Economic contribution of ATV trails in Aitkin County, Minnesota

Key findings

ATV trails are attracting visitors to Aitkin County, particularly families

• Visitors: In 2024, there were an estimated 138,460 trail rider visits in Aitkin County.
  • Of the visits, 65 percent were generated by tourists, while 35 percent were generated by residents.
• Families: Many of the ride visits included families and children.
  • Of the survey respondents, 63 percent reported their riding group included family members. More than one in four (27 percent) of riding groups included children.
• Stay: Once in the county, ATV trail users stayed an average of four days and three nights.
  • The most common place for ATV riders to stay was at a campground, which was used by 22 percent of overnight visitors.
• Reasons for visiting: Visitors chose Aitkin County trails because of the ability to be outdoors, the scenic beauty of the region, amenities along the trails, and the trail conditions.
  • The ATV trails contribute to a positive perception of Aitkin County.
• Moving to the area: Nearly 25 percent of respondents indicated they were “very likely” to move to Aitkin County based on their visit, while another 17 percent indicated they were “somewhat likely” to move.

ATV trail users support communities and businesses

• Spending: ATV trail users directly spent an estimated $13 million in Aitkin County in 2024.
  • Visitors spent an estimated $144.50 per person per day, while residents spent $61.10.
  • Spending by ATV-related visitors (those from outside of Aitkin County) supported 4 percent of all retail service, food service, and accommodation sales in the county.
  • Visitors supported 14 percent of all sales at restaurants/bars and 25 percent of all sales at lodging establishments.
• Local attractions: ATV trail users enjoyed being able to visit communities and other local attractions.
  • Of the survey respondents, 61 percent indicated they visited a place of interest during their most recent ATV-related trip to the county.
  • When asked what would encourage them to ride more in Aitkin County, many survey respondents mentioned additional connections to communities and/or amenities.

ATV trail users generate economic activity in Aitkin County’s economy

• Economic impact: In total, ATV riders in Aitkin County generated $16.8 million of economic activity in 2024.
  • This included $4.7 million in labor income.
  • The riders supported 180 jobs.
  • Of the $16.8 million, $13.4 million (80 percent) came from visitors.
• Industries: The industries that most indirectly benefited from ATV trail users included real estate, food services and drinking places, and utilities.
• Local economies: The survey results indicated riders were also riding on trails in neighboring counties during their visits, generating economic activity in those counties as well.
  • Two of every three people who rode ATV trails in Aitkin County also reported riding in neighboring counties.
• Local development: ATV trail development projects in Aitkin County generated $1.3 million in economic activity between 2023 and 2025.
  • This includes $400,510 in labor income. The projects supported nine jobs.
     

About the report

In Aitkin County, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders can experience Minnesota’s scenic beauty through the Northwoods ATV trail system. The former Soo Line serves as a primary trail through the county, connecting with additional paths to provide riders with access to 242 miles of maintained ATV trails.

With the development of new and expanding ATV trails, the county has seen a steady year-over-year increase in the number of ATVs used on the trails. Aitkin County was interested in understanding the economic benefits of ATV trail riders and trail development. 

Thus, in partnership with the county, University of Minnesota Extension conducted an economic contribution analysis. As part of the project, Extension surveyed ATV riders in the county. The survey received 478 usable responses. 

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