It's about time to hit the Minnesota public ATV trails and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering them up for free the first weekend in June as part of the "No Registration Weekend". 

According to the DNR, Minnesotans with an all-terrain vehicle registered for private or agricultural use won’t need to pay the additional registration fee, which is $53.50 for three years, to ride the state’s public ATV trails June 2-4.

If you're an out-of-state rider, you will not need a nonresidential trail pass, which costs $21 annually.

If you're looking for trails to explore, the DNR recommends:

  • The Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area, a 1,200-acre OHV park in Gilbert with 36 miles of scenic trails for riders of all abilities. The recreation area will have special programs, rides and displays on Saturday, June 4.
  • The 100-mile trail system in Nemadji State Forest, which connects to the Matthew Lourey State Trail and the Gandy Dancer Trail for more riding opportunities.
  • The 29-mile Spider Lake trail system in Foot Hills State Forest, where riders can curve around lakes and ponds, go up and down a variety of hills, and view overlooks from the ridges throughout the forest.
  • The 200-mile Northwoods Regional Trail System in Aitkin and Itasca counties, where riders can use the Soo Line Trail to connect to great communities and trail loops.
    The DNR advises riders to keep safety in mind when out on the trails. In particular:

The DNR would also like to remind everyone that safety training is required for ATV riders born after July 1, 1987, and it is recommended for everyone that operates an ATV.

Furthermore, kids under age 18 must wear a DOT-certified helmet and kids age 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.

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