Mille Lacs OHV (MN): Obstacle Runs & Grandson Shocks

Time: We hit the road about 9:40am heading North out of Apple Valley, MN for an about 1.5 hour drive.

We left in different groups. one group right after lunch, the other group about 15 minutes ahead of the last group, who left about 1:30pm.

Weather: The weather was clear and sunny, with temps in the low 70's on the drive up, with it peaking at 92 as we pulled into our driveway. Low to mid 80's and sunny most of the time on the site.

Who: Myself and 2 grandsons in my Bronco on 35's, Brother in Law and his granddaughter in his F150 on 33's, and His Son and son in his Toyota Tundra TRD Pro on 33's.

Notes:

• We got to the site, and I aired down. Not because it's necessary here, but more because I have a co2 system to air back up, so I air down. Gotta play with my toys.
• We started running the outer ring trail clockwise and realized this was going to be a dry and dusty day. It hadn't rained in the area for a while, and anywhere there was water when I was there last was all dried up.

• No one had any trouble with the courses.
• Once around the whole course, we broke for lunch.
• During lunch, Jeep pulled up, and we chatted. He was from a Facebook group I recently joined for off-roaders and was one of the people who said they might show up.
• Unfortunately, I have a really bad memory of names, so I'm sorry I don't recall your name.
• After Lunch, while I gave both grandsons a chance to drive, the Toyota took a shot at the obstacles in the playground area.

• He went over the tire's section with the rocks, over the tires with the culverts and uneven mounds, and generally had fun taking advantage of the stock skid plates.
• The F150 went home because the granddaughter didn't enjoy the rocking back and forth on the main course.
• We took the main trail counterclockwise now to do the intermediate sections.
• It's in the Tire swing where a surprising shift of weight as we nosed a tire over a mound of tires that my youngest grandson has his first freakout. It was surprising to him, and he just wanted to get going.

• Overall, the intermediate areas were not much different than the main loop, just ever so much tighter. A few more stumps to watch out for. Maybe it gets harder when it is wet? It seems to be a lower elevation area.
• After that loop, I took after some of the obstacles in the playground. Taking advantage of having someone there to yank me off something if I get stuck.
• The Bronco did well over all the obstacles, though I think I could have done better myself driving it. I should had the Toyota spot me on the one with rocks and culverts, but I didn't, so my skids did more work than they should have had to. Each time I go out I learn a little more. It's like when you first learn to drive; there is so much you try to pay attention to. Eventually, it becomes second nature. Eventually, I'll get that way with obstacles.

• After the first obstacle, my youngest grandson was ready to get out, and he was my cameraman. He also had some work to do in that department, but he took care of it on one obstacle. Then he switched with his brother and his brother filmed another one.
• We wrapped it up by driving up a big hill of dirt and letting them take pictures in the cab.

Lessons Learned:

1. If you have help, ask for it even if you think you may not need it. Practice guiding people over obstacles.
2. This park isn't as fun when it's dry FOR ME. I still think it will be fun in the Winter with snow. But dry and dusty, it's just a bumpy dirt road. Someone with a less capable vehicle might find this place tremendously challenging. A car can't do it. too many things on the trail. But if you have 4" of ground clearance and 4wd, you could have fun and feel some challenge.
3. If I want a good video, I need to either find or make a cameraman and pay them. Another way for my grandsons to earn an allowance, I'm thinking.

Looks fun! I’m in the Twin Cities area roo. I’ll have to check it out.

I didn’t know that place existed!!! Nice write up looks like a lot of fun!

mike8675309 said:

Lessons Learned:

1. If you have help, ask for it even if you think you may not need it. Practice guiding people over obstacles.
2. This park isn't as fun when it's dry FOR ME. I still think it will be fun in the Winter with snow. But dry and dusty, it's just a bumpy dirt road. Someone with a less capable vehicle might find this place tremendously challenging. A car can't do it. too many things on the trail. But if you have 4" of ground clearance and 4wd, you could have fun and feel some challenge.
3. If I want a good video, I need to either find or make a cameraman and pay them. Another way for my grandsons to earn an allowance, I'm thinking.

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I'm betting those kids will NOT be part of all the bozos I see on the roads all the time!!!
Good Job Grampaw!!!

I love they actually put this place together.

No it's really not difficult at all, but a very good place to mess around. Especially considering where it located, on the way up to the lake area.

Id believe they are going to continue to improve it as well.