WINTER GAMES – ATV/UTV/Snowmobile FAQ

Can I ride my ATV/UTV/Snowmobile on the street?

City Ordinance permits ATVs/UTVs/Snowmobiles to operate on City of Okoboji streets. However, the operation of snowmobiles is not permissible on Highway 71.

See Chapter 75 of the City of Okoboji Municipal Code. (PLEASE NOTE – In the City of Okoboji, ATVs/UTVs may be operated twenty-four (24) hours a day and must be equipped with operating headlights and taillights. This language is NOT in the linked Code above– this Code was amended in April 2022 by Ordinance No. 269 which can be found HERE.)

Partial use of ATVs/UTVs is permissible on Highway 71 through the City of Okoboji under certain circumstances. Highway usage is only permissible on two lane highways. You need to be aware of the rules and regulations pertaining to ATV/UTV usage. Use of Highway 71 is NOT permissible north of Stake Out Road nor is it permissible south of 202nd Street. Everything north of Stake Out Road and everything south of 202nd Street are four-lane / divided highways which is not a permissible location to ride. Review the rules and regulations.

The permissible Highway 71 crossing points in the City of Okoboji are at the intersection of Lake Shore Drive and Highway 71 and at the intersection Brooks Lane North (aka 175th Street) and Highway 71.

PLEASE NOTE this varies by municipality– there are eight different jurisdictions in the Iowa Great Lakes (Okoboji, Arnolds Park, Spirit Lake, Orleans, Milford, Wahpeton, West Okoboji, and Dickinson County) each with it’s own rules and regulations. If you are not in the City of Okoboji, it is encouraged to check your local regulations.

Can I ride my ATV/UTV/Snowmobile on the trail system?

Snowmobiles are allowed on designated segments of the Dickinson County Spine Trail during the winter months only. ATVs/UTVs are NOT allowed on any part of the trail system. It is not permissible to ride on the trestle bridge between the Cities of Okoboji and Arnolds Park. More info –> https://dickinsoncountytrails.com/ and https://www.dickinsoncountysnowhawks.com/trails

Do I need a State of Iowa User permit for my snowmobile and/or ATV? 

The simple answer is Yes! – Call the Dickinson County Recorder’s Office for additional information on necessary permitting – 712-336-1495 option 5.

For permit information, please visit www.iowadnr.gov and for trails information, visit www.dickinsoncountysnowhawks.com.

The City of Okoboji does not specifically require municipal permits.

No ice is 100% safe. Be aware of ice conditions.

For more Winter Games information, please visit https://www.uofowintergames.com/