Your family deserves a break, and there is no better place to reflect, relax, and recreate than Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The sunny days of summer are the perfect time to enjoy your summer getaway in Detroit Lakes.
Connect With Nature
Whether you’re seeking a scenic stroll or an adventurous hike, start at one of Detroit Lakes’ nature areas. You have plenty of trails to explore on the North Country National Scenic Trail, Dunton Locks County Park, Sucker Creek Preserve, Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District’s Prairie Marsh Trail, and Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.
Photos courtesy of Visit Detroit Lakes
Ramp Up Your Ride
Bike the multi-use Heartland Trail from Detroit Lakes east for 5 miles along the family-friendly paved trail. Ride through woods and prairie to a scenic overlook of Acorn Lake near Frazee. Mountain bikers will feel the rush speeding down trails and across wooden ramps, and catching air on elevated features at Detroit Mountain, where you can rent your bike. Bring your mountain bike to the family-owned Maplelag Resort north of Detroit Lakes with miles of wooded trails to explore. Need a new bike or accessory? Make a stop at DL Bike Shop on Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes before your adventure.
Giddy Up
Saddle up for a ride with a view at Timberline Ranch, only minutes from Detroit Lakes. Rides start at age 5 and horses hold anyone weighing 225 pounds or less. Daily trots are available at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Guides lead you through a beautiful forested coulee and along hills for a scenic view. In its 26th year, Timberline Ranch is open May-September.
Gone Fishing
With more than 400 area lakes, Detroit Lakes has an incredible array of places to have a reel good time. You can fish off the City Beach pier on Detroit Lake, or rent a boat from J&K Marina. Be sure to consider fishing guides who know where to get you more than a few nibbles. Return in the fall to pursue lunker muskies! Check the weekly fishing report before casting your line.
Tee Off
Are you a family of golfers? Detroit Lakes has seven golf courses that offer nine and 18 holes. If putting is more your style, Forest Hills Resort has mini-golf plus its 18-hole championship course.
Outdoor Events
All summer long, Detroit Lakes is packed with outdoor events. Join the fun of Northwest Water Carnival, WE Fest, Pine to Palm Golf Tourney, Young Life Triathlon, Ojibwe Forests Rally and more.
Among the highlights is Street Faire at the Lakes, which brings art, music and kids’ activities to downtown Detroit Lakes, and Art in the Park, where you can browse over 100 booths while feasting on festival fare. The annual Water Carnival is a week of summer fun that includes the region’s largest parade, demo derby and Bash on the Beach with your favorite bands. Click here to see all the summer events. The sunny days of summer are here and it’s the perfect time for your family to enjoy them in Detroit Lakes.
