We’re back at it again with our look at some of the best riding spots throughout the United States! So far we’ve looked at your favorite places in the South and the West. And now, with some more help from our knowledgeable Facebook and Instagram followers, we’re sharing our list of your favorite places to ride in the good ol’ Midwest.
They say there’s a lot more to the Midwest than what meets the eye, and that couldn’t be more true when talking about off-road destinations. The flyover states are home to just about any terrain type you can think of—daunting hills, challenging rocks, deep mud bogs, and twisty wooded trails. There’s even a 1,600-acre span of dunes that will make you think you’ve been transported to the Sahara Desert in Africa!
So what are you waiting for? Read on to learn more about your favorite riding spots in the Midwestern US, and then comment below with any other recommendations you may have.
The state of Indiana is full of surprises, and when you drive into Badlands Off-Road Park in Attica, Indiana, you’ll be sure to agree. This 800-acre park is a rider’s paradise hiding in eastern Indiana. You’ll find almost every terrain type you could ask for, from hills, rocks, and trails to sand, water, and mud. It has enough variety and space to make this a park you don’t want to miss.
One of the key features of Badlands is that it’s designed to be your off-road oasis away from home. Take a tent or RV, or maybe stay in one of their premium villas. With plenty of lodging opportunities, a convenient food shack, and tons of off-road challenges located on site, you’ll never want to leave!
Thanks to their wide variety of terrain, perfect for everyone from beginners to experts, and a calendar full of parties and entertainment, you can bring the entire family along and rest assured that everyone will have a great time. Badlands’ tent-pole event of the year is the annual Sasquatch Hunt in November. You can expect plenty of contests, tons of prizes, and a whole lot of other riders who enjoy the same things you do. Be sure to snap a picture of the Sasquatch if you can find him!
| SIZE: | 800 acres |
| STYLE: | Badlands has everything: sand dunes, wooded trails, gravel, streams, mud, and rocks. There is even a motocross track for bikes and sport quads, and a rock quarry for SUVs and side-by-sides! |
| COST: | • One day = $25 for drivers 12 and up / $20 for drivers 6-11 • Two days = $45 for drivers 12 and up / $35 for drivers 6-11 • Three days = $60 for drivers 12 and up / $50 for drivers 6-11 • Four+ days = $70 for drivers 12 and up / $60 for drivers 6-11 Lower rates are offered for non-driving passengers. Children ages 5 and under get in free! All vehicles (aside from motorcycles) must display an orange safety flag at all times, available for purchase in the Badlands Pro Shop. Check out their pricing page for more information. |
| EXPERIENCE LEVEL: | With such diverse terrain, this park easily has something for everyone. Whether you consider yourself a new, casual, or expert rider, they’ve got what it takes to keep you challenged and entertained. |
| OPEN: | Both the park and the store are open seven days a week, from 9 AM until 5 PM. They close down for most major holidays. All closures are announced on their events page. |
| ACCOMMODATIONS: | • Primitive camping ○ $9 per night, per person • Camping sites with water and electric ○ $29 per night includes two adults and two children under 12 ○ Add an extra $9 per night for each additional guest • Full hookup camping sites ○ $34 per night includes two adults and two children under 12 ○ Add an extra $9 per night for each additional guest • Standard villas ○ 1-5 bedrooms, 600-2,700 square feet ○ Prices range from $125 to $180 per night, plus taxes and fees ○ Security deposit required ○ Additional fees may apply to max occupancy groups ○ Click here for more information • Premium villas ○ Variety of houses sleep 6-22 people ○ Prices range from $210 to $395 per night, plus taxes and fees ○ Security deposit required ○ Additional fees may apply to max occupancy groups ○ Click here for more information NOTE: Primitive camping is on a “first come, first served” basis. For all other accommodations, be sure to call ahead and make a reservation! All camping and lodging accommodations are managed by Off the Trail Vacation Rentals and Campground. |
| AMENITIES: | • Food Shack located on site • Private showers available for campers • Machines available for rent through Adventure Rentals |
| GOOD EATS: | • Agave Azul Mexican Grill: If you appreciate great customer service and have a craving for authentic Mexican cuisine, Agave Azul is the place for you. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 10 minutes • Crossroads Family Restaurant: You’ll find nothing but fresh, perfectly-cooked food at Attica’s finest dining and pub establishment. They have everything from BBQ to seafood! ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 5 minutes • Robie’s Restaurant: You’ll be treated like a local at this small country eatery that serves excellent home-style dishes. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 10 minutes |
| EVENTS: | You’ll find fun events on the schedule all year long at Badlands Off-Road. They host races, Easter egg hunts, group rides, bonfires, and more. They also offer extended riding hours on some holidays, like all throughout Memorial Day weekend. Check their events page for more information. |
