FAQ ♦
Answers to frequently asked questions about ATVing in Cook County.
Where can we ride?
There are many great ATV riding opportunities in Cook County—unfortunately it can be a bit confusing, because the answer depends on where you are in Cook County—on county, MN DNR, or Forest Service roads.
County Roads: ATVs are allowed to drive on the shoulder on the majority of our county roads. However, the ordinance allowing this authorizes licensed drivers only. And it requires that the ATV have a rear-view mirror.
MN DNR: The DNR allows ATVs on virtually all of its roads in Cook County. If a sign has a “minimum maintenance road” or a DNR road number on it and does not have a “closed to ATVs” sign, it is open for ATVing.
US Forest Service: Forest Service roads are considered closed unless posted open, so ATVs can only ride on Forest Service roads with a brown sign with an ATV symbol.
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Are there maps to show where we can ride?
You can get maps that show the Forest Service low-maintenance roads to ride on at the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte, or at the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais, which are somewhat helpful. However, those roads don’t show the DNR roads open for ATVs.
The ATV Club hopes to one day have a comprehensive trail map, but it is on hold because the Forest Service’s OHV Travel Management Plan is being appealed by several environmental groups. The OHV Travel Management Plan will change the status of ATVing in Cook County—some roads that are currently open will be closed and vice-versa.
If you have questions or would like riding advice, please contact us at ATV@rideupnorth.com.
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Are there different trails for Class 2 ATVs?
Class 2 ATVs are machines over 1,000 pounds, such as the Arctic Cat Prowler or Yamaha Rhino. It is currently legal in the State of Minnesota (effective Jan. 1, 2007) to ride for Class 2 ATVs to ride on all county roads in the state. There are some trails in the state that are closed to Class 2 ATVs, but at this time we are unaware of any roads closed to Class 2 ATVs.
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How do people use ATVs in Cook County?
There are two types of ATVing—recreational and for transportation. There are many people in Cook County who use their ATVs to ride to work, to the Post Office, or down the road to visit a neighbor. There are also a number of local mushers who train their dogs by using ATVs.
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Does the Cook County ordinance follow MN state statutes regarding ATV operation?
Yes, the Cook County ATV-road ordinance is in accordance with M.S. §§84.92 to 84.929 which regulates ATV use in the right-of-way of County roads. In addition to the state statutes, the Cook County ordinance requires that ATVs operating on Cook County roads have a rearview mirror.
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Do I have to have insurance to ride on Cook County roadsides?
Yes, MN State Statutes require any motorized vehicle operating on public roads (which includes the inner ditch bank and shoulder) to have insurance.
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Do I have to wear a helmet when riding an ATV in Cook County?
In accordance with state statute, ATV operators under 18 must wear a helmet. Drivers over 18 are not required by state law to wear a helmet, but the Cook County ATV Club advises all ATVers to wear appropriate safety gear. MN DNR ATV Safety Guide
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Is there any additional gear I need when riding an ATV in Cook County?
Yes! If you ride an ATV on county roads, you need a rear-view mirror on your ATV, in addition to the other safety equipment (headlights, taillights) required by state law.
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Are ATV’s built to ride safely on flat road tops or paved surfaces?
ATVs, like any other users, can be hazardous to drive on any surface if proper safety precautions are not followed. ATV operators bear the responsibility of knowing their machines and driving attentively. To increase the safety of ATVers and other vehicles on county roads, the ordinance requires that the ATVer operate at a speed which “is always reasonable or proper under the circumstances and is not more than 10 mph within 100 feet of slower-moving users of the road.”
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Where can I obtain a copy of the Cook County ATV-Road Ordinance?
The ordinance can be seen at the Cook County website at www.co.cook.mn.us. Click on “Doing Business” then “Ordinances.” Click on ATV Regulations within Cook County” to see the latest ordinance revision. If you would like a hard copy of the ordinance, please e-mail ATV@rideupnorth.com
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Do I have to pay any additional fees to go ATVing in Cook County?
No, there are no fees to ride DNR or Forest Service roads. ATVs must have current registration stickers.
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Are there ATV-friendly businesses in Cook County?
See the “Friend and Sponsor” link on our home page for businesses that support our club and ATVing in Cook County. Be sure to let these businesses know that you appreciate their support!
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Can I rent an ATV in Cook County?
There are currently no businesses that rent ATVs in Cook County. The nearest ATV rental business is Beaver Bay Sports in Beaver Bay. Information and rates are available by calling (218) 226-4666 or www.beaverbaysports.com.
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Is wildlife bothered by ATVing in Cook County?
In our club’s experience, the answer is no. On club rides, we have enjoyed spotting a variety of birds—hawks, eagles, Trumpeter swans, ruffed grouse—and other wildlife—moose, bears, and of course squirrels and rabbits. We’ve yet to see a wolf or lynx, but we are hopeful. We carry binoculars to be ready!
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Are ATVs loud?
As with any sound, the concept of “loud” is relative. However, stock ATVs are generally as quiet as any other vehicle—and they are much quieter than a Harley-Davidson motorcycle! The average decibel level for most mid-range CC ATVs at 20″ from the exhaust is in the low to mid-90s decibel level. A decibel reference for comparison:
80 – playing an acoustic guitar, doorbells, and telephone rings
90- blenders, garbage disposals, tractors, electric drills
100- babies crying, factory machinery, snow blower.
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What should I do if I see improper behavior by an ATVer?
Contact Cook County Law Enforcement at (218) 387-3030 or one of the county’s Conservation Officers:
Darin Fagerman (218) 387-9751
Mary Manning (218) 475-0121
Tom Wahlstrom (218) 663-7183
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How many members does the Cook County ATV Club have?
Our membership is currently about 600. We have members ranging from people in their 20s to 70s and we have many family memberships. We would love to have more members. Our dues are only $20 per year for family or $50 for a business membership. Join the club – signup form.
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When does the ATV Club meet?
The Cook County ATV Club meets the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., rotating meeting locations. We sometimes have meetings at a member’s home with a potluck dinner and we sometimes meet at an ATV-friendly business. All members and anyone interested in ATVing in Cook County are welcome at anytime. Meeting locations are posted on this website, our facebook page (Fearless ATV), on Boreal Access, WTIP radio and in the Cook County News-Herald.
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Does the ATV Club sponsor ATV Safety Training?
Yes! The Cook County ATV Club is proud to have several members who are MN DNR certified ATV Safety Instructors. The club offers scholarships to youths for the $15 class fee and holds a pizza party for students who successfully complete DNR safety training. Students also receive a Cook County ATV Club t-shirt.
The next ATV Safety Training will be in May. Students should obtain a DNR ATV Safety CD to complete the self-study course before the class. To obtain a CD, contact ATV Club secretary Rhonda Silence at (218) 387-9844 or at ATV@rideupnorth.com.
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Do kids have to take ATV Safety Training?
Yes, ATV safety is now required for anyone born after July 1, 1987. But more importantly, we want our kids to be safe. If you know a kid turning 12, get them signed up for ATV safety!
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Do adults have to take ATV Safety Training?
Not if you were born before July 1, 1987. However, the course is good for anyone and can be done on your own with a DNR ATV Safety CD. If you would like a CD, contact ATV Club secretary Rhonda Silence at (218) 387-9844 or at ATV@rideupnorth.com.
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Other questions?
If you have a question that we have not answered here, please give us a call at (218) 387-9844 or ATV@rideupnorth.com. Let us know what other questions should be listed here.
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And….is ATVing fun?
Yes! Come join us on a ride!
