Off-Road Trails: Minnesota
Adventurous trails and scenic views characterize the awesome state of Minnesota
Photo credit: CK Foto/Shutterstock.com
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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.
McQuoid's Inn
Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, and Destination Yamaha’s McQuoid’s Inn is located on the second biggest lake - Lake Mille Lacs. Mille Lacs is famous for its fishing, but there is more to do than just fish. McQuoid’s Inn has hotel rooms, rental condos, cabins and campsites available, along with some amazing food and friendly hosts. You can use it as a base of operations while you explore the amazing trails in the area, and if you don’t have a machine, or don’t want to haul yours there, they have Yamaha Kodiak 450s, Wolverine and Viking vehicles for rent. If you do want to head out and fish, they have guides available to take you out year round. After all, Minnesota is famous for how serious they take their ice fishing. Ride the Red Top Loop and the Solana Loop from the comfort of a SxS and ATV riders can hit those trails as well as the Foxy, Ten-Bruin, Adventurer’s Trail, and much more.
Steve's Sports and Auto
Minnesota's trail systems are a hidden gem for ATV enthusiasts. Steve's Sports and Auto, in Grand Marais, Minnesota, is your gateway to exploring them. Your ride will wind through dense forests and challenging terrain. Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but you can enjoy many miles of well-maintained trails that work for all skill levels. A ride through the Northwoods with plenty of room to roam will refresh your senses, you betcha!
- Distance 200 Miles
- Skill Level All
- Trailhead Isle, Minn.
Soo Line Trail
We had a chance to explore the Soo Line Trail from our home base at McQuoid’s Inn. The Soo Line used to be an abandoned railway right of way and is now home to off-road vehicles exploring this part of the state. The trail itself is fairly flat and easy going...but it also acts as an artery to a world off off-road exploration in the area. We explored from the Soo Line to the Red Top Trail, but if you want even more adventure you can get to the more advanced Foxy trail, the Ted Bruin, and the East and West Side trails all from Soo Line.
- 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!
- Distance 30 miles
- Skill Level All
- Trailhead Danbury, Wisconsin
Gandy Dancer Trails
Gandy Dancer is a unique trail in that it actually starts out in Wisconsin, but quickly enters Minnesota. Almost all of the trail is in that state but it drops back into Wisconsin to finish up. This trail is mostly reclaimed railroad and is maintained by the Minnesota Department of Resources. The trail connects to other trails in nearby St. Croix and Nemadji state forests, and riders will experience a wide range of terrain types, so it’s not all smooth trails. A Minnesota trail pass is required for use and the trails closed to ORVs in winter as the snowmobilers take over once the groomers come out.