Great news for off-road enthusiasts! The Minnesota DNR is inviting public review and comments on an exciting proposal that would bring state Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding to establish a continuous OHV trail connection in our area. This 58-mile route would link Roseau County’s existing OHV trail system all the way to the Koochiching County line, opening up incredible riding opportunities across northern Minnesota.
What's Being Proposed?
Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County are seeking Grant-in-Aid funding for an off-highway vehicle route that would formally designate and connect existing roads and trail segments. The proposed route would use roads and trails that are already open to OHV use, including Lake of the Woods County roads, segments along county judicial ditch rights-of-way, and about one-half mile of private trail.
The route would be open to all types of off-highway vehicles including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road vehicles (ORVs), and off-highway motorcycles (OHMs).
The Grant-in-Aid Program is a cost-sharing partnership between the DNR, local government sponsors, and local clubs to fund the maintenance and development of OHV trails. This means dedicated funding to keep these trails in excellent condition for years to come.
Why This Matters for Lake of the Woods
This proposal would be a tremendous benefit to the Lake of the Woods area for several reasons:
Enhanced Connectivity: The connector trail would link our area to an extensive network of riding opportunities, making Lake of the Woods County an even more attractive destination for OHV enthusiasts from across the region.
Economic Impact: More riders means more visitors to local resorts, restaurants, gas stations, and businesses throughout the area. OHV tourism is a growing market that brings people to the north country year-round.
Improved Trail Maintenance: GIA funding ensures consistent, professional maintenance of the trail system, providing a better and safer experience for all riders.
Trail Expansion: Formal designation under the GIA program provides a foundation for future trail development and improvements in the area.
The Current OHV Trail System
Lake of the Woods County and neighboring Roseau County already offer excellent off-road riding opportunities. What makes this area particularly special is that both counties allow OHV riders to use county roads. This means you can take off right from one of the many resorts along the Rainy River or the south shore of Lake of the Woods and easily access the trail system without needing to trailer your machine.
This county road access is a huge advantage that many other areas don’t offer. It makes the entire region more rider-friendly and accessible, whether you’re staying at a resort or just passing through on a multi-day ride.
The existing trail system offers diverse terrain, scenic routes through northern Minnesota’s forests and wetlands, and the kind of wide-open riding that draws enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Adding formal GIA designation to this connector route would enhance an already outstanding system.
Review the Proposal
You can view the detailed proposal map here: Lake of the Woods Connector Trail Proposal Map (PDF)
For complete information about the proposal, visit: Minnesota DNR – Lake of the Woods Connector Trail Proposal
Make Your Voice Heard!
The DNR will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026.
We strongly encourage you to submit comments in support of this proposal. A state Grant-in-Aid trail designation would be a significant benefit to the Lake of the Woods area, supporting tourism, recreation, and our local economy while providing dedicated funding for trail maintenance and development.
How to Submit Comments
Please put “LOTW Connector Trail” on the subject line of your comments.
Email: karen.cladas@state.mn.us
Mail:
Karen Cladas, OHV Acquisitions and Development Specialist
Parks and Trails Division, Minnesota DNR
14583 County Highway 19
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
For More Information: Contact Karen Cladas at 218-407-7176 or the DNR Information Center at 888-646-6367.
Sample Comment Points
If you’re not sure what to say in your comment, consider mentioning:
- Your support for the Lake of the Woods Connector Trail proposal
- How improved OHV trail infrastructure benefits the local economy
- The importance of connectivity between trail systems
- Your appreciation for the existing county road access that makes the area rider-friendly
- How this proposal would enhance recreational opportunities in northern Minnesota
- The value of dedicated GIA funding for professional trail maintenance
Let's Make This Happen
This is an opportunity to strengthen recreational infrastructure in our area and position Lake of the Woods County as a premier OHV destination. Your comments matter—the DNR wants to hear from local residents, business owners, and outdoor enthusiasts about the potential impact of this proposal.
Take a few minutes before February 16, 2026 to submit your supportive comments. Together, we can help make this connector trail a reality and continue building Lake of the Woods County as a year-round outdoor recreation destination.
