As ATVs and side-by-sides (SXS) continue to grow in popularity, advocates in northern Minnesota wanted to know how the machines and their riders were impacting the local economy.

“We were asking for a lot of money to build trails. So, we needed to be able to show that there was some economic benefit to all that activity.” said Ron Potter, president of ATV Minnesota, which represents dozens of clubs statewide.

Potter also serves with the Northeastern Regional ATV Joint Powers Board, which worked with analysts from the University of Minnesota’s extension program to do a study on trails in Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties.

The report, which looked at the three counties for 2023, found that over 210,000 riders hit the trails in the entire year, with a total economic activity impact of $36.1 million.

80% of those riders are visitors – patronizing local businesses, especially lodging and restaurants. On average the study found that out-of-towners will spend about 5 days in the region and spend nearly $150 per day.

The three counties in the study offer over 1000 miles of trails. Potter says the region offers something unique for visitors.

“We’re starting to market this expansive trail system that we have, and I think that’s what’s bringing people up. Generally, it takes a mountain or something to attract people, but we’ve got, endless woods and lakes and streams that other parts of the country just don’t have.”

The report also offers hard data for regional politicians to bring back to colleagues in the capitol, a few of whom were in attendance during the release of the study.

“When you look at that $36 million number, what you’re seeing is like the magic that people are experiencing, and they’re just opening up their wallets to live this experience that they don’t get in the Twin Cities. They don’t get where they come from.” Said State Senator Grant Hauschild.