Welcome to my new series–State Recreation Areas! I want to talk about the areas I am unlikely to go since they aren’t geared toward me. You might enjoy them though! So if they’re your thing, please check them out and let me know how you like it. First up is Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area!
Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area Information
Iron Range OHV State Park Recreation Area (SRA) is located in Gilbert, MN. It offers 1,200 acres of off-highway vehicle recreation in the Northwoods, 36 miles of which are varying terrain ranging from easy to most difficult. Along with the trails, you’ll find scramble areas, trainings, and special events.
All OHVs are allowed here, so bring your Class 1 (like four wheelers}, Class 2 (like side by sides), Off-highway motorcycles, and Off-road vehicles.
Things You Need to Know
- Open from 8 am to sunset every day with the exception of November. That’s rifle deer hunting season.
- OHV registration is REQUIRED before you ride. You can buy online. If you’re not a MN resident, there is more information here.
- No alcohol in any part of the SRA
- No camping
- Use caution as there may not be staff available to help with emergencies. Call 911 if you need to.
Safe Riding Requirements
There are rules and regulations in place so riders can have fun and be safe. You can find the most current listing of them here.
Safety Certificates are required here. There are a few, depending on your situation, so check these out and see what you need.
- ATV Safety Certificate–required if you’re born after July 1 1987
- OHM Safety Certificate–required if you’re under 16
- ORV Safety Certificate
Sound Emission Requirements
- Mufflers must have a federally approved spark arrestor. Vehicle emission sound test requirements are enforced.
- Overall noise emissions must not exceed 99 decibels at 20 inches
- OHMs manufactured after 1986 may not exceed 96 decibels when operating on public land.
- Mufflers can not be altered to increase motor noise, or have a cutout, bypass, or anything of the like unless it’s an organized event.
Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area–West Unit
If you’re looking for more area to explore in this area, you can visit the Expansion Site. It is over twice the size of the Gilbert unit and winds through upland, wetlands, native forests, and rock ledges. Also available are picnic areas and overlooks to enjoy! You can use this area in the winter, however, the trails are not groomed or maintained. Groomed snowmobile trails are not available for OHVs.
Note: This area is still under development at the time of writing.
All of this info came from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, so credit where credit is due. Click here to view the original source.
I’ve visited other SRAs, if you missed those, check them out: LaSalle, Minnesota Valley, and Cuyuna Country.
Be safe out there! REMEMBER YOUR MAPS AND PASSPORT STAMPS!! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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