Motorsports enthusiasts who want to get a chance to explore the Central Minnesota region can hit a number of outdoor trails during the season. As always, be sure to check for any possible trail
on the DNR’s official website for official updates and more information on trail conditions.
Appleton Area Recreational Park
Address: 730 US-59, Appleton, MN
Location: To get to the park from Appleton, drive eastbound for approximately one mile on Highway 59 and the park will be on the left.
Appleton Area Recreational Park,
on the site of what used to be a gravel mine, features 29 miles of off-road trails within the 330-acre park. Located off of U.S. Highway 59, two miles northeast from the city of Appleton, the park is an ideal spot for riders of all skill levels.
Beginners just getting into the hobby and advanced riders will be able to find trails and paths to their liking. Visitors should remain aware of other riders and follow all safety precautions while sharing the trails.
The park includes 10 miles of off-road vehicle trails, five miles of ATV/off-highway motorcycle trails, a 1.5-mile off-highway motorcycle practice track, three enduro tracks, a youth ATV training course and off-highway motorcycle practice track, a hiking path, play areas and shelter and picnic areas. It also has two motocross practice tracks on the premises for those looking to test their own limits.
The city of Appleton also has trails leading from the park and into the city. Visitors can drive ATVs and four-wheelers on city streets with the proper permit. A
can be obtained from Appleton City offices by giving your name, address, telephone number, the DNR license number for your vehicle and a signature to the city office a week prior to visiting.
Admission into the park is free, but all vehicles must be registered. Parking spots for vehicles pulling trailers are also available within the park. The park, which is provided and maintained by Swift County, remains open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Address: 18850 CSAH 9, Darwin, MN
Directions: To get to the park from Darwin, go west on U.S. Highway 12 and turn south onto Meeker County Road 9. Continue for approximately six miles and the entrance to the park will be on the east-side of the road.
The Meeker County OHV Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day May 1 through Nov. 1, and features about four miles of easy trails open to ATVs and off-highway motorcycles.
For those nature-lovers, the park boasts plenty of oak, elm and maple trees. The park also has an area dedicated to training youth on the basics of riding. Facilities at the site include a man-made mudpit, restrooms and picnic shelter. The park is provided by Meeker County and maintained by the Crow River Wheelers based out of McLeod County.
The Crow River Wheelers will conduct youth ATV safety trainings in June, July and October for youth ages 12 to 15.
For more information and up-to-date closure notices, visit the
or the Crow River Wheelers Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/crowriverwheelers.org.
Address: 1130 195th St. SE, Atwater, MN
Located south of Atwater, Freedom Ridge is a site for people to test the limits of their off-road vehicles by offering rock climbs in addition to some area trails. All drivers must be at least 15 years of age and not impaired by alcohol or drugs. Those who operate their vehicles in an unsafe manner will be asked to leave. Vehicles will also have to be able to pass inspection. No ATVs or dirt bikes are allowed on trails at this time.
The park also provides camping sites and an outdoor live music venue.
Freedom Ridge will host a Spooktacular event Oct. 25. The free family-friendly event will include a truck-or-treat, hay rides and plenty of additional on-site activities for families. Open wheeling and camping will be available.
Check the park’s
or Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/FreedomRidgeRocks
for additional campsite rules and updates on upcoming events. Freedom Ridge is available for private rentals.