| MORE INFO: | http://badlandsoffroad.com |
Here’s another gem hidden in our home state of Indiana. About halfway between Indianapolis and Cincinnati you’ll find Haspin Acres, a park that’s home to 750 acres of wooded hills and trails nestled in the heart of central Indiana. They offer wooded trails, rock crawls, and creek crossings catered towards riders of all experience levels. And for expert riders who are feeling brave, there’s Devil’s Backbone—the ultimate hill-climbing challenge. Do you dare?
Haspin Acres is primarily a natural habitat, and the owners work hard to maintain the park’s natural beauty. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous rural Indiana views everywhere you look. And thanks to their free “camp wherever you want” policy, you can bring the entire family (including the dog!) and enjoy those views all weekend long.
No matter what time of year you plan your visit, chances are you’ll catch something exciting happening at the park. All year long, Haspin Acres is home to dozens of events: motocross races, charity events, poker runs, rally rides, and more. These fun events are a great way to meet other riders and spice up your weekend off-road adventure!
| SIZE: | 750 acres |
| STYLE: | The hundreds of acres of trails at Haspin Acres take you through trees, up and down hills, across streams, and over rocky crags. If you’re really feeling up for a challenge, take on Devil’s Backbone—a ridiculously steep hill climb that’s not for the faint of heart! There is a motocross track which is open to the public daily (with the exception of scheduled race days). They also have a 300-foot drag strip on which all vehicles are welcome to ride: ATVs, UTVs, quads, bikes, trucks, dirt dragsters, and everything in between. |
| COST: | • Adult (16+) pricing = $20 first day, $15 second day, $10 third day • Youth (8-15) pricing = $10/day • Children 7 and under get in free • Spectators who will not be riding = $10/day Additional fees apply for motocross events. Military veterans receive a 50% discount. All guests are required to purchase a $5 liability card in addition to admission fees. Check out their pricing page for more information. |
| EXPERIENCE LEVEL: | Riders of all skill levels are welcome, but only the most experienced and well-prepared riders should tackle the trickier challenges (like Devil’s Backbone). |
| OPEN: | Specific office and ride hours apply, but the park is open all year long—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including Christmas! The office is open from 8 AM to 11 PM on the weekends and from 8 AM to 5 PM during the week. Riding is permitted from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. They have a strict “no night riding” policy, so riding is prohibited between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM. |
| ACCOMMODATIONS: | Camping is available at no additional charge. A designated camping area can be found near the office, close to restrooms and shower facilities. Guests who prefer something more secluded are welcome to go deeper into the woods, as camping is permitted anywhere on the property. Pets are welcome to stay as long as they stay with you at all times. |
| AMENITIES: | • Stone Hearth Grill Restaurant (located on site) open seasonally, spring through fall • Pizza available for purchase in the office all year long • Vending machines located near the office • Free coffee and hot chocolate served in the cafeteria every weekend • Dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs available for rent ○ Prices range from $175 to $650 per day, depending on the machine ○ A $500 or $1,000 deposit is required ○ Click here for more information on machine rentals • Machine parts and gear available for purchase at Mr. Skids • Firewood available for purchase from the office • Free WiFi • Fishing and swimming permitted |
| GOOD EATS: | • Hav-A-Bite Diner: This mom-and-pop restaurant serves up delicious food at amazingly low prices, all wrapped up in a friendly, small-town environment. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 10 minutes • Long Branch Tavern: Unwind after a long day of riding with a cold one from Long Branch, where you’re guaranteed to be treated like family. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 5 minutes • The Smelly Gourmet: Don’t let the name fool you! This gift shop/café/restaurant combo is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. There’s no set menu—you just order based on whatever Smelly himself decides to cook that day. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 15 |
| EVENTS: | There’s always something fun going on at Haspin Acres, from poker runs to scavenger hunts! Make sure to check the event schedule while planning your visits to make sure you don’t miss anything. Several motocross practices and races are scheduled throughout the year as well. |
| MORE INFO: | http://haspinacres.com |
The privately-owned Hot Springs ORV Park is one of the top off-roading destinations in Arkansas. Their 1,254-acre maze of trails is open to machines of all kinds, although they’re specifically catered to UTVs and SUVs. You’ll find rugged, hard-packed terrain with various elevation changes—enough to challenge all drivers, from beginners to pros.
