Off-Road Trails: Minnesota

Minnesota is a very diverse state with many different things to see along all of the backroads that crisscross the state. Nestled into those backcountry byways, there are many different off-road parks that are tailor made to family ATV and UTV adventures.

Many of the parks in this state have campgrounds directly adjacent to the riding area, making a full weekend getaway an easy thing to plan for if you have an RV or camping tent. So pack up the truck and make your way to Minnesota for some off-road fun you don't want to miss.

Destination Yamaha

If you are looking for an off-road adventure in Minnesota but you don’t feel like towing an ATV or UTV all the way there, Destination Yamaha has a location in minnesota where you can rent a machine.

These rental partners have everything you need for an amazing off-road experience aboard a Yamaha ATV or UTV on some of the best terrain in the state.

• Isle - McQuoid's Inn

• Size 330 Acres
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Appleton, Minn.

Appleton Area Recreation OHV Park

Expanded from 100 acres to 330 acres in 2007, Appleton Area Recreation OHV Park has a large amount of open riding areas for all vehicles to play in. Twenty miles of marked trails are scattered around the grounds where drivers can enjoy two-track trails, sand dunes, and some general play areas. The town of Appleton has many different stores and places to gather supplies for your trip to the riding area. If you're coming from the main metropolitan area of Minneapolis, expect almost a three-hour drive to get to this riding destination. It's worth your time, though!

• Distance 15 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Pine City, Minn.

Chengwatana State Forest OHV Trails

Trails in the Chengwatana State Forest allow a maximum vehicle width of 65 inches, so plan accordingly. This system of trails is located on the west side of the St. Croix River, making it a great location for a day on the trails. With 15 miles of trails to explore, you'll be able to enjoy a full day of riding through the marshland and forest-laden trails. The nearby town of Pine City has all of the refreshments, food, and supplies that you need for an adventurous day on the trails.

• Distance 37 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Cromwell, Minn.

Fond du Lac State Forest Trails

Encompassing 64,000 acres total, the Fond du Lac State Forest encompasses a large area and also has off-road trails within its boundaries. A total of 37 miles of trails flow through the area and include terrains like marshy areas, swamps, and shallow wild-rice lakes. There are also challenging loops in the forest areas. Be sure to check the website to look up trail conditions, or call the Minnesota department of Parks and Trails (number on website). Primitive camping is permitted in this forest area, but be prepared when you come here. No developed campsites are present in the forest.

• Size 1,200 Acres
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Gilbert, Minn.

Iron Range OHVRA

The Iron Range OHV Riding Area is the home of Minnesota's first off-highway vehicle park. At 1,200 acres, this park has a great amount of off-road trails, more than 30 miles in fact. Trails in this area are filled with fun and diverse riding terrain, and they are known for leading you and your family to some incredibly scenic overlooks. The adventure never stops! Camping is available in the Sherwood Forest Campground in the adjacent town of Gilbert, and a dirt trail leads you in an out of the campground to the riding area.

• Distance 26 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Finland, Minn.

Moose Walk and Moose Run ATV Trails

Encompassing a total of about 26 miles of marked trails, the Northern Minnesota-based Moose Walk Trails are a family-friendly ATV and UTV destination. This trail system is actually connected to an additional trail circuit named the Red Dot Trail System. Together, both systems encompass more than 50 miles of OHV trails. The Moose Walk area is located right next to the Sawtooth mountains for even more scenic views. There is a lodge and campground located directly at the trail system (Wildhurst Lodge and Campground), giving all off-roaders direct access. It doesn't get much better than that!