ATV Riders Can Enjoy Minnesota Trails For Free This Weekend

If you've been looking for the perfect excuse to spend a weekend riding the vast amount of ATV trails in Minnesota, that perfect excuse has presented itself.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has set aside Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, to allow Minnesotans and out-of-state riders to ride the state’s public ATV trails without paying the registration fees. For Minnesotans, that fee is $60 for three years, while out-of-state riders normally pay $31 for one year.

With an incentive like that, mowing the lawn and other chores can wait!

Minnesota ATV "No Registration Weekend"

Minnesota's annual "No Registration Weekend" falls on the second weekend of June each year, and gives riders access to more than 3,000 miles of state forest and Grant-in-Aid trails.

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Joe Unger, OHV Program consultant, says there are many privately registered ATVs across the state and this weekend is something to look forward to.

For riders looking to explore new areas, Unger says the following are some great places to start:

• The Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area is a 1,200-acre OHV park in Gilbert with more than 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.
• The 167-mile Prospector’s Loop near Ely follows forest roads and trails connecting the North Shore of Lake Superior to the Voyageur’s ATV trail system.
• The 200-mile Northwoods Regional Trail System in Aitkin and Itasca counties, where riders can use the Soo Line Trail to access trail loops and local communities.

RELATED: Minimum Age To Legally Drive ATVs In Minnesota May Surprise You

Another cool thing to consider is that Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area visitors can participate in special programs and rides or view displays on Saturday, June 8.

While the "No Registration Weekend" waives fees, riders should remember that all other state and local laws and regulations remain in place during the weekend. Riders are reminded to keep safety in mind when out on the trails.

The DNR recommends safety training for everyone who operates an ATV and it's required for ATV riders born after July 1, 1987. Youth under 18 must wear a Department of Transportation-certified helmet, and the DNR encourages all riders to wear a certified helmet. ATV safety training information is on the DNR website.

Trail maps, updates on trail conditions, youth ATV safety training, and other OHV information can always be conveniently found on the DNR’s OHV riding website.