Vilas County is home to boundless natural beauty, and there isn’t a more exciting way to take in the scenery of northern Wisconsin than from the front seat of an ATV or UTV. Whether you’re an experienced rider or hitting our trails for the first time, you’re sure to have fun. Here’s your guide to ATVing and UTVing in Vilas County.
Where can I go ATVing & UTVing in Vilas County?
Vilas County’s designated ATV/UTV trails connect the communities of St. Germain, Arbor Vitae, Lincoln, Eagle River, Conover, Phelps, Presque Isle, and Land O’ Lakes. In early 2025, the county also passed a resolution allowing ATV/UTV traffic year-round on all county highways except those in the the town of Lac du Flambeau.
Vilas County highways that are now open to ATV/UTV traffic include Highways A, B, C, E, G, H (town of Boulder Junction only), J, K, M, N, O, P, S, and W.
ATV and UTV travel is illegal on numbered highways (17, 32, 45, 47, 51, 70, and State Highway 155) with some exceptions:
- State Highway 17 from County Highway E to Deerskin Road (Phelps)
- State Highway 70 from State Highway 155 to Parkway Drive (St. Germain)
- State Highway 155 from State Highway 70 to Birchwood Drive (St. Germain)
- State Highway 155 from County Highway N to Plum Lake Drive (Plum Lake)
Please note that not all town roads are open to ATV/UTV traffic. Check with local municipalities or ATV clubs in the area to verify which roads can be used.
See more routes here.
Where can I find route information?
The Map It Vilas County trails app now includes maps for Vilas County’s ATV/UTV routes (the app does not yet include county highways open to ATV/UTV traffic). This app will let you navigate the trails and find your location, even if you don’t have a cell signal.
Download the free Map It Vilas County app today for Apple or Android devices.
You can also pick up paper maps from our local ATV clubs.
When can I ride?
Vilas County’s ATV/UTV trails are open from early May through the end of October, depending on trail conditions. Routes on county roads are open year-round.
Where can I rent an ATV?
Riders without their own ATV/UTV can rent vehicles from outfitters in Conover, Eagle River, Phelps, Land O’ Lakes, and St. Germain.
Do I need a license to ride an ATV/UTV in Wisconsin?
ATV and UTV users born on or after January 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old (for ATVers; the age requirement is 16 for UTVers) must complete a safety certification course in order to operate on public ATV/UTV trails in the state. However, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends that all ATV/UTV operators—regardless of age—complete a safety course.
Click here to learn more about ATVing/UTVing in Wisconsin.
