ATV
LAKE OF THE WOODS ATV & Off-road trails
Lake of the Woods offers wide-open riding for ATV enthusiasts, with long routes through the greater Beltrami area and easy places to pause, picnic, or camp along the way—ideal for both full-day rides and laid-back trail exploring.
1,400+ miles of
ATV TRAILS
ATV and Off-Road Riding at Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is built for riders who love space, scenery, and the freedom to explore. With thousands of acres of public land, hundreds of miles of connected routes, and light traffic throughout the region, ATV and side-by-side riders will find endless opportunities to ride at their own pace and build routes that fit their style.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to off-road exploring, ATV riding is one of the most accessible and rewarding outdoor adventures at Lake of the Woods, especially during the summer and fall months when forest routes and backroads are at their best.
Ride Your Way
ATV travelers experience Lake of the Woods in a variety of ways. Some choose resorts that allow riders to access the trail system directly from their lodging, making it easy to start and end the day right at the cabin. Others prefer to trail their machines into nearby forest access points and build routes from there.
Either way, riders will find:
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Wide-open riding areas
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Minimal congestion
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Long, flexible route options
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Scenic terrain that changes as you go
From gravel forest roads to winding wooded trails, the riding experience here is as relaxed or adventurous as you want it to be.
Where You Can Ride
ATVs and UTVs are permitted on designated forest trails and routes that are open for riding and not restricted for environmental or safety reasons. This access opens up thousands of acres of public land across Lake of the Woods County.
Major riding areas include:
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Beltrami Island State Forest – Located west of Baudette, offering extensive riding routes and access to surrounding road systems
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Pine Island State Forest – East of Baudette, featuring vast acreage and long-distance riding opportunities
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Northwest Angle State Forest – At the northern end of the county, providing remote routes and quieter exploration
Together, these areas form a massive, interconnected riding landscape with room to roam and routes that rarely feel crowded.
Trail Highlights
Beltrami Island State Forest & Bankton Routes
One of the most popular ATV riding areas is near Faunce Tower in Beltrami Island State Forest. South of Williams and Roosevelt, the Bankton Forest Road system offers approximately 238 miles of connected routes.
This network follows:
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County roads
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Township roads
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Ditch banks
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Old logging and forest access routes
The result is a ride that feels expansive, scenic, and uninterrupted—especially popular during the summer and fall for its quiet beauty and natural surroundings.
Ride Through History: The Homesteaders Trail
Along the Bankton Forest Road system, riders can explore the Homesteaders Trail, a route rich with local history. In the early days of settlement, families homesteaded this area, building the small community of Bankton while farming, logging, and living off the land.
Today, traces of that history remain:
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Lilac and willow bushes marking former homesites
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Two historic cemeteries—Hamilton Farm (also known as Germanson Cemetery) and Bankton (God’s Acre)
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Informational signs that share the story of the community and its people
It’s a rare opportunity to combine riding with a deeper connection to the landscape and its past.
Tips for Planning Your ATV Trip
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Many local resorts and lodging options welcome ATV travelers and offer convenient trail access
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Some lodging allows riders to travel directly from cabin or campsite to nearby routes
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Trailering your ATV is easy if you’re staying in town or farther from the trails
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Many ATV routes are also shared by other outdoor users, including mountain bikers
For route planning, trail access points, and current conditions, be sure to explore our Maps & Trails resources before you ride.
More Than a Fishing Destination
Lake of the Woods may be known as the Walleye Capital of the World, but ATV riding adds a whole new way to experience the region. After a day on the water—or even instead of one—hop on your ATV and explore the forests, backroads, and wide-open spaces that make northern Minnesota unforgettable.
Plan Your ATV Adventure
Start planning your ride by exploring nearby lodging options, trail access points, and maps to build an itinerary that fits your style. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full vacation, ATV riding is one of the best ways to experience Lake of the Woods—by land.