Winter brings a whole new experience to OHV riding in Minnesota. A number of state and grant-in-aid OHV trails are open year-round, with exciting challenges you'll find only during winter.
As you explore winter ATV riding, please remember that most groomed, signed snowmobile trails are closed to OHVs and highway-licensed vehicles (HLVs) beginning December 1. Please respect private property and follow all signs.
- Purchase a vehicle permit today and get a year of unlimited visits to all of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas.
- Before you go, find out the snow conditions and check for OHV trail and road closures.
- Winter survival gear is strongly recommended and please use caution when riding in remote areas.
- Learn more about OHV riding in Minnesota.
OHV Trails
Appleton Area Recreational Park
Located in the southwest corner of Minnesota, this park has 20 miles of trails and is ideal for OHV enthusiasts of all skills levels.
Chisholm Trail
This 25.2-mile trail winds riders across rolling hills and through the forests of northeast Minnesota.
Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area
Minnesota's premier OHV recreation area spans 1,200 acres with 36 miles of scenic trails. In the winter, the front office is staffed Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Nemadji State Forest Trails
The popular trails within Nemadji State Forest connect with the Gandy Dancer and Matthew Lourey trails for even more great winter riding.
Spider Lake Trails
This trail system has 29 miles of ATV 1/ATV 2/OHM/ORV trails that wind throughout the Foot Hills State Forest.
St. Croix State Forest Trails
Come enjoy a scenic, winding ride through heavily wooded forest with easy access to the Gandy Dancer and the Matthew Lourey State Trail.
Snowmobiles and ATVs are both allowed to ride shared use trails in winter!
For the safety and enjoyment of all and the protection of our natural resources, please follow all winter trail rules and etiquette:
- On the Matthew Lourey State Trail and the Nemadji and St. Croix state forest trails, ATVs are only allowed to ride when the air temperature is 30°F or below. This helps us keep trails sustainable and increases safety for everyone, including our trail groomers.
- Remember that you may encounter snowmobiles, ATVs and pedestrians on the trail.
- Approach narrow or winding sections of trail cautiously.
- Give an audible signal and pass on the left when safe.
- Stay to the right when others approach.
- Yield to pedestrians and slower trail users.
- Be safe! Stop means stop.
- Watch for traffic at intersections
(Updated March 6, 2020)