Detroit Lakes Parks & Outdoor Guide - The Lodge on Lake Detroit
Detroit Lakes Parks & Outdoor Guide - The Lodge on Lake Detroit

Detroit Lakes Parks & Trails

The Detroit Lakes area abounds with beautiful parks, lakes, rivers, hiking & biking trails and more.

Detroit Lakes Parks & Trails

The Detroit Lakes area abounds with beautiful parks, lakes, rivers, hiking & biking trails offering year-round outdoor fun.

Detroit Lakes, Becker County, and the surrounding area offers so many recreational and outdoor activities that it is difficult to fit them into one visit. With over 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius, and with beautiful rivers and streams (not to mention the Mississippi Headwaters), many parks and trails have been created to provide public access.

Parks, such as the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, provide cross-country and snow mobiling trails in the winter– and even more trails for hiking and biking during the spring, summer and fall months.

You can also enjoy the natural