Hot Springs boasts a full-service campground, along with plenty of rental bunkhouses and cabins. There’s no way you could hope to explore the entire park in just one day, so why not make a long weekend out of it? With climate-controlled showers and a vehicle cleaning station on site, all you need to bring with you is a good stash of snacks (or check out our restaurant recommendations below) and you’re all set!
If you’re looking to make your visit extra special, check out their event calendar while planning. If you’re in the Arkansas area in October, you don’t want to miss the annual Southern Cruiser Crawl! Hundreds of 4x4s gather for some wild off-road action. Get there early and you might be one of 200 lucky guests to receive a CottonLand Cruisers goody bag!
| SIZE: | 1,254 acres |
| STYLE: | Most of the terrain is hard packed and rugged with lots of change in elevation. While all vehicle types are welcome, the trails are best suited for UTVs and SUVs. |
| COST: | • ATV/dirt bike = $16.50 per day • UTV/SUV = $33 per day • Premium Year Membership is $60 (includes riding for the day of purchase) and gets you reduced daily rates throughout the year ○ Reduced ATV/dirt bike = $11 ○ Reduced UTV/SUV = $16.50 • Gold Year Membership is $275 and lets you ride all year long with no daily fee • Gold Family Year Membership is $385, covers two vehicles, and lets you ride all year long with no daily fee Click here for more information on pricing. |
| EXPERIENCE LEVEL: | Riders of all experience levels are welcome! Trails are clearly marked based on difficulty. |
| OPEN: | The park is open from Thursday through Monday, 51 weeks of the year. “Fall back” hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM. “Spring forward” hours are from 9 AM to 7 PM. The park is closed during Christmas week. Special hours for large groups (6+ guests) are available by appointment. Click here for more information on park hours. |
| ACCOMMODATIONS: | • Overflow tent camping = $10/night ○ No amenities included • Overflow RV sites = $20/night ○ No amenities included • Tent camping = $40/night ○ Includes fire pit and picnic table • Value RV sites = $80/night ○ Includes limited water and electric hookups, fire pit, and picnic table • Premium RV sites = $100/night ○ Includes full water and electric hookups, fire pit, and picnic table • Bunkhouse = $300/weekend (Thursday-Sunday) ○ Four sets of twin bunk beds ○ Futon ○ Mini fridge, heating, AC • Cabin = $350/weekend (Thursday-Sunday) ○ Futon and two sets of twin bunk beds ○ Private restroom/shower ○ Mini fridge, heating, AC, fire pit • Duplex cabin = $350 per side, per weekend (Thursday-Sunday) ○ One queen/twin bunk ○ One twin/twin bunk ○ Private restroom/shower ○ Mini fridge, heating, AC Click here for more information on tent/RV camping sites, and click here for more information on bunkhouse/cabin rentals. |
| AMENITIES: | • Helmets available for rent, $5/day • Climate-controlled restrooms and shower houses • Vehicle cleaning station |
| GOOD EATS: | • Alexa’s Creperie: The top-rated restaurant in Hot Springs serves French crepes made the right way. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re craving sweet or savory. ○ Price = $$ ○ Drive time = 20 minutes • Luna Bella: This fine dining establishment is a little on the pricier side, but it’s perfect for when you want to feel fancy after a long day playing in the mud. ○ Price = $$$ ○ Drive time = 20 minutes • SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint: This hidden gem serves delicious pizza, perfectly-assembled sandwiches, and locally-brewed beer. What’s not to like? ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 15 minutes |
| EVENTS: | Hot Springs hosts several off-road events throughout the year, like Easter egg hunts in the spring and the Southern Cruiser Crawl in October. Check out their events page for a full list of happenings. |
| MORE INFO: | http://orvpark.com |
The trail systems of Kansas Rocks Recreation Park in Mapleton, Kansas, opened to the public in 2003 and have only grown since then. The park presents the perfect opportunity to totally disconnect and unwind for the weekend—minimal cell service, no fancy accommodations—just you, your machine, and endless miles of nature.
