Michigan’s I-500 snowmobile raceway moves toward year-round venue with new pavilion

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The centerpiece of a $3 million project to transform a snowmobile raceway into a year-round venue is now open.

The I-500 Trailhead Pavilion recently opened at the I-500 racetrack, home of the the International 500 Snowmobile Race., in Sault Ste. Marie.

The race attracts riders from across North America and brings millions of dollars in tourism to the Sault area each winter. It’s the world’s largest single-day snowmobile race . The 57 th annual race is scheduled for Feb. 7, with events happening throughout the week leading up to it. Registration is open now.

During the race, the 40-by-80, open-air pavilion will house vendors, which were previously in a temporary tent. It also serves as a trailhead for walking and biking trails that begin near the raceway.