Exciting ATV Travel at Lake of the Woods
Category: article
Aug 27th, 2021 by Keith Worrall
Modified Aug 27th, 2021 at 9:44 AM
Considering an ATV-riding destination? Come explore all Lake of the Woods has to offer. Nestled in Northwest Minnesota, where western prairie and farm fields merge with the forests of the east. Home to all-terrain vehicle manufactures Polaris and Arctic Cat. It’s no surprise 270,000 ATVs are registered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Lake of the Woods boasts 1,400 miles of ATV trails and accessible roads.
One part of the equation for a fun and successful ATV trip are the trails. Another part is a nice variety of lodging or perhaps camping. Another key to a great trip for many is a wide variety of restaurants and bars. And finally, some groups like to mix up activities and let’s say catch a bunch of walleyes. Whatever your equation for a fun ATV trip, Lake of the Woods might be a nice fit.
Off-highway vehicles can be driven on all state forest trails that are not designated as off limits for environmental or safety reasons. Lake of the Woods area has literally has thousands of acres of prime ATV destinations, a variety of nice resorts and hotels and of course great places to eat and drink while on vacation.
Greater freedom has been given to all-terrain vehicle riders choosing to ride in Minnesota state forests in our region. Off-highway vehicles can be driven on all state forest trails that are not designated as off limits for environmental or safety reasons. Beltrami Island State Forest West of Baudette spans 66,903 acres, it’s Minnesota’s second largest state forest. It’s the water source of five rivers—the Roseau, Warroad, Rapid, Winter Road, and Moose. Contains seven scientific and natural areas (SNAs), the state’s largest WMA, Hayes Lake State Park, and Big Bog State Recreation Area.
Pine Island State Forest is east of Baudette and is the largest of Minnesota’s 58 state forests, encompassing 878,040 acres.
Northwest Angle State Forest is located at the north end of Lake of the Woods county and has 144,412 acres to explore. While motoring the roads of this state forest you will see tamarack, black spruce, white and red pine, cedar, and birch.Getting on the trail can be the best way to leave civilization behind and witness wild places—not to mention the birds, deer and other creatures that call these areas home. The Bankton Road–south of Williams and Roosevelt it provides 238 miles of trails. Much of this trail system follows county roads, township roads, ditch banks and existing trails.
Carp’s Pit Recreation Area–a popular picnic and resting area for trail riders.
Lake of the Woods County has recently announced that they will be expanding the ATV trails in the area and improving the ones that already exist. Because ATV use is so popular for people of all ages, the county wants to provide this great opportunity to explore the many areas that contain such natural beautiful in this county.
This county is still the home of beautiful natural pine forests that have been kept from the early settlers’ homesteads and historical sights. There will be more information coming very soon and updated maps available as well. Keep posted for this new venture of the Lake of the Woods County Board. Local adventurers and vacationers alike will benefit from this great new undertaking.
The DNR has really upped the quality of many of their maps and online tools for many public areas, State Forests and Recreational Areas. For more information and trail maps check out our ATV PAGE or the MN DNR website
To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.
To find a guide, charter boat or lodging, check out our lodging page.