KRRP is a family-friendly park that prides itself on offering something for riders of all kinds. You can be a brand-new driver or the most experienced one for miles around and you’ll still have the time of your life. With rocky wooded trails, exciting creek crossing, and daunting hill climbs, you’ll be challenged and entertained all weekend long. And if you’re looking to get even closer to nature and do something that doesn’t require fuel, bring your mountain bike or check out the many hiking trails located throughout the park!
The managers and volunteers who run KRRP are passionate about land preservation and sharing their passion for the outdoors with the public. In addition to serving up hundreds of acres of fun for off-road enthusiasts, the property also acts as a nature refuge for dozens of animal species, including deer, bobcats, mountain lions, lizards, and several types of snakes.
| SIZE: | 380 acres with 30 miles of trails |
| STYLE: | The park is home to several miles of rocky trails and creek crossings. There are also lots of mountain bike trails and plenty of places to hike and observe the local wildlife. UTVs, 4WD vehicles, mountain bikes, and hikers are welcome. ATVs, quads, and motorcycles are prohibited on the property. |
| COST: | • Hiking = $5/person • 4WD vehicle = $20/machine plus $5/passenger • Annual access pass = $90 |
| EXPERIENCE LEVEL: | Riders of all experience levels, from beginners to experts, are welcome. Trails are clearly marked based on difficulty: beginner, intermediate, or expert. |
| OPEN: | The park is open on the weekends all year long. Specific hours vary from season to season. • Summer hours (April 1 through October 1) ○ Saturdays: 8 AM to 7 PM ○ Sundays: 8 AM to 5 PM • Winter hours (October 1 through April 1) ○ Saturdays: 8 AM to 5 PM ○ Sundays: 8 AM to 4 PM Occasionally the park will close for the weekend due to inclement weather. Such cancellations are always announced on their website. |
| ACCOMMODATIONS: | Primitive camping is offered on holiday weekends, event weekends, and by special arrangement. Contact the park for more information on camping. Kansas Rocks partners with Lake Frances and Timber Hills Lake to offer additional camping and lodging facilities. |
| AMENITIES: | No fancy amenities here! While there are several lodging, shopping, and dining options located outside the park, you won’t find that stuff on Kansas Rocks property. Make sure to bring everything you might need for a fun day on the trails. |
| GOOD EATS: | • Max’s Way Station Café: It’s the home of the famous half-pound cheeseburger! That on top of the friendly, customer-centered atmosphere will keep you coming back for more. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 25 minutes • Papa Don’s Pizza: Family owned since 1991, the Papa Don’s team is built on a passion for pizza and committed to bringing you the best-quality food possible. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 25 minutes • Sharky’s Pub & Grub: This place makes their own ranch dressing, and according to everyone who’s tried it, it’s amazing. Talk about a Midwest must! ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 25 minutes |
| EVENTS: | The annual Kanrocks Frostbite Event happens every year in February. It’s a great way to kick off the riding season with dinner, drawings, and giveaways. Throughout the year, Kansas Rocks also hosts several “Off Road 101 Courses”—perfect for beginners or even seasoned riders who want to learn more about the sport. Check out their events page for more information. |
| MORE INFO: | http://ksrockspark.com |
Dubbed “The Dune Buggy Capital of Oklahoma,” Little Sahara State Park just outside Waynoka, Oklahoma, draws more than 100,000 visitors each year. Just one look at this park and you’ll realize where its official name came from—it’s like our own slice of Africa’s Sahara Desert smack in the middle of the US. The dunes cover 16,000 acres and range in height from 25 feet to 75 feet. The diversity in dune sizes makes the park a hit with sand lovers of all kinds, from beginners to experts.
