I hear ya. Some Jeep thing going on this weekend in my county. They line up single file and hammer the softer sand trails to a vapor. Don't get me wrong, I have a Jeep but I don't drive it on the bike trails. Suppose to rain tomorrow, that'll fix it good as new.
I've never ridden in the wide open space that you have. everything here (northern Mi.) is wooded, hills, sand, clay, tree roots, rocks and some dunes way down state. Not much traffic if you stay away from the towns but you do have to watch for deer. They bring you to a quick stop and bend your forks.
If you get to Michigan check this ride out.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hmnf/null/recarea/?recid=30298&actid=93
Or this. I'm in Ogemaw co.
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_15070-38330--,00.html