ATV riders can explore state trails for free this weekend

Minnesotans with an all-terrain vehicle registered for agricultural use can ride the state’s public ATV trails this weekend, Saturday, June 8 to Sunday, June 9, without paying the registration fee ($60 for three years).

Out-of-state riders can explore Minnesota’s ATV trails this weekend as well without the need for a nonresident ATV trail pass ($31 for one year).

This annual “No Registration Weekend” gives riders access to more than 3,000 miles of state forest and Grant-in-Aid trails. The event falls on the second weekend of June each year.

“We see this weekend as a great opportunity to showcase the wide variety of state and Grant-in-Aid trails across Minnesota,” said Joe Unger, the off-highway vehicles (OHV) program consultant. “There are many privately registered ATVs across the state. During this weekend, those riders can give the public trails a try for free.”

All other state and local laws and regulations remain in place during the weekend. Riders are reminded to keep safety in mind when out on the trails. Safety training is recommended for everyone who operates an ATV and is required for ATV riders born after July 1, 1987. Youth under age 18 must wear a Department of Transportation certified helmet, and the DNR encourages all riders to wear a certified helmet. ATV safety training information is on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/atv/index.html.

For trail maps, updates on trail conditions and more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/index.html.