Minnesota

Find Your True North

Minnesota has a thriving off-road recreation community made up of enthusiasts and volunteers who travel via all-terrain vehicles (ATV), off-road motorcycles (OHM) and off-road vehicles (ORV). There are more than 2,500 miles of official trails, and many more miles of accessible forest roads in state and national forests which continue to grow year after year.

Join the Club

Minnesota has active associations and clubs for ATV, offhighway motorcycles and off-road 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.

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 to the vehicle classifications allowed on each road and trail. Note some forests can have multiple classifications. For a complete list of classifications, visit www.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.

Ride County Roads

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.

ATV Classification

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 cars, 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 off-road 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. Non-resident passes may be purchased by phone, online or inperson. 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 handson 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.

Off-Road 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.

Explore Minnesota’s Iron Range

ironrange.org

undreds of miles of ATV and

OHV off-roading trails network throughout the Iron Range and you’ll find secluded spots, great overlooks or mudding trails around every turn. And don’t forget trailside lodging, dining and camping.

Iron Range Off-Hwy Vehicle Recreation Area

Gilbert is home to this 3,600acre park with trails exclusively for ATVs, UTVs, 4X4 vehicles and motorcycles. Start in Gilbert and head to Eveleth – restaurants, camping and lodging – using the Genoa Trail, or go into Virginia and cross the state’s tallest bridge. Both towns are ATV-friendly with routes to places to eat and stay. The park is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and covers 49 miles of trails. Trails are well marked to indicate the level of difficulty. Entry is free with licensed machine and there’s even a wash station. The views are spectacular and this playground is open year-round except for deer season.

Ranger Trails

This multi-use trail connects the communities of Biwabik, Aurora and Hoyt Lakes on a 22-mile scenic ride through the Superior National Forest. Find trailer parking in Biwabik and Hoyt Lakes. Plenty of places to eat and camp, plus hotels nearby. These trails are close to the OHVRA (above) but not connected by trail at this time.

Northern Traxx

Follow the Northern Traxx Trail out of ATV-friendly Chisholm and head north to the Side Lake area for camping, restaurants and forest scenery. This trail is open year-round except for deer season. Covering 22 miles, the Northern Traxx Trail passes through tall pines and connects to the Taconite state snowmobile trail. Go south out of Chisholm and connect with Hibbing, five miles away, by passing through the RedHead Mountain Bike Park. Find your way to food, gas and lodging on either end of this trail.

Distance: 18 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): From the trail intersection with US Highway 53, eastward (toward Tower) for 2 miles and westward (toward McCarthy Beach State Park for 15 miles. The Taconite Trail winds through forests of birch and aspen intertwined with pine, leading the visitor past many isolated lakes and streams. Portions of the trail are open to ATV (Class 1 & 2) and off-highway motorcycle (OHM), conditions permitting. From the trail intersection with US Highway 53, ATV & OHM use is allowed eastward (toward Tower) for about 2 miles and westward (toward McCarthy Beach State Park) for about 15 miles. OHV use ends at the trail intersection with St. Louis County Highway 65.

BIGFORK AND BALSAM (B&B) CONNECTION

Distance: 33 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): The trail head is a large parking area south of Bigfork on Highway 38, just west on Rajala Mill Road. The trail travels SSE to connect with the Little Moose Trail off Highway 7 in Balsam. Facilities: Food, fuel, restrooms This 33-mile Grant-in-Aid trail traverses portions of the Chippewa National Forest, George Washington State Forest and Itasca County lands from Bigfork to Balsam (B&B). Approximately 20 miles of trail for OHV use, 10 miles are federal and state forest roads and the remaining follow county road corridors. There are eight boardwalks/ bridges totaling over a 1/4-mile. The trail travels through low meadows, marshes, aspen and pine forests as well as gravel outcroppings. You will see streams, ponds and views of lakes in the distance. Wildlife sightings are common. Food and fuel are available near the trail head, the midway point near mile marker 15 and a few short miles from the end of the trail. The trail is maintained by the Wilderness Wheelers ATV Club headquartered in Bigfork, MN.

