Now that the snow is nearly gone and your snowmobile is stored for the summer, it’s time to tune up your dirt bike, enjoy the warmer weather, and explore the recently revealed off-highway trails with your friends and family.

Did you know that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages hundreds of miles of trails designed just for your off-highway motorcycle? Many are located in the state parks and the trails are often maintained by other off-road enthusiasts, ensuring the paths are well-groomed and ready for you to attack them on your two-wheeled machine. Some offer trails built for your youngest rider just learning the thrills of dirt bikes while others explore remote scenic spots and put your dirt bike skills to the test. Let's check out some of the most popular trails in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Meeker County OHV Park

Are you looking for an OHV park that helps your kids learn how to improve their riding skills and offers plenty of scenic trails for the whole family? Located in the south-central part of Minnesota, Meeker County OHV Park includes a youth training center. Bring along your picnic lunch and fuel up in the shade using the available shelter with restroom facilities nearby. The park includes over 40 acres of beautiful wooded trails, most of which are rated as easy. Take in a world of stunning beauty as the trees bud in the spring or put on a show in the autumn. If you’re visiting from out of state, you will need to purchase a trail pass from the Minnesota State Park system.

Straight Arrows Trail

When you’re up for more of a challenge and are able to travel to the Wisconsin border, check out the Straight Arrows Trail in the Nemadji State Forest. You will find 35 miles of trails dedicated to dirt bike use, plus another 18 miles able to cater to ATVs. You will wander over the state border and find another 5 miles of trails in Wisconsin. You will discover that some rides are rated easy and others offer steep hills, winding turns, and changing terrain to really put your skills to the test. The closest facilities are in nearby Moose Lake or Nickerson so you will need to pack in and pack out your food, drink, and trash.

Spider Lake Trails

Take your friends and family on a bucolic ride along hill tops and around lake shores and then push your machine to the limit on trails rated most difficult at Spider Lake. Situated in the center of the state in Cass County, you leave the town of Pine River by 12 miles before finding the parking lot. You’ll be exploring 29 marked trails designed specifically for dirt bikes in Foot Hills State Forest. If you don't have time to explore all of its challenges, the trails are open all year round (except during deer season). Please heed the signs for groomed snowmobile trails to help preserve the terrain for when the snow returns.

Paul Bunyan State Forest

If you have a whole week set aside for some outdoor adventures, try camping at Paul Bunyan State Forest and then hop on your dirt bike and explore the nearly 100 miles of trails designed for your off-highway motorcycle. There is no end to the variety of terrain with mature pine forests, bogs, hills, and rocky paths ready to test your abilities. With over 100,000 acres creating this remote getaway, this is your chance to spend time with your closest friends or leave civilization behind. Cool off at the end of your ride in one of the many ponds and lakes that dot the forest.

Huntersville State Forest

Mix your recreational activities and spend some time canoeing on the Crow Wing or Shell River in Huntersville State Forest and then pump up your adrenaline on 58 miles of dirt bike trails. Ride along the winding river or under the canopy of mixed forest and then kick up some dirt in the sand hills. Multiple campgrounds located throughout the forest help you extend your stay for the weekend or an entire week. Less crowded than the more popular Itasca State Forest, you will have the opportunity to rev up your engine and really let the dirt fly on your bike.

Wherever you decide to ride next, always check at the park gates for road closures due to maintenance or seasonal flooding and fire hazards. If your bike is registered in Minnesota, you can ride for free, but if you are from out-of-state, you can pick up a Trail Pass for just $21 for the year.

Do you need to upgrade your equipment or replace your dirt bike? Come visit us at Tousley Motorsports and find the bike ready to explore backwoods trails and deliver a year-long adrenaline rush.