Q: Some of Minnesota's off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails have been closed due to the spring melt. Where can all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other OHV enthusiasts ride their machines until the ground dries out enough to reopen those other trails?
A: There are a number of good options throughout Minnesota that are available and open to OHV riding, not just now but year round. When considering public areas, riders should focus on those places that are located on well-drained sites.
The best options for spring and year-round riding are portions of the Soo Line Trail north and south for ATVs, Tri-County site for ATVs, Appleton riding area for ATVs and off-highway motorcycles, and the Iron Range OHV Recreation Area, which can accommodate ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and off-road vehicles like modified trucks. The Iron Range OHV Recreation Area is located near Gilbert. Another option riders can consider is private land, but before venturing out onto someone else's property, it is imperative that riders get permission. More trail information can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv.
Updates regarding seasonal closures and other trail information can be found on the DNR's website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/trailconditions. Online road and trail condition information is updated every Thursday by 2 p.m. For closures and updates, go to "Current Conditions," or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free at 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
--Mary Straka, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Program consultant
Comments (12)
Add commentThe best thing to do with your ATV's is drain the oil
and run the engine hard for 30 minutes afterwards to make sure all the oil is out.
Then park it for the summer.
Judging by the muddy ATVs I
Judging by the muddy ATVs I see on trailers the riders aren't looking for "well drained" trails.
1) Drain all Fluids. 2) Mix
1) Drain all Fluids.
2) Mix with Gasoline.
3) Pour entire contents on said noiz toyz.
4) Add flame & enjoy.
I would recommend
The west ditch of Co Rd 3 by Ossipee.
Trails
Spider Lake is open this Thursday according to the DNR's website. Why all the hate for ATVs? I know there are a few bad apples that don't follow the rules, but this form of "racism" toward those of us that do is uncalled for. I enjoy riding on the trails that the State of Minnesota provides with the tax I pay for my ATV registration.
Look at what the goofs are
Look at what the goofs are doing to the wet ditches south of Merrifield again this spring. Just plain selfish. They only think of themselves.
ATV's on the road
I don't mind them on the trails but why do they drive them on the Township and county roads when it is clearly posted and against the law?
ATVs on the Road
Is there a posted sign that says no ATV riding? According to Page 7 of this manual it is legal to ride in the ditches. (Unless clearly marked with a sign, see page 8).
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/ohv/ohv_regs.pdf
Yes
we have a formal metal sign posted on our township road.
Like snowmobiles, dirtbikes, harleys
I have had them all too and there is, for some reason, a small percent of users that will use them in a manner that casts a negative image on the rest. I dont hate ATVs, but I sure don't like some of the people that use them in the Nisswa, Merrifield, Pillsbury hills area.
Noise and abuse of noise is part of the reason, arrogance and the "there's nothing you can do to me" is the other part.