906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Relic Ride in Crystal Falls, Michigan
Crystal Falls • Michigan • Every Winter
Once a winter, the old sleds come out of the garages. Riders fire up snowmobiles from the '70s, '80s and '90s and ride them together from Crystal Falls down to Alpha and back. It's the Relic Ride, and anyone with a vintage sled is welcome.
MID-WINTER
The date is set once there's snow. In 2026 it was Feb. 14
20 MILES
Crystal Falls to Alpha and back on the trail
ALL INVITED
Sno-Kats or not, local or visiting
26 YEARS
How old a sled must be for Michigan's historic registration
The Ride
What Is the Relic Ride in Crystal Falls, Michigan?
The Relic Ride is a day ride for antique and vintage snowmobiles, put on by riders from the Chippewa Sno-Kats Trail Club in Crystal Falls. It isn't a club-sanctioned or state event, just a group of people who love old sleds, and everyone is welcome to join.
The ride runs about 20 miles on the trail from downtown Crystal Falls to Alpha, where the sleds line up for show near Alpha Michigan Brewing Company, and back again in the afternoon.
It all depends on snow. In thin winters the ride has become a sled show at the brewery instead, which is still worth the trip if you like old iron.
Stay In Iron County
Where to Stay for the Relic Ride
The Day
How the Relic Ride Works
This is how the 2026 ride ran. Expect much the same once the next date is set.
- Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the trailhead by the Sno-Kats groomer barn, 9 Superior Avenue in downtown Crystal Falls, where Trail 113 meets US-69. There's parking for trucks and trailers.
- Ride out at 10:00 and head south on the trail to Alpha.
- Show off the sleds in Alpha. The machines line up near Alpha Michigan Brewing Company, where you can buy lunch and a drink.
- Head back at 3:00 for the ride home to Crystal Falls, about 20 miles all told.
Before You Ride
Riding a Vintage Snowmobile in Michigan
- Regular rules apply: every Michigan snowmobile registration and license rule applies on the ride.
- Historic registration: a sled 26 years or older, kept as a collector's item, can get a one-time $50 historic registration that never expires.
- No trail permit with it: sleds with historic registration don't need a trail permit, but they're limited to occasional use like club rides, shows and parades.
- How to apply: through the Michigan Secretary of State with the historic snowmobile application.
- Riding a newer sled along? It needs its usual registration and trail permit. Our snowmobile guide has the rules and the trails.
- Not the Rapid River ride: the bigger Rapid River Relic Ride is in Delta County in late January. This one is Iron County's own.
Next Ride
When Is the 2027 Relic Ride?
The date is set each winter once there's enough snow, so it isn't announced yet. The last ride was Saturday, February 14, 2026. Watch the Sno-Kats' website for the next one.
Chippewa Sno-KatsMake a Weekend of It
Snowmobiling in Iron County
Hundreds of miles of groomed trails, the free snowmobiling weekend in January, and the trail rules you'll need.
Snowmobile GuideQuestions
Relic Ride in Crystal Falls: Common Questions
When is the 2027 Relic Ride in Crystal Falls?
The date hasn't been announced. It's set each winter once there's snow. The 2026 ride was Saturday, February 14.
Where does the Relic Ride start?
At the trailhead by the Chippewa Sno-Kats groomer barn, 9 Superior Avenue in downtown Crystal Falls, where Trail 113 meets US-69. There's parking for trailers.
How long is the Relic Ride?
About 20 miles round trip, from Crystal Falls to Alpha and back, with a long stop in Alpha for lunch and a sled show.
Do I need to sign up for the Relic Ride?
No sign-up or entry fee has been posted. All are invited. Your sled still needs the usual Michigan registration, and a trail permit unless it has a historic registration.
What is a historic snowmobile registration in Michigan?
For sleds 26 years or older kept as collector's items. It's a one-time $50 registration that doesn't expire, and no trail permit is needed, but the sled is limited to occasional use like club rides, exhibitions and parades.
What happens if there's no snow?
In thin-snow winters the ride has turned into a vintage sled show at Alpha Michigan Brewing Company instead.
Start Planning
Plan a Relic Ride Weekend in Iron County
Trailer the old sled up, ride the Relic Ride on Saturday, and spend Sunday on the groomed trails with something newer. Then find a room close to the trail.
Events, Winter and tagged alpha michigan, antique snowmobile, crystal falls michigan, iron county michigan, Iron County Trails, relic ride, snowmobiling, upper peninsula michigan, vintage snowmobiles.
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