If you’re looking for some incredible ATV and UTV riding in the Midwest, you need to head north. With vast, interconnected, and well-maintained trail networks featuring dense forests, rolling hills, remote terrain, beautiful lakes, and wide open prairie vistas, it’s no surprise that Minnesota has a strong local ATV and UTV community and attracts visitors from all around the country.
When planning your trip, keep in mind the usual Midwest seasonal factors that will affect your ride: mud and chill in spring, heat and humidity in summer, early cold weather in the fall months, and, of course, freezing temps and snow during winter. Some trail systems also require permits or passes to ride. But don’t worry, we’ve put together this handy guide of can’t-miss places to ride your side-by-side or ATV in Minnesota with all the details you’ll need to know before you hit the trails. Let’s get started!
Note: pricing is accurate as of February 3, 2026.
Spider Lake transitions from smooth and sandy to rough and rocky trails, offering diverse challenges that weave around lakes and ponds, climb ridges, and cross several forested hills. These trails are open all year, with the exception of groomed and marked snowmobile trails in the winter.
There are plenty of opportunities to power through mud, especially early in the year. Get your rig ready with mud-slinging tires and make sure you keep it out of your cab with a solid windshield and roof.
This former mining site turned off-road playground has all kinds of terrain for skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Whether you’re looking for rock climbs, mud pits, or scenic forest trails, there’s something for everyone at the Iron Range OHV recreation area.
Keep your ATV or UTV safe from the mining terrain by outfitting it with skid plates, upgraded axles, and protective bumpers. And be warned, it’s called the Iron Range for a reason. Your clothes and your machine will be colored orange and red after you ride.
The 146-mile C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail is one of the most beautiful in Minnesota, running from Duluth to Grand Marais, featuring an area of just under seven miles that are open to ATV and UTV riding. While not a long trail ride on its own, this stretch connects with 60 more miles of OHV-friendly trails, giving riders access to the rugged beauty of northern Minnesota and access to scenic North Shore towns.
If you’re going to hit everything this ride has to offer, you’re going to be on the trails for a long time. Be sure you have stocked cargo boxes for your gear and supplies, as well as a windshield for protection from overhanging branches and debris, and mirrors to keep an eye out for other riders.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, family-friendly ride with options for loops and plenty of off-road-friendly towns to stop in along your route, this trail system is one you need to check out. While not overly difficult, these trails can get wet and a bit tricky, especially for inexperienced riders. Having a winch on hand to keep everyone out of sticky situations will go a long way to ensuring everyone enjoys the ride.
Take in the North Shore’s rugged beauty with the entire family along this 12-mile trail. Featuring deep forest trails and hilly terrain, this is a perfect ride for those looking to experience the unique ecosystem of the North Shore.
Keep debris and hanging branches out of your face and UTV’s cab with a roof andscratch-resistant windshield.
The Nemadji State Forest is home to one of the most extensive off-roading trail systems in the state, offering a wide range of riding environments and challenges. The southern trails offer more open riding and easy hills, while the northern sections are home to much more technical climbs and valleys with narrow, twisting trails that are a good challenge for experienced riders.
To be prepared for everything Nemadji has to offer, it’s a good idea to upgrade your tires, supply storage, and suspension system. And with so much area to explore, it doesn’t hurt to have a few spare drive belts on hand, either.
Running along an abandoned railroad grade, this trail is a connecting hub for many ATV and UTV trails in northern Minnesota. If you stick to the main artery, you’ll get a relatively gentle ride through deep forest trails with many small ponds. There are also OHV-friendly towns and communities all along the trail (and its connections) that make day trips easy and enjoyable. For more technical rides, explore the connecting Lawler Loops, Rabey Line Trail, Blind Lake Connector and Loop, and Hill City Trail.
The main Soo Line North Trail is an easy ride, but if you’re going to branch off to explore the other trails, you’ll want tires, A-arms, and axles that are up for the challenge.
While not the longest ride on our list, this route is one of the most scenic and striking. The climb is densely wooded, reaching a ridge with two overlooks that offer exceptional views of the Mississippi, Trout, and Whitewater River valleys.
While most of this ride is beginner-friendly, there can be tricky spots with the climb. Be sure your machine has quality all-terrain tires for solid grip, as well as light bars for visibility through the dense forest parts of the trail.
If you’re local to the Twin Cities or want to make sure you can get a ride in while you visit, the St. Croix State Forest trails are just a quick trip away. These trails feature a variety of riding conditions and routes, plus plenty of access points that make it easy to have new experiences every time you visit. There are many easy-to-ride sections, plus some rocky and sandy spots, all surrounded by beautiful forests and the St. Croix River.
If you’re going to take a day trip out to the trails, be sure you have the storage solutions you need to get your gear and supplies in and out. Since there is dense forest with plenty of overhanging branches, it is also a good idea to have a roof and windshield to protect yourself and your cab from invading tree limbs.
You can’t get a more remote riding experience than Beltrami Island State Forest. With about 90 miles of main trail that connect to a larger, nearly 200-mile system, there are all kinds of adventures you can take on. There are huge swaths of pine forests to explore, as well as open flatlands and boggy areas if you’re looking for water riding.
With so much soggy and low-lying terrain, there are often water crossings to deal with, some of which can be challenging. To take these on, make sure your machine is outfitted with a high-quality snorkel system—a set of mud tires and a heavy-duty winch could come in handy too.
Minnesota offers all kinds of ATV and UTV riding opportunities, featuring everything from rocky climbs to water crossings, dense forested trails, mud pits, and expansive trail systems. To ensure your rig is up for the rigors of these rides, choose high-quality aftermarket parts and accessories like skid plates, tires, windshields, cargo storage, and winches from a trusted source like SuperATV. Plus, we have just about everything else you could need to ensure your machine is hitting peak performance on every ride—check out our selection to find what you’re looking for. If you have any questions or a favorite Minnesota trail that we didn’t cover here, reach out to us or drop a comment below!
