The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is inviting off-road enthusiasts to enjoy Free ORV Weekend August 20 - 21.

During Free ORV Weekend, Michigan residents and nonresidents legally can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. That's a savings of up to $36.25.

This is the second of two Free ORV Weekends of the year. The fees collected from trail riders are reinvested back into the ORV system, including trail expansion, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, law enforcement and offsetting damage created by illegal use.

Michigan’s public ORV trail system covers 3,800 miles of trails and routes throughout the state. Free ORV Weekend also includes the use of the state’s five scramble areas, including St. Helen’s Motorsport Area, Black Lake Scramble Area, Silver Lake State Park, Bull Gap and The Mounds.

During Free ORV Weekends, all ORV rules and laws still apply:

  • Operators younger than 16 must have a valid safety training certificate. Michigan will accept ORV/ATV education certifications that are issued by other states and provinces.
  • Operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Dept. of Transportation-approved crash helmet and protective eyewear.
  • Riders are encouraged to become familiar with the ORV Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws.

"Our hope is that ORV enthusiasts will explore the ORV trail system by taking a free ride and ultimately purchase an ORV license and trail permit," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

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