often called the “Snowmobile Capital of the World,” which can help distinguish it from other Wisconsin snowmobiling destinations such as Hayward and Minocqua. The Derby is traditionally held during the third weekend in January, although weather and ice conditions can affect event schedules.