Economic contribution of ATV trails in Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties, Minnesota

Key findings

Designated trails are drawing visitors to the three counties

• In 2023, an estimated 219,230 riders used ATV trails in Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties. Of those, 85 percent were in the region primarily to ride trails and 91 percent rode on officially designated trails..
• Other top activities for riders were visiting attractions and/or points of interest, hunting, and fishing.
• Visitors (those traveling more than 50 miles and/or staying overnight as part of their ride), had an average of seven people in their travel party, while local residents had an average travel party size of six people.

A positive reputation is driving visits and influencing lengths of stay

• Survey results showed word of mouth and websites/social media accounts of ATV clubs are the primary methods riders used to learn about the trails, indicating people are talking and sharing positive experiences. 
• Survey respondents indicated their most enjoyed aspects of riding in the region were the ability to be outdoors, the scenery, and amenities along the trails.
• Visitors reported staying an average of 4.6 days during their most recent trip, of which they spent 4.3 days riding. Commonly used accommodations included a hotel or motel, the rider’s own second home or cabin, and campgrounds.

Mobile analytics data also pointed to growth in ridership

• A study of the Matilla rest stop showed a 22 percent increase in use between the summer of 2022 and summer 2023.

Trail development would bring more riders to the region

• When asked what would encourage them to ride more in the region, the number one response was additional trails.
• The second most listed suggestion was additional trail connections and access points, particularly connections between communities. They were interested in having additional ways to access local businesses, community amenities, and attractions.
• Visitors reported they would like to see more ATV-friendly campgrounds and lodging options closer to the trails for ease of access.

ATV ridership and trail development drives economic activity

• On average, each ATV rider who visited the region spent $144.10 per day, while local riders spent $38.50.
• Given the more than 200,000 riders in 2023, ATV riders spent an estimated $23.4 million at businesses in the region. The highest amount of spending was at lodging establishments, restaurants and bars, and gasoline stations.
• In total, ATV riders contributed an estimated $36.1 million in economic activity to Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties in 2023.
  • This included $12.4 million in labor income.
  • Riders also supported employment for 300 workers.
• The economic impact accounted for both direct spending by riders, along with the ripple effects of that spending. Ripple effects were highest in the real estate and utilities (i.e., electricity, natural gas) industries.
• In addition to the ATV trail riders who bring annual economic activity to the region, ATV clubs, cities, counties, and other organizations continue to invest in trail development.
  • Between 2019 and 2024, organizations invested $11.7 million in trail development and improvements (such as shelters and bridges). These construction projects also created economic activity in the region.
  • Trail development and improvements generated an estimated $16.8 million in economic activity between 2019 and 2024. This included nearly $6.0 million in labor income and support for 100 jobs.

About the report

Increasingly, Minnesotans are engaging with the outdoors via all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ATV registrations rose by 36 percent between 2005 and 2020. As more machines sell, riders seek out more trails.

In response, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), cities, counties, and local ATV clubs are coming together to develop new trails and trail connections, especially in Northern Minnesota. The Voyageurs Trail near Crane Lake and the Prospectors Trail connecting Ely, Tower, Soudan, Babbitt, and Embarrass are examples of these new trail developments. 

The Northeastern Regional ATV Joint Powers Board was interested in understanding the economic benefits of ATV trail riders. Thus, University of Minnesota Extension partnered with the joint powers board to measure the economic contribution of ATV trails in the region. The analysis relied primarily on a survey of ATV riders that included 986 usable responses.

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