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   With winter in the rearview mirror, the summer off-highway vehicle riding season opens May 1 in Minnesota. The state offers more than 3,000 miles of grant-in-aid and DNR-managed trails for all types of OHVs – all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-road vehicles – and rider skill levels.

   The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds people to understand these key points before heading out to the trails:

   Know before you go. Some trails might open later than normal due to late spring thaw, flooding or trail maintenance work. Check the OHV Trail Closures webpage (mndnr.gov/ohv/closures.html) before leaving home. Riders can download maps to their smartphones before heading out. Remember to stay on signed and mapped trails.

   Be safety certified. Riders born after July 1, 1987, are required to complete ATV safety training before riding an ATV on trails. People under age 16 also are required to complete the hands-on component of ATV safety training. Online safety training for OHM operators under 16 is required before operating on OHM trails. ORVs may be operated only by individuals ages 16 and older, and individuals must possess a valid driver’s license to cross the roadway.

   The DNR and its network of volunteer instructors offer training courses open to everyone. Find information about upcoming recreational vehicle safety trainings. (mndnr.gov/safety/vehicle/index.html).

   Be registered. OHV registration the law when riding on state and grant-in-aid trails. Those registration fees support trail construction, trail maintenance and OHV safety. For more information, visit the OHV registrations webpage (mndnr.gov/licenses/ohv/index.html).

   Help out. Most trails in Minnesota are built and maintained by clubs and funded through DNR’s grant-in-aid program. Consider joining a club to help maintain trails.

   For riders who are interested in trying Minnesota’s trails but aren’t ready to commit to OHV registration, there are two upcoming no-registration events:

  •  May 16 for off-road vehicles at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area near Gilbert

  •  June 13-14 for ATVs statewide

   For information on where to ride, regulations and safety training, visit mndnr.gov/atv.

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