Yours to Explore Minnesota has a thriving offroad recreation community made up of enthusiasts who travel via all-terrain vehicles (ATV), offroad motorcycles (OHM) and offroad vehicles (ORV). There are more than 3,000 miles of official trails, and many more miles of accessible forest roads in state and national forests. And more is added every year.
Ride County Roads
This season, try out the new Rice Lake Pancore Loop, Timber Frear Loop, Shady Oaks Native Prairie Adventure Trails, County Youth Trail, Bigfork and Balsam Connection and Saginaw Grade/Lumberjack Multi-use Trail.
More than 20 Minnesota counties allow some sort of ATV offroad travel on their rural or county roads. The use of these roads is made through local ordinance, and the details change from county to county. Before riding on county roads, call the county and check for the most up-to-date local rules and regulations. The information on this is subject to change, and additional counties may adapt their ordinances. Some cities, such as Proctor and Chisholm, have their own rules regarding ATVs on town roads. Again, check regulations before hitting the road.
ATVentures Is Digital
ATV Classification
Take ATVentures with you on your offroad adventure through your mobile device. In addition to the great information provided by this publication, the digital version links to additional trail information, maps and advertiser services. Find the digital issue and download at mspninc.com.
Join The Club Minnesota has active associations and clubs for ATV, off-highway motorcycles and offroad vehicles. Joining the associations and clubs provide access to insider information on trails and trail-building, events, vehicle information and people who enjoy the sports. To learn more, contact the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM) at atvam.org; the Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA) at armca.org; or the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association (MN4WDA) at mn4wda.com.
An ATV’s width determines how ATVs are classified and where they can be ridden. Class I: an ATV with a total width of 50 inches or less. Class II: an ATV with a total width that is greater than 50 inches but not more than 65 inches wide. Vehicles not considered ATVs include golf carts, mini-trucks, dune buggies, go-carts or vehicles designed and used specifically for lawn maintenance, agriculture, logging or mining purposes.
Register Your Off-Highway Vehicle Off-highway vehicles belonging to Minnesota residents must be registered with the DNR to operate in Minnesota, with very few exceptions. This includes offroad vehicles licensed for highway use, such as motorcycles and trucks, that are also operated on designated trails. Machines can be registered at any DMV office, at the DNR office in St. Paul or online at mndnr.gov. The cost for registration varies.
Non-Resident Trail Passes A trail pass is required for all non-Minnesota residents with vehicles registered in another state. The trail pass grants access to Minnesota’s state or grant-in-aid trails.
State Forest Lands Off-highway vehicles are permitted in all but eight of the state’s 56 state forests, though vehicle drivers need to pay attention that their particular vehicle is allowed on each road and trail. Note that some forests can have multiple classifications. For a complete list of classifications, visit dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/ohv/ stateforests. Roads and access levels are classified as such: Managed: Off-highway vehicles (ATVs/ORVs/OHMs) are allowed on roads, routes, and on designated trails. ATV travel off routes, roads and designated trail is prohibited except when hunter/trapper exception applies. Limited: Off-highway vehicles (ATVs/ORVs/OHMs), may be operated on signed roads and trails designated for a vehicle type. ATV travel off of signed motor vehicles trails or forest roads is prohibited except when hunter/ trapper exception applies. Closed: Off-highway vehicles are prohibited in this forest.
4 ATVentures 2019
Non-resident passes may be purchased by phone, online or in-person. For 2019, the fee is $31 for an ATV pass and $21 for OHM and ORVs. ORVs have the option of a three-year pass for $31. Some processing fees may apply, and duplicate passes are available. Purchase a pass online at dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/ohv; by calling 888-665-4236; or in person at the DNR central office, or at any place that sells DNR licenses (including many convenience stores).
Safety Training Requirements ATV Safety training is mandatory for anyone born after July 1, 1987. Those 16 and older can complete an online safety class. Youth age 6 to 15 must complete both an online course and hands-on safety. For more information, go to dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/atv. Off-Highway Motorcycle OHM drivers between the ages of 6 and 15 years are required to have an OHM Certificate to operate on public lands, frozen waters, and state or grant-in-aid trails in Minnesota. A certificate is given upon completion of the online class. For more information, go to dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/ohm. Offroad Vehicle ORVs may not be operated by anyone under age 16. An ORV environmental and safety training course is available on a USB flash drive for persons 16 or older. To request a flash drive, call 800-366-8917.