The dunes of Little Sahara were formed over 11,000 years ago by terrace deposits left over from prehistoric times. The massive dunes proved to be more of a nuisance than anything until the city of Waynoka purchased the land in the early 1950s. They began marketing it as a way to attract visitors and employ locals, even going as far as to purchase two camels from the circus and letting them roam free as a guest attraction. The land has since been purchased by Oklahoma and now operates as a state park, and you certainly don’t have to worry about rogue camels interrupting your ride.
Just like the real Sahara Desert, the sand gets hot in the summer. Like, really hot. Think 160 degrees Fahrenheit hot. Some of the more hardcore dune dominators don’t let the heat keep them away, but the winter time is when the park really comes alive. The cooler months are also when the park hosts its most popular events, like the Sahara Snake Hunt Weekend, which takes place every year right after Easter. The weekend is full of food, vendors, and carnival entertainment, but the real draw is the snake hunt. Prizes are given for the longest snake captured alive, the most pounds caught, and for the most buttons on the end of a rattler. You won’t find this kind of competition just anywhere!
| SIZE: | 1,600 acres |
| STYLE: | Dunes, dunes, and more dunes! All 1,600 acres of this park are made up of sand dunes ranging in height from 25 to 75 feet. |
| COST: | • $10 per person, per day • Guests 10 and under get in free NOTE: Little Sahara has strict vehicle regulations. Read over them ahead of time and make sure you’re prepared to ride! |
| EXPERIENCE LEVEL: | Riders of all experience levels are welcome, but only those with properly-equipped machines and plenty of experience should tackle the bigger dunes. They have an observation deck overlooking the dunes for guests who prefer to watch rather than ride! |
| OPEN: | The park is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Office hours are from 8 AM to 4 PM every day. |
| ACCOMMODATIONS: | • 143 tent sites ○ Prices start at $16/night • 86 RV sites with water and electricity ○ Prices start at $25/night Senior citizens (ages 62 and older) receive a $2 discount on camping rates. NOTE: Certain campsites have been known to flood during and after heavy rains. Keep an eye on the weather and call ahead if you think this might be an issue during the trip. |
| AMENITIES: | • Restrooms and showers • Picnic areas and grills located on site • Concessions offered seasonally • Grocery stores and gas stations located nearby (off site) |
| GOOD EATS: | • Café Bahnhof: You won’t find German food this good anywhere else—unless you make the trip across the pond, of course. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to make reservations! ○ Price = $$ ○ Drive time = 5 minutes • Hometown Café & Catering: This local restaurant serves traditional American food for lunch and dinner. It’s the perfect place to stop if you’re in the mood for a quick and affordable meal. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 5 minutes • McGill’s Cowhand ChuckWagon Café: McGill’s is only open Monday through Thursday, so plan accordingly if you want to try their chicken-fried steak or famous Cowboy Fries! ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 5 minutes |
| EVENTS: | The Sahara Snake Hunt Weekend is one of the park’s biggest attractions each year. Taking place just after Easter, it’s a weekend full of food, vendors, carnival attractions, and (of course) snake hunting. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind event! Since Little Sahara is an Oklahoma state park, all related events are scheduled and maintained by Travel Oklahoma. Check out their events page to see if anything special will be going on while you’re there! |
| MORE INFO: | http://travelok.com/state-parks/4581 |
It might not be the biggest or most well-known park in the Midwest, but Dirty Turtle Offroad Park is like our home base, so we can’t write this article without giving it an honorable mention. Our homestead park is located in Bedford, Kentucky, just thirty minutes south of our home in Madison, Indiana. All 270 acres are packed with an array of trails built to accommodate everyone, and the park is open to any type of off-road vehicle you can think of.
