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Enjoy 1,200 acres of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation in a North Woods setting. This area was mined until 1981 and contains iron ore pits, ore stockpiles and tailings basins. Today it is Minnesota's premier off-highway vehicle recreation area, providing riding opportunities for many skill levels on varied terrain. Features include recreational trails, scramble areas, training and special events. With 36 miles of OHV trails, whether you ride an all terrain vehicle (ATV), an off-highway motorcycle (OHM) or an off-highway recreational vehicle (ORV), there is something for everyone!

All OHVs are allowed:

Trails range from Easy to More Difficult to Most Difficult.

• OHV registrations are required.
• You need to check in at the office before entering, and check out when you leave.
• Alcohol is not permitted anywhere within the recreation area.
• No camping is allowed within the recreation area.
• Use extra caution during your visit, as park staff may not be available to assist with emergency services. For all emergencies dial 911.
• There is iron in the soil. Be prepared to get orange and red stains on your clothing and equipment.
• Want even more trails to ride? Check out the nearby Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Expansion Site!

Hours

• May through Labor Day: open 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., seven days a week.
• Labor Day through October: open 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., seven days a week.
• Closed during the Minnesota firearms deer hunting season, typically the first three weeks of November.
• Late November through April: open 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Staffing may be limited - call ahead. Weekend parking and trail access is in nearby Gilbert.

Safe riding requirements

• OHV rules and regulations
• ATV safety certificate
  Required if born after July 1, 1987)
• OHM safety certificate
  (Required if under the age of 16)
• ORV safety certificate
  (Recommended for persons 16 or older)
• Registration and fees
• Non-resident OHV state trail pass

Registration and renewal requirements

• OHV rules and regulations.
• Your OHV must be registered to enter the state recreation area. It is best to purchase your registration before your trip. Buy yours online.
• We recognize OHV registrations from other states. If your state does not have OHV registration you will have to purchase the Minnesota OHV registration.
• Non-residents must purchase a non-resident OHV trail pass unless operating vehicles already registered in Minnesota.

Sound emission requirements

• We enforce vehicle emission sound test requirements on site. Mufflers must have a federally approved spark arrestor.
• Overall noise emission from ATVs and ORVs may not exceed 99 decibels at a distance of 20 inches.
• OHMs manufactured after 1986 may not exceed noise emissions of 96 decibels when operating on public lands.
• Mufflers may not be altered to increase motor noise, or have a cutout, bypass, or similar device except for organized events.

Fuel, food, camping and services

• Gas, restaurants, camping and snacks are all available in nearby Gilbert, approximately one and one-half miles from the state recreation area's entrance. Most services in Gilbert are accessible by OHVs that are legal on city streets. Additional services are available in Virginia and Eveleth.
• The nearest fuel is in Gilbert.
• Sit-down restaurants on Broadway Street in Gilbert are within walking distance of the city campground.
• There are several OHV-friendly hotels within 4-15 miles of the state recreation area.
• The nearest camping is in the Sherwood Forest campground, operated by the City of Gilbert and connected to the state recreation area by an OHV trail. Other local campgrounds are available in the area.
• OHV rentals are available in Gilbert and Eveleth. Dealerships can be found in Eveleth, Nashwauk, Hibbing and Tower.

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This is an accessible park.