ATVers and UTVers will find plenty to explore in Vilas County—riders will find exciting routes that connect several Northwoods communities like Arbor Vitae (Minocqua Area), St. Germain, Eagle River, Presque Isle, Conover, Phelps, and Land O’ Lakes. Here’s what you need to make sure your next (or first) ride in northern Wisconsin is a safe one.
ATV/UTV routes and trails
It is important to know where you are riding.
Not all roads are open to ATVs and UTVs and not all snowmobile trails are open to ATV and UTV travel—be sure to check with Vilas County Forestry & Recreation or the municipality where you’re riding to make sure you’re on an official ATV/UTV trail.
All trails are on private property, please be respectful and stay on the trails.
In Vilas County, riders will find trails that connect the communities of Eagle River, Conover, Phelps, Land O’ Lakes, Presque Isle, St. Germain, and the Arbor Vitae area. Trail maps can be found in the free Map It Vilas County trails app, which is available for Apple and Android devices.
Riders can also connect with several local clubs to learn more about the trails:
- Landover ATV Club (Conover, Land O’ Lakes, Phelps, Eagle River)
- St. Germain ATV Club
- Winegar Riders ATV Club (Presque Isle)
- Lakeland ATV Club (Minocqua Area)
Vilas County’s ATV and UTV routes are generally open from May through the end of October, depending on trail conditions. Please check with our local clubs or Vilas County Forestry & Recreation to confirm trails are opening.
There are also some routes open for winter ATVing/UTVing in Vilas County—learn more here.
Rules and regulations
Vilas County encourages riders to “Ride Right” in the Northwoods—stay to the right on trails, stay on marked trails, respect others on the trail, and do not drink and drive.
The state of Wisconsin has several rules and regulations in place regarding ATVing and UTVing, including:
- Riders born after January 1, 1988, must complete a safety course and are required to carry a safety certificate (find safety education courses here)
- Children aged 12-15 must have an ATV safety certificate and be accompanied by an adult while operating on an ATV/UTV trail
- All children under age 18 must wear a minimum DOT standard helmet with a chin strap properly fasten. No bicycle helmets.
- No ATV operators under age 12 and no UTV operators under age 16 may operate on a public roadway
- All UTV passengers should wear safety restraints at all times
- ATVs/UTVs must have their headlamps on at all times
Learn more about ATV and UTV regulations in Wisconsin on the Department of Natural Resources website.
