People Can Soon Ride Minnesota ATV Trails Free

When it comes to ATV riding, Minnesota is a great place to do it, as it offers over 2,500 miles of designated ATV trails and tens of thousands of state and federal forest roads open to ATVs.

Trails in Minnesota provide plenty of opportunities for riders of all levels as they range from relatively easy, gently rolling terrain to more challenging rocky and hilly areas. The dedicated ATV community in the state also appreciates the scenic beauty that a lot of the trails have to offer.

However, it's worth noting that ATV trails that are part of the state or grant-in-aid trail system require a registration or trail pass, which comes with a fee. That's what makes this weekend a special one for riders in Minnesota.

Ride Minnesota ATV Trails Free On Father's Day Weekend

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that it's another "No Registration Weekend" on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15.

That means Minnesotans with all-terrain vehicles registered for private or agricultural use won’t need to pay the additional registration fee, $60 for three years, to ride the state’s public ATV trails on June 14-15.

Out-of-state riders can also explore Minnesota’s ATV trails this weekend without needing a nonresident ATV trail pass, which normally costs $31 for one year.

This gives ATV riders free access to over 3,000 miles of state forest and grant-in-aid trails.

“We see this free riding weekend as a great opportunity to showcase the wide variety of state and grant-in-aid trails across Minnesota,” said Joe Unger, OHV program consultant.

Unger says the trails below are a great place to start:

• The Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area, a 1,200-acre OHV park in Gilbert, Minnesota, has over 45 miles of scenic trails for riders of all abilities.
• The 100-mile trail system in Nemadji State Forest connects to the Matthew Lourey State Trail and the Gandy Dancer Trail for more riding opportunities.
• The 167-mile Prospector’s Loop near Ely, Minnesota, follows forest roads and trails connecting trails on the North Shore of Lake Superior to the Voyageur’s ATV Trail System for more riding opportunities.
• The 200-mile Northwoods Regional Trail System in Aitkin and Itasca counties, where riders will use the Soo Line Trail to connect to great communities and trail loops.

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The DNR says that all other laws and regulations remain in place during the weekend. They remind riders to keep safety in mind when out on the trails.

Safety training is recommended for everyone who operates an ATV and is required for ATV riders born after July 1, 1987. Youth under age 18 must wear a DOT-certified helmet. Riders aged 16 and under must fit the ATV they are operating and be able to properly reach and control the handlebars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the ATV.

The DNR's OHV riding website offers trail maps, updates on trail conditions, youth ATV safety training, and other OHV information.