- Information
- Trail Map
Snowmobiling is prohibited on lands owned by SMSC. However, there are exceptions such as road right-of-ways and designated snowmobile trails. Rules are different depending on local ordinances but the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources publishes the Safety Laws, Rules, and Regulations for the state (see DNRSnowmobileRegulations.pdf). The following is copied and pasted from the state regulations document. Be sure to check additional information regarding local policies. Also, check out the map to see designated snowmobile trails in the area (see [Trail Map] tab).
Where You May Ride:
- In the bottom or outside slope of a ditch of a county or state road. (see page 14)
- In the same direction as road traffic in the ditch from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. (other than this time, you can ride in either direction)
- One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise on two- way snowmobile trails that are located within the ditches or adjacent to streets or highways when specifically permitted by the road authority. (look for posted two-way signs, see page 15)
- On a bridge, other than a bridge that is part of the main-traveled lanes of an interstate highway, in order to avoid obstructions to travel when absolutely necessary. (the snowmobile must be operated in the extreme right-hand lane, the entrance to the roadway must be made within 100 feet of the bridge, and crossing must be made as quickly as possible)
- On state and local trails. (see page 12 for Snowmobile State Trail Sticker requirements)
- On iced-over waters that have legal access. (if not restricted by law or local ordinances)
- On township roads when not restricted by local ordinance.
- On public lands that are open to motorized vehicles. Land uses vary. Be sure to check all federal, state, and local ordinances.
Inside the seven-county metro area, you may ride: - On your own land.
- On land that is posted with signs stating “snowmobiles allowed”.
- On land other than your own, with written or spoken permission of the landowner, occupant, or lessee .
- On the groomed area of a snowmobile trail.
Where You May NOT Ride:
- On the roadway, shoulder, or inner slope of the ditch of a state or county road.
- On the median of a four-lane roadway.
- Within the right-of-way of any interstate.
- On the right-of-way between opposing lanes of traffic.
- Against traffic at night within the road right-of-way.
- At airports.
- In any state park, state recreation area, state historic site, wildlife management area, or state scientific and natural area with the exception of posted snowmobile trails and areas
- In any wildlife management area south of U.S. Highway 2 from Grand Forks east to Bemidji, then south along U.S. Highway 71 to Wadena, then east along U.S. Highway 10 to Staples and U.S. Highway 210 to the eastern boundary of the state, without written permission from the DNR.
- On any iced-over waters located in a restricted area or iced-over waters where you don’t have legal access.
- In any areas restricted by local ordinances or municipalities.
- In a tree nursery or planting area.
- On state forest lands that are posted or designated closed to snowmobiling.
- On state forest lands located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, including all of Lake Isabella and Insula; and portions of Lake Jeanette and Burntside State Forests.
- In National Wildlife Refuges, Waterfowl Production Areas, or the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For more information contact your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. State Forest lands classified as “closed” are open to off-trail snowmobile use unless specifically posted closed to snowmobiling. Municipalities, counties, school districts, and other political subdivisions or state agencies may impose further restrictions on snowmobiling on property not owned by the operator. Check local ordinances where you want to ride.
Inside the seven-county metro area, you may NOT ride: - On land that you do not own, unless given written or oral permission to ride on that land by the owner, occupant, or lessee, or unless signs are posted stating snowmobiling is allowed.
