While here in Minnesota it seems summer can take a long time to get here, I usually use Mother’s Day as my gauge to officially welcome in the season. Of course, with summer comes off-road riding, and as I pulled together this list, I was also making plans to go on my first ride of the season this weekend, (I’ll have pics and recap of that ride next week). Of course, any ride that involves our favorite brand of off-road vehicles is a good one, making it happen while attending one of (or several) of the best events and rallies in the nation is the icing on the cake. Obviously, many of these events are open to any brand, but I’d like to call special attention to a few select Cat only rides that are of particular interest – the rider organized Black Hills Clowder Ride, and the more widely recognized Wicked Wildcat Weekends hosted by fellow Cat buddy Richard Carter. Whether you attend one of these events or plan your own with buddies, I’d love to see some of your ride/event pics. Send them to arcticinsider@gmail.com or share them on our Facebook page. Now let’s get out there and ride.
May 24-27 – TOTAL OFF-ROAD RALLY – For more than 50-years, off-roaders have gathered in Dresser, Wisconsin for what many call the biggest and best rally in the Midwest. There is something for everyone during this four-day event including a truck pull, monster trucks, racing, music, dancing, bonfires, skill competitions, kids’ activities, on-site camping, and way more. For more information visit www.memorial4x4.org.
May 25-26 – CLASSIC SLED ROUNDUP – Featuring one of the best vintage sled displays anywhere, and swap meet that rivals any in North America, the 20th running of this fundraiser for the Snowmobile Hall of Fame is a must attend for any classic or vintage snowmobile fan. In addition to the event, the Hall of Fame also host an open house and cookout prior to the show. For more information visit www.snowmobilehalloffame.com.
June 13-15 – DRUMMOND ISLAND JEEP JAMBOREE – The 31st running of this event features densely wooded forests and rocky trails on Michigan’s remote, rugged, and scenic Upper Peninsula in and around Drummond Island, Michigan. For more information visit www.jeepjamboreeusa.com.
June 25-30 – UTV TAKEOVER COOS BAY OREGON – In just six short years, UTV Takeover events have grown to become one of the most well-known and attended in the country. The Coos Bay location features over 40-miles of dunes along with Oregon coastline, on-site camping, vendor displays, and lots of family-friendly activities including sand drags, groups rides, wheelie fest, concerts, barrel racing, show-n-shines, poker runs, rock-n-roll bingo, demo rides, and way more. For more information visit www.utvtakeover.com.
June 27-30 – BLACK HILLS WILDCAT CLOWDER RIDE – Held by Wildcat enthusiasts, this year’s ride will be based out of Big Pines Campground, which is located just three miles outside of the city of Custer. If you want to connect and ride with fellow Cat riders on what is quite likely some of the best off-road trails in the Midwest, this could be your event. To contact Big Pines Campground call 605-673-4054.
June 28-29 – RIDE THE SHORE – Hosted by the Minnesota ATV Riders Ride the Shore number 6 will deliver some of the most scenic views in the state paired with some of the best ATV and SxS trails in the Midwest. The weekend activities include a night ride, pancake breakfast, vendor displays, food trucks, prizes, and a black beach bonfire. For more information visit www.mnatvriders.com.
July 10-14 – WICKED WILDCAT WEEKEND BLACK HILLS SOUTH DAKOTA – If you’re a long-time reader of this site, then you are familiar with fellow Cat enthusiast Richard Carter, who owns Wildcat Riders. He hosts some kick ass events and for 2024 he has three on tap (one which we already missed in Tennessee), this return event in South Dakota, and a fall event at the famed Hatfield-McCoy Trails. For more information visit www.wildcat-riders.com.
July 12-13 – ERX OFF-ROAD NATIONALS – Featuring two-days of action-packed short course off-road truck and side-by-side racing, the Nats, as they’ve become known to avid fans, is a can’t miss event. Held at ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minnesota, the venue has built a reputation of being one of the most fan friendly anywhere in the Midwest. Great racing, smiling faces, food, beverages, camping, music, and more, mark your calendars for the two best days of summer. For more information visit www.erxmotorpark.com.
August 29 – September 1 – CRANDON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – Four days of Midwest off-road racing action at one of the biggest race weekends in the country, including what is dubbed the “Super Bowl of Short Course” racing and Red Bull Crandon World Cup held in the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods in Crandon. For more information visit www.crandonoffroad.com.
August 23-24 – OUTLAW GRASS DRAGS – Originally formed as an alternative to Hay Days, the Outlaw drags and swap has taken on a life of its own and has been heralded as having the best vintage snowmobile swap meet in the Midwest. With vendors, night racing, good food, and cold beer, what’s not to love. For more information visit www.outlawgrassdrags.com.
August 28 – September 28 – UTV INVASION ST. ANTHONY IDAHO – Featuring vendors, drag racing, a wheelie competition, and group rides all taking place in what I would call one of the most beautiful areas in the western United States, put UTV Invasion Idaho on your must attend bucket list. For more information visit www.utvinvasionusa.com.
September 3-8 – UTV TAKEOVER WINCHESTER BAY OREGON – With miles and miles of dunes along some incredible coastline, the takeover event delivers an amazing riding and camping experience. Like all UTV Takeover events, activities are many and plentiful including stereo wars, poker runs, a pit crew challenges, a treasure hunt, barrel racing, a happy hour meet and greet, and of course lots of great riding. For more information visit www.utvtakeover.com.
September 7-8 – SNO-BARONS HAY DAYS – What more can we say about the world’s biggest powersport event other than if you’ve never been there…now is the time. This is the ultimate party in a field and a must attend for any enthusiast. To learn more visit www.haydays.com.
September 12-15 – KEWEENAW OVERLAND ADVENTURE RETREAT – Held in Copper Harbor, Michigan, this event encompasses four days of rustic camping, exhibitors, demos, education, and other activities on the gorgeous Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Penn region. For more information visit www.keweenawoverlandadventureretreat.com.
September 19-22 – WICKED WILDCAT WEEKEND HATFIELD MCCOY – While I haven’t attended a Wicked Wildcat event yet, (but I’m making a point to), everything I’ve heard about these events is positive. Of course, why wouldn’t it be. The organizer is an Arctic Cat loving off-road junkie, and each year his events are getting better and better. If you want to hang, camp, and ride with fellow Arctic Cat off-roaders, this is your stop. For more information visit www.wildcat-riders.com
September 20-22 – SAND SPORTS SUPER SHOW – Each September, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa for the biggest dune and dirt sports EXPO in the world. While riding isn’t the focus, the huge list of vendors and exhibitions makes it must attend. Of course, savvy trip planners will make sure to add in some fantastic desert riding located just a short drive away. For more information visit www.sandsportsupershow.com
September 20-22 – WIDE OPEN WISCONSIN – A show, a race, and a swap, this event has become the fastest growing powersports event in the Midwest. With a growing vendor list, free parking, and a gate admission of just $5, the buzz about the fun and affordability of WOW is spreading like wildfire. Find out for yourself. For more information visit www.wideopenwi.com
October 2-6 – UTV INVASION WAYNOKA OKLAHOMA – While most would never think of Oklahoma as a off-road destination, this hidden gem is centrally located, easy to get to, and home to a UTV Invasion event. Serving up a party atmosphere, the Oklahoma event is held at a premier recreational sand resort adjacent to the Little Sahara State Park. For more information visit www.utvinvasionusa.com
October 15-20 – UTV TAKEOVER HURRICANE UTAH – Anybody that knows off-road riding has heard of Sand Hollow State Park. With more than 20,000 acres of riding including dunes, trails, rock climbs and more…it is an off-road riding paradise. Of course, when UTV Takeover comes to town, it only gets better with a host of events including guided rides, a poker run, barrel competitions, a show and shine, a treasure hunt, and more. For more information visit www.utvtakeover.com