LITTLE MOOSE TRAIL

Distance: 18 Miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): 18 miles north on Highway 65 from Nashwauk; parking on west side of highway Facilities: Grand Rapids: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Balsam food, fuel, restrooms This 18-mile trail in eastern Itasca County traverses the George Washington State Forest. Forested areas vary from densely wooded to harvested pine opening to wide views of the surrounding landscape. The trail travels by Hartley, Scooty and Wolf lakes and crosses the west fork of the Prairie River. Itasca County and the Balsam Trail Blazers maintain the Little Moose Trail.

ALBORN-PENGILLY RAILROAD TRAIL

Distance: 39 Miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Along right-of-ways within Alborn, Meadowlands and Pengilly Facilities: Pengilly/Hibbing: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Alborn/ Meadowlands: food and restrooms This 39-mile trail follows a repurposed railroad grade between Pengilly and Alborn in northeast Minnesota. Traveling through wooded bogs and upload forests, riders cross old railroad trestles with scenic views of the streams and rivers below. The flat grade and minor terrain variation are ideal for novice riders. Trail maintenance is provided by Itasca County and the Range Riders ATV Club.

EAST RANGE MULTI-USE TRAIL

Distance: 22 Miles Difficulty: Easiest to Most Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Biwabik, Giant’s Ridge and Hoyt Lakes Facilities: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging Twenty-two miles of wide multi-use trail provide access to Hoyt Lakes, Aurora, Biwabik and Giants Ridge on routes and old mining roads. The trail climbs steeply to several breathtaking overlooks including a great view of Whitewater Lake as well as several mines and pits of the Iron Range. The trail crosses the Partridge and Embarrass River. Trails are provided by St. Louis County and maintained by the Ranger Snowmobile and ATV Club. Bikers, hikers, horseback riders allowed on trail. See map for parking available in Biwabik, near Giants Ridge, and in Hoyt Lakes.

CHISHOLM TRAIL

Distance: 25 Miles Difficulty: Easiest to Most Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Access in Chisholm and the intersection of Highway 5 and Connors Road Facilities: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging This 15.7-mile trail located in northeast Minnesota winds riders across rolling hills and through mature forest. Where the trail ties into the Shannon Lake State Forest Rd, the signed route continues for 9.5 miles, connecting to Side Lake for a total trail length of 25.2 miles. Rated easy to moderately difficult, it offers hills to climb and hairpin corners to maneuver. The ATV-friendly communities of Chisholm and Side Lake offer gas, lodging and food within riding distance from the trail. Parking and riding in Chisholm is allowed between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. The trail is provided by the city of Chisholm and maintained by the Northern Traxx ATV Club. OHMs are NOT allowed to operate on county road rights-of-way.

GOODLAND TRAIL

Distance: 19 Miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Access in Goodland on Highway 65 or in Pengilly Facilities: Pengilly: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Goodland: fuel, restrooms Passing by lakes and bogs, this 19-mile trail connects the AlbornPengilly Railroad Trail to the town of Goodland. Set in the northern hardwoods landscape of Minnesota, it makes for a particularly colorful ride in the fall. The trail is provided by Itasca County, the Itasca Trail Riders ATV Club and the Red Rock Riders.

THISTLEDEW TRAILS

Distance: 25 Miles Difficulty: More Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): 35 miles north of Nashwauk on Highway 65 then left on Highway 1 for 3.5 miles. Continue north on County Road 452 to parking Facilities: Grand Rapids: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Togo: food The Thistledew Trails are a 25-mile system consisting of a north and south loop located within George Washington State Forest. The trail passes through rolling hills of mature pine and aspen forest. Both loops are managed for ATV and horseback riding, so please watch for other riders.