Riders love DTOR because it offers the perfect balance between trail riding and mud bogging. Whether you’re looking for a scenic cruise through the Kentucky woods or in the mood to get down and dirty, this is the place for you. Our “home base” park has more than enough challenges and obstacles to keep you busy all day long—or heck, why not stay the whole weekend?
There’s plenty to do any time you visit DTOR, but if you can visit during an event weekend, you’ll be extra lucky. They host races and special attractions all year long. Our favorites are the Birthday Bash in the spring and the Boo Bash each October. Both events are jam packed full of hill climbing competitions, food vendors, and plenty of entertainment. Join us at our stomping grounds for two of our favorite events of the year, and we promise you won’t be disappointed!
| SIZE: | 270 acres |
| STYLE: | The park’s 270 acres are full of diverse trails and mud bogs. You’ll also find two motocross tracks, about a mile long each, and a peewee track for the young ones in your group. They welcome riders of all kinds: Jeeps, buggies, side-by-sides, ATVs, motorcycles, etc. |
| COST: | • Daily prices ○ Driver = $20 ○ Passenger = $5 • Weekend prices (three-day pass) ○ Driver = $35 ○ Passenger = $10 • Weekly prices (seven-day pass) ○ Driver = $70 ○ Passenger = $35 • Season passes ○ Individual with event access = $250 ○ Family of four, no event access = $350 ○ Family of four with event access = $600 Guests wearing their favorite DTOR shirt or hoodie receive $5 off the price of entry! Click here for more pricing details. |
| EXPERIENCE LEVEL: | They have something for everyone. Whether you’re new to off-roading or have been riding your entire life, you’ll find plenty of challenges to keep you busy. |
| OPEN: | The park is open all year round, weekends only. • Friday and Saturday: 9 AM to 8 PM • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM All guests must be off the trails by 10 PM each night. |
| ACCOMMODATIONS: | • Primitive camp sites ○ $5 per night, per person • 30-amp RV sites (up to 4 guests) ○ $35/night, non-event days ○ $50/night during special events • 50-amp RV sites (up to 4 guests) ○ $40/night, non-event days ○ $60/night during special events • Cabin (up to 4 guests) ○ $75/night, non-event days ○ $100/night during special events Add $5 per person, per night, for each additional guest. Booking three nights in a row gets you 25% off, and booking four or more nights in a row gets you 50% off. This deal is not applicable during event weekends. |
| AMENITIES: | Shower usage and access to RV dump station and water fill-up station is included with the cost of camping. |
| GOOD EATS: | • Hometown Pizza: This family-owned pizza chain based in Kentucky is somewhat of a local legend. The residents around here can’t get enough of Hometown Pizza! (Trust us. We’re those residents.) ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 15 minutes • Little Town & Country Restaurant: The name says it all. This place radiates small-town charm at its finest, and the food is pretty delicious, too. ○ Price = $ ○ Drive time = 15 minutes • Anywhere in Madison, Indiana! If you’ve got time to trek over the bridge to our hometown, we strongly recommend doing so. We’re lucky to be surrounded by dozens of local gems suited to all budgets and taste buds! ○ Price = $ – $$$ ○ Drive time = 30 minutes |
| EVENTS: | Dirty Turtle throws the best parties! You’ll want to come back again and again to hit up everything on the calendar, like the Muddy Princess event and October’s Boo Bash. Personally, we look forward to the annual Birthday Bash each spring. It’s a jam-packed weekend full of extreme hill climbing. We hope to see you there! |
| MORE INFO: | http://dirtyturtleoffroad.com |
All prices and information reflect what was posted as of 2/20/2020. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, be sure to check the park’s website while planning your visit.
Updated by Megan Huber on 2/20/2020.
