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Best Places For Off-Roading In Minnesota

Warmer temperatures mean more time spent outside. Increased temperatures also means that riders can put away the snowmobiles and breakout the all-terrain vehicles. Off-roading is a way of life for many, and Minnesota has several excellent trails and parks for ATV enthusiasts. Here are just a few of them.

ATV
(credit: Jupiter Images)

Tri-County ATV Park
14888 Cabot Ave.
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 332-8901
www.dnr.state.mn.us

The Tri-County ATV Park is open year-round for class one and class two ATV riding. The 25-acre park is equipped with restrooms and picnic areas. There is a safety training facility located on the premises as well. Directions to the state-owned park are as follows: take Highway 3 four miles north of Faribault to Landfill Road. Turn south on Cabot Road and east on 150th Street.

Chengwatana State Forest OHV Trails
Chengwatana Road
Pine City, MN 55063
(218) 485-5410
www.dnr.chengwatana.mn.us

The Chengwatana State Forest OHV Trails are located near Pine City. The park is classified as a limited park, which means ATVs and OHMs are only allowed on the 11.7 miles of designated trails. The park, which is open year-round, contains three rivers and numerous marshes. Directions to the Chengwatana State Forest OHV Trails are as follows, according to the website: from Pine City, go four miles northeast on County Road 9. Continue 10 miles east on Chengwatana Forest Park Road.

Arctic Cat ATV
2011 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATV (credit: CPSC)

Soo Line South ATV Trail
Aitkin, Carlton & Pine County
Parking in McGrath, MN
(218) 927-7364
www.dnr.state.mn.us

The Soo Line South ATV Trail is an easy 114-mile ride from Saunders Junction, Wisc., to Genoa, Minn. The trail runs southwest and is known for its beautiful scenery of farms and forests. Class two ATVs are allowed on the trail. Gas stations and restrooms are available. The trail connects to the 148-mile Soo Line North ATV Trail. For directions to trail access, visit the Soo Line South ATV Trail website.

Related: Best Places To See Flowers This Spring In Minnesota

R.J. Dorer State Forest OHV Trails
County Road 29
From Kellogg, 3 miles South on Highway 61
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 206-2847
www.dnr.state.mn.us

Located near Winona, the R.J. Dover State Forest OHV Trails provide off-roaders with more than seven miles of easy riding. The Trout Valley Trail runs alongside a trout stream with steep bluffs. The scenic trail also provides views of the Mississippi River Valley. Directions to the park are as follows, according to the website: from Winona, go 15 miles northwest on Highway 61. Then go 1.7 miles southwest on County Road 29.

Off-Road Driving
(credit: CBS)

Schoolcraft ATV/OHM Trail
2606 Madison Ave. S.W.
Bemidji, MN 56601
(218) 308-2065
www.dnr.state.mn.us

The Schoolcraft ATV/OHM trail is a 29.2-mile route which include state and county forest roads. The trail provides access to the Paul Bunyan State Forest and it connects to the Forest Riders ATV Trail. Class one and class two ATVs are permitted on the trail, as are OHMs. The trail is open to off-road vehicles from May through November.

Related: Best Bike Repair In Minnesota

Kristyn Gansen is a freelance writer covering all things Minneapolis. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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