Connecting Ely, Babbitt, Embarrass, Soudan and Tower

prospector.ridetrails.org, ely.org

Prospector Loop ATV Trail System

he Prospector ATV Club is creating a new ATV trail system that will connect five communities (Ely, Babbitt, Embarrass, Soudan and Tower, MN), two state parks (Bear Head Lake State Park and Lake Vermilion State Park) and the Lake County Regional ATV Trail. According to the Prospector’s website, construction is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2021. They note, other than the Beaver River crossing (between the Taconite Trail and Babbitt), all sections should be open and ridable starting in the spring of 2021. These sections are signed and open to Class 1 and 2 ATVs along with off highway motorcycles. We’d suggest following their website and social media pages for more announcements. The Prospector Alliance considers the availability of destination travel routes throughout the northland, a key consideration in providing public access through ATV use to many desired locations. Connecting communities with such features as Soudan Underground Mine State Park, Lake Vermilion State Park, Bear Head Lake State Park and a variety of other features within the Superior National Forest is a key component to enabling the use and access of these wonderful attributes Minnesota has to offer.

BEAR HEAD LAKE STATE PARK

Address: 9301 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, MN 55731 Phone: 218-235-2520 Email: bearhead.statepark@state.mn.us Secluded in the Northwoods, this park contains pristine lakes; it is home to black bears, nesting eagles, wolves and moose. Stands of white and red pine trees tower over the birch, aspen and fir trees. Located just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the park shares a similar wilderness quality. Explore miles of shoreline by canoe. Swim at the beach, picnic in the shelter building, or fish for walleye, bass, crappies or trout. Trails in the park link-up with the Taconite State Trail and offer snowmobilers, skiers and hikers plenty to enjoy. Rent a threebedroom guest house or camper cabin any season of the year.

LAKE VERMILION-SOUDAN UNDERGROUND MINE STATE PARK

Address: Summer Mine Entrance: 1302 McKinley Park Road, Soudan, MN 55782 Phone: 218-300-7000 Email: lakevermilion-soudan.statepark@state.mn.us Adventure abounds at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park! Tour the historic underground mine, take a boat out or cast a line on Lake Vermilion, or hike through acres of old growth pine forest. Nearly 3,000 acres and five miles of Lake Vermilion shoreline add even more opportunities to experience the wonders of northern Minnesota.

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST

Website: fs.usda.org/superior More Information: Main Office, Duluth: 218-626-4300 Superior National Forest has more than 2,000 miles of recreational trails for all types of uses, including off-highway vehicles. It offers incredible riding opportunities in its nearly 450,000 acres of pine, fir and spruce. Make sure to bring the latest Motor Vehicle Use maps, which are available in print, as downloads for smart phones or computers. Maps are updated annually – if there is a question on road/trail access, the map is the final authority, not trail signs. If a road or trail you find in the forest is not on the map, it is not legal for you to ride it, regardless if others have done so. Off-trail travel is not permitted.

STONY SPUR II AND JACKPOT TRAIL

Distance: 55 miles (combined network) Difficulty: Easiest to More Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): One mile west of Babbitt at the junction of County Road 70 and 21: Access the eastern part of Jackpot on County Road 2 near Wampus Lake, about 15 miles west of Isabella Facilities: Babbitt: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging The 25-mile Stony Spur II and the 30-mile Jackpot Trail show off a diverse landscape —stands of aspen, cedar, maple, pine and birch; some water crossings; a dip into Bear Island State Forest and scenes of the Stony River, which parts of the trail parallel. Make a stop at the Snort Lake Gravel Pit, which is a climb-and-play area for ATVs. Be prepared to ride some forest roads before getting into the thick of the loop. The trails are a project of the city of Babbitt and are maintained by the Babbitt ATV/Snowmobile Club.

TOWER MULTI-USE TRAIL

Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking and trail access is in the city of Tower at Poplar St. and at the trail’s north end on Township Road 4596. Facilities: Tower: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging A short-but-sweet trail, this connects the city of Tower and the public beach and campground at McKinley, on Lake Vermilion. The trail leaves Tower on both the east and west sides. The City of Tower and the Minnesota DNR maintain this trail.

Two Harbors, Finland, Silver Bay and Grand Marais

wildcountryatv.com, northshorevisitor.com

Wild Country ATV Club

estled along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior is

Two Harbors, Minnesota. This quaint, picturesque, lakeside town boasts a rich lake history. An outdoorsman paradise, the town is home to several rivers, waterfalls, lakes, state parks and breathtaking scenery. As the largest town on the shore, Two Harbors has many community events, local businesses and lodging accommodations to keep you in the area. Serving as a superb launching destination for your ATV ride on the North Shore, you’ll discover the Wild Country ATV Club. They are committed to safe and responsible riding on the North Shore and are involved in ATV safety for youth riders, organized rides around the region, and promoting the area to visiting off-road enthusiasts. They maintain the Wild Country ATV Trail outlined on these pages which can lead you further north up the shore through Silver Bay, Finland and Grand Marais. Enjoy your ride and extended stay.

Trek to the Trestle trestleinn.com

The Trestle Inn gets its name based on being built out of an old railroad trestle (bridge) located four miles from where the Trestle sits now. The old timbers give the Trestle Inn a unique feel and character. Centrally located in the middle of Isabella, Tofte and Finland, the Trestle has some of the best trailside burgers on your North Shore riding adventure.

Dangerously Good Brews castledangerbrewery.com

When the ride ends, visit Castle Danger Brewery in downtown Two Harbors. This Minnesota-famous brewery features a 30 barrel brewing system, a canning line, and a taproom overlooking Lake Superior. Visitors are welcome to taste their delectable brews in their contemporary yet rustic taproom with attached outdoor patio. They offer a selection of current signature brews as well as a list of rotating taproom releases such as our favorites, ODE IPA, North Shore Lager, or the heavyhitter, George Hunter Stout.

WILD COUNTRY TRAIL

Distance: 30 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking is located east of the intersection of Lake County Highway 2 and Alger Grade Facilities: Two Harbors / Silver Bay: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging Icons: Class 1&2 ATV Here is the ATV trail providing riders the North Shore Trail experience, as it follows, for the most part, a section of the popular snowmobile route. The non-frozen features of this trail include overlooks of Lake Superior, bogs, rivers, streams and four designated picnic areas (with restrooms). Start at the trailhead at the Lake County Demonstration Forest, with options to connect to the Moose Walk and Red Dot trails. A portion of the trail follows the Alger Grade Logging Railroad bed. Lake County gravel roads are also open to ATV use.

RED DOT, MOOSE WALK & MOOSE RUN TRAILS

Distance: Red Dot: 30 miles; Moose Walk: 22 miles; Moose Run: 12 miles Difficulty: Red Dot / Moose Walk: Easiest to More Difficult; Moose Run: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Red Dot and Moose Walk (south): On Highway 4 out of Beaver Bay and in Silver Bay on Highway 5. Moose Walk (north) and Moose Run: Lake County Highway 7 west at Finland or east of County Road 701 for about 2 miles. Facilities: Silver Bay / Beaver Bay / Finland: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging, camping Icons: Class 1&2 ATV The trail system shows off the natural beauty between the towns of Silver Bay, Beaver Bay and Finland, with more than 60 miles of scenic opportunity along Lake Superior’s North Shore. The Red Dot links Silver Bay and Beaver Bay and then makes a swing through Tettegouche State Park. It offers high, vast vistas over the great lake and tall stands of spruce and pine. There are picnic areas, shelters, restrooms and camping locations throughout the network, as well as lodging and fuel in the towns. The Moose Walk Trail heads north from Red Dot toward Finland and the Moose Run Trail. These are remote, hilly and winding trails through the Sawtooth Mountains.

northshorevisitor.com TWO HARBORS

Entering Two Harbors you will find a number of shops right along Highway 61, but be sure to take a right at the first or second stoplight and drive downtown. A pleasant waterfront area includes museums, shops, and restaurants. Perfect for a shopping stroll. As the largest town on the north shore, Two Harbors has the widest variety of everything you need – Polaris dealership, auto parts, pharmacies, groceries – plus everything you want.

BEAVER BAY

The small community of Beaver Bay has an eclectic mix of interesting shops including Beaver Bay Sports, a BRP and CFMOTO dealership, all on Highway 61. Park the car and include a visit on both sides of the highway. A mile northeast of downtown, at Split Rock, you will find a small state park gift shop as you drive in, and a large shop in the visitor center.

GRAND MARAIS

Second in size to Two Harbors, Grand Marais distinguishes itself with several art galleries and studios, a wide range of gift shops, purveyors of outdoor gear, and suppliers of sundries and necessities.