Nathan Carroll IL is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) based in Illinois who pairs full-scope anesthesia with nonsurgical pain management. Board-certified in nonsurgical pain management and active with the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists, he treats migraine, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, facet-generated and joint pain, radiculopathy, spasticity, and cancer-related pain. His services span pre-operative assessment, individualized anesthetic planning, airway management and intraoperative care, image-guided nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablations, PICC/central line placement, and post-operative evaluation, including opioid-weaning support. Beyond the hospital, Nathan Carroll IL is an avid Midwestern traveler and off-road enthusiast, experience that informs his practical safety advice for exploring trails across the region.
Off-roading has grown into one of America’s most popular outdoor activities, often requiring passes or permits in designated areas. The Midwest, often associated with its vast cornfields, offers a diverse terrain that includes dunes, rock gardens, and forested paths. Below are some of the most popular places to off-road in the Midwest.
Off-roading involves driving ATVs/UTVs, cars, and other 4X4 vehicles off traditional, paved roads. With this, you get to explore the wilderness beyond pavement, experiencing things you might not encounter if you were driving down the highway, which offers an alternative adventure. For some, off-roading gives them a sense of accomplishment after successfully navigating mountains, trails, and other rugged terrain.
Beyond required permits, off-roaders should bring reliable navigation aids—such as paper maps or an offline GPS—since cell service is often unreliable. Because trails can lead into remote areas, experts also advise carrying emergency gear, including a first-aid kit, repair equipment, and supplies for the vehicle. For communication, walkie-talkies or radios are essential.
With your gear ready, one of the top destinations is the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. Often regarded as the crown jewel of trail riding, it offers more than 600 trails winding past 1,300 miles of streams, 11 reservoirs, and 13,000 acres of wilderness. Off-roaders can enjoy pine-scented air, sweeping mountain views, and occasional elk sightings, making it one of the most celebrated off-roading locations in the Midwest.
Michigan’s Silver Lake State Park is another popular destination, spanning 2,000 acres with 450 set aside for off-roading. Drivers can scale steep dunes and race down dramatic drop-offs while enjoying panoramic views of Silver Lake and Lake Michigan. Given the park’s size, experts recommend using walkie-talkies to stay connected.
Outside of these two off-roading areas, you can visit Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch (SMORR) near Seymore, Missouri, and the Ozarks. The region comprises 176 miles of trails that feature rock ledges, creek crossings, hilly climbs, and muddy patches, ensuring an exciting experience. SMORR is a popular spot, so you will likely encounter families and other enthusiasts out for adventure.
In Minnesota, you can check out the Moose Walk Trail. Located on the state’s North Shore, you are likely to encounter rolling hills, forests, and trails lined with pine and spruce trees. Described as a family-friendly trail, the Moose Walk trail is suitable for off-roaders of all ages and skill levels, as the terrain is moderate.
North Dakota’s Kimball Bottoms is a low-key off-road location, comprising 400 acres of land with sandbars, trails, and low-water islands, situated near the Missouri River and Bismarck. As described by experts, Kimball Bottoms combines river lounging with riding. Low water areas offer the opportunity to discover hidden spots. Outside of off-roading, the area provides a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, and riverside camping.
Another area that offers a variety of activities is the Cheese Country Trail in Lafayette County, Wisconsin. This 47-mile trail connects towns and villages, offering a mix of rolling hills and rocky terrain. Experts consider it a top off-roading spot because the multi-use trails can be used for hiking, biking, ATVs/UTVs, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and other activities.
Nebraska’s Dismal River Trail is 33 miles of off-road trails, and one of the few motorized trails that traverse forests and grasslands. The trails combine sharp turns and straightaways with a few hills interspersed throughout.
