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Silver Lake ORV Area

two trucks and a buggy riding on the sand dune

Silver Lake ORV Area

Hours of Operation

The dunes are open to ORVs April 1 - Oct. 31:


  • April 1 - 30, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • May 1 - Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sept. 16 - Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Access to the ORV area and dunes is stopped ½ hour ahead of closing time each evening.

Ride Right
licenses and permits
Orange safety flag icon with graphic of rectangular flag on pole
ORV riding
operator age restrictions
ORV riding
safety
Frequently asked questions icon with a question mark

Requirements by vehicle type

Side-by-side vehicles / UTV

  • Mount orange safety flag on front-most portion of the vehicle.
  • Seat belt for each occupant.
  • Eye protection and/or windshield.
  • 94 dB sound level or less.
  • USFS-approved spark arrester exhaust system.
  • No operators under 16 years old. Must have a valid and unrestricted driver's or chauffeur's license.

ATV / 4-wheeler / quad / motorcycle

  • Mount orange safety flag on rear of the vehicle.
  • No passengers (this includes two-up style ATVs).
  • Eye protection.
  • U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet (or equal).
  • 94 dB sound level or less.
  • USFS-approved spark arrester exhaust system.
  • A person who is at least 12 years old may operate a 4-wheel ATV or a 2-wheel bike with a valid ORV safety certificate issued by this state or another state and with adult supervision (as long as their driving status is not revoked or suspended).
  • 16 years and older - must have a valid and unrestricted driver's or chauffeur's license.

ATC / 3-wheeler / trike

  • Mount orange safety flag on rear of the vehicle.
  • No passengers.
  • Eye protection.
  • U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet (or equal).
  • 94 dB sound level or less.
  • USFS-approved spark arrester exhaust system.
  • 16 years and older - must have a valid and unrestricted driver's or chauffeur's license.

Truck / Jeep / dune buggy

  • Mount orange safety flag on front-most portion of the vehicle.
  • Seat belt for each occupant.
  • Eye protection and/or windshield.
  • 94 dB sound level or less.
  • USFS-approved spark arrester exhaust system / reverse flow exhaust.
  • Driver must be protected by metal roof and/or roll bar above and behind head.
  • Passengers not protected by metal roof/roll bar above and behind head must wear U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet (or equal).
  • 16 years and older - must have a valid and unrestricted driver's or chauffeur's license.

Youth side-by-side vehicles (SXS) and two-up ATVs

SXS/UTV vehicles do not fit the legal definition of an ATV. They are classified as an ORV and cannot be operated at Silver Lake State Park by anyone under 16 years old. This includes the Polaris ACE single occupant ORV and other youth marketed SXS vehicles.

Other vehicles (snowmobile / Argo / golf cart / etc.)

Contact Silver Lake State park office for specific requirements at 231-873-3083.

New general management plan for park

The DNR is reviewing public comments on the park's  new draft general management plan, and making necessary revisions prior to plan approval. We are grateful to the more than 5,000 individuals who participated by sharing their valuable opinions, ideas and experiences.