The Gilbert Iron Range Off Highway Vehicles Recreation Area had to be one of the biggest surprises of the trip. We felt that all the parks were great, but when you can get the state government to agree to being a part of an off road park, amazing things can happen and the Iron Range is proof. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and built on an old Iron Ore mine outside of Gilbert, Minnesota this park is open 7 days a week from 8 am till one hour before sunset, and consists of 1,200 acres of boulder strewn canyons, steep rock and dirt hill climbs, tight wooded trails, and open mud pits. In addition to the 4x4 trails there are designated motorcycle and ATV trails, as well as safety training, and practice facilities for riders and drivers to hone their skills. Plus the trails are all marked with different degrees of difficulty.