The newest Minnesota ski destination is Detroit Mountain Recreation Area near Detroit Lakes. Located just minutes from Detroit Lakes, MN, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area offers an explorable terrain with 45 skiable acres, 21 runs, 2 terrain parks, 2 chairlifts, 2 high-speed rope tows, and 2 magic carpet lifts. Detroit Mountain is kid-friendly, catering to first timers (of any age), with a designated learning area featuring Terrain Based Learning™.
The Kent Freeman Arena is located at the fairgrounds in Detroit Lakes. It has two ice sheets; one has an 85' x 195' cement floor, 1500 seating capacity with sound system. The second is a practice sheet with an 85' x 200' cement floor. When the ice is not in use, other events take place including: circuses, auction sales, Becker County Fair, festivals and community functions. Public wi-fi is available at the arena.
The Detroit Lakes Curling Club provides recreational opportunities for all curlers. Dedicated to the promotion and the coordination of the sport of curling to provide fun, fellowship and family activities within Detroit Lakes and surrounding communities. The Club sponsors leagues that compete three times weekly, several bonspeils (curling tournaments), Community Ed Classes, and other special events that include Youth Curling.
Peoples Park in Detroit Lakes offers one ice rink and one ice skating rink during the winter months. The warming house is open scheduled hours in January and February with a limited number of skate sizes on loan for free. During regular winter seasons, curling enthusiasts compete in bonspiels at the Curling Club on the northern edge of the city off Highway 59.
Snowmobiling is a popular activitiy during the winter months in Becker County and the area surrounding Detroits Lakes, Minnesota. Multiple public agencies, area resorts, and even private individuals maintain a number of snowmobile trails throughout the County. These trails are maintained to varying degrees; from minimum maintenance level to a regularly groomed basis. Some trails may require a Minnesota State Ski Pass. Check with the trail sponsor regarding any rules and requirements.
Cross-country skiing is a popular activitiy during the winter months in Becker County. Multiple public agencies, area resorts, and even private individuals maintain a number of ski trails throughout the County. These trails are maintained to varying degrees; from minimum maintenance level to a regularly groomed basis. Some trails may require a Minnesota State Ski Pass. Check with the trail sponsor regarding any rules and requirements.
Itasca State Park marks the headwaters and beginning of the world's third longest river, The Mississippi, as a small stream. Established in 1891, Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest State Park. In this 32,000 acre sanctuary, the Mississippi River begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Among the many points of interest are old growth pine at Preacher’s Grove, Peace Pipe Vista, bison kill site and over 100 lakes. The park is a great birding site for Common Loon, Black-backed woodpecker, Alder Flycatcher, Winter Wren and more. In winter enjoy cross-country ski trails.
White Earth State Forest is made up of rolling hills and lakes with 4/5th being variegated forest and the rest being lowland brush and marsh. Almost all of this forest is within the boundaries of the White Earth Indian Reservation. The Shuttlebug Nature Trail is popular for summer hiking, with 70 miles of marked and groomed snowmobile trails. Located about 20 miles north of Park Rapids on Hwy. 71, then west off Hwy. 113. The White Earth Indian Reservation, holds an annual Powwow in June.
Huntersville State Forest features 16,448-acres of rolling-to-flat land, famed for its jack and Norway pine mixed with aspen, spruce, tamarack and northern hardwoods and clear streams. The major attraction is the beauty of two rivers that flow through the forest, the Crow Wing River State Water Trail and the Shell River, providing many canoeing opportunities, with access ramps at the campgrounds as well as other put-in and take-out points along the river's course through the forest. In winter enjoy miles of cross-county skiing trails.
Maplewood State Park features 8 major lakes and many ponds offering swimming, fishing, boating, and general enjoyment. Drive along the scenic route to observe the wildlife; the park is host to 150 bird species and 50 species of mammals. Lake Lida has a sandy beach and large picnic areas. Wildflower lovers will find flowers and grasses representative of both the prairies and forests. The park's maple forest turns brilliant shades of orange, gold, and red in the fall. An extensive trail system attracts hikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers.
