LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – It soon will be time to take a free ride during Michigan’s Free ORV weekend August 19th and 20th.
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The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging everyone to ride on some of Michigan’s 4,000 miles of off-road trails and/or the state’s five scramble areas during the second Free ORV Weekend this year. The first one occurred in June.
Both Michigan residents and visitors can all ride DNR-designated routes and trails August 19th & 20th without an ORV license or permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable.
What is an ORV? The state of Michigan defines an ORV (off-road vehicle) as a motor-driven, recreational vehicle capable of driving on a range of terrains not limited to roadways and trails. Examples of ORVs include but are not limited to: all-terrain vehicles (ATVs); motorcycles or related 2-wheel, 3-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles; utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and other 4×4 vehicles; amphibious machines and ground-efffect, air-cushioned vehicles such as hovercrafts.
The Sinas Dramis Personal Injury Law website lists Michigan ORV laws regarding helmets, gear, operation and alcohol.
When it’s not a free ORV weekend, an ORV license is required to ride eligible county roads, frozen surface of public waters, state forest roads (open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads. The cost is $26.25. An ORV trail permit is also required when operating on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas and the cost is $10. Riders must get both a license and a permit, although neither are required when operating an ORV on private land.
One of more picturesque places to take an ORV in Michigan is the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, the only place in the state where you can “drive the dunes” according to the Pure Michigan website. You can also rent an ORV there.
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Pure Michigan also recommends taking your ORV to the trails of Drummond Island. According to the Drummond Island Tourism Association, the island is an “ORV paradise” with miles of routes and trails resting beneath the tree canopy with scenic views of wildlife and a variety of trails suitable for both experts and novices. The website claims that the ORV trails on the island are some of the most scenic and rugged in Michigan.
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