4 Best Off-Road Parks in Wisconsin
Though the state of Wisconsin offers a huge amount of wilderness, most of its off-road trails are maintained by the state or by various counties. As such, there are no privately-owned off-road parks, though the state offers thousands of miles of trails available for any Wisconsin-registered off-road vehicle, or out-of-state vehicle with a permit.
Visitors can obtain a non-resident trail pass at any location that advertises the sale of hunting/fishing licenses. To learn more about Wisconsin’s ATV laws, visit the state’s Department of Natural Resources’ website.
[wptab name=”Chippewa County”]
Chippewa County is home to challenging ATV trails
Photo: Aaron Carlson
Chippewa County ATV Trails
Hours of Operation: May 1 – November 15
Location: Chippewa County, Wisconsin
Cost of Admission: None
Types of Vehicles Allowed: ATVs
Wisconsin’s Chippewa County offers more than 19 miles of trails perfect for any ATV. The terrain is challenging, thanks to a variety of hills and valleys carved out thousands of years ago by glaciers. The trail is two-way, so be mindful of other users when riding on the trails. Additionally, the trail may be closed occasionally in case of emergency, so if you see the gate closed it’s best to come back another day to enjoy the forest.
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[wptab name=”Cheese Country”]
Cheese Country Trail System
Hours of Operation: Year-round
Location: Wisconsin’s Driftless Area (Iowa, Green, and Lafayette Counties)
Cost of Admission: None
Types of Vehicles Allowed: ATVs, snowmobiles, bicycles, horses
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, the Cheese Country Trail System (also known as the Tri-County Trail) runs for 47 miles across rolling hills and rocky areas untouched by glaciers. In total, the trail crosses 57 small bridges and overpasses, including a 440-foot bridge at Brownstone. While the trail is primarily intended for ATVs and snowmobiles, it’s also used by mountain-bikers and horse riders. The town of Gratiot at mile 20 offers the ideal spot for lunch, with myriad restaurants and shops to explore. Parking is available at either end point (Monroe and Mineral Point).
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[wptab name=”Black River Falls”]
Black River Falls ATV trail
Photo: Jackson County Parks & Trails, via Facebook
Black River Falls ATV Trails
Hours of Operation: May 15 – October 15; December 15 – March 15
Location: Black River State Forest and Jackson County Forest, Wisconsin
Cost of Admission: None
Types of Vehicles Allowed: ATVs, motorcycles
Black River Falls offers numerous off-road trails in the center of Wisconsin through Black River State Forest and Jackson County. Motorcycles are permitted on certain trails in the network, but must have a Jackson County sticker and be licensed. Parking is available at six separate locations, including Highway 12, County O/North Settlement Road, Highway 54, West Clay School Road, Airport Road, and the Crawford Hills and East Arbutus Campground.
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[wptab name=”Florence County”]
Florence County ATV trails
Photo: Blue Ox Trail Riders, via Facebook
Florence County ATV Trails
Hours of Operation: Open almost year-round; closed during the month of April
Location: Florence, Wisconsin
Cost of Admission: None
Types of Vehicles Allowed: All off-road vehicles; snowmobiles in winter months when temperatures are below 28 degrees
Not far from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Florence County is rife with 150 miles of ATV trails of varying difficulties. Trails are open year-round, with the exception of April, and are traversable by snowmobile in the winter months. Trail and overnight parking is available at the Nicolet Trail trailhead in Tipler, ATV park trailhead near Fisher Lake, and Wild Rivers Interpretive Center. The trails are maintained by the Blue Ox Trail Riders–a ATV/UTV/snowmobile club in Florence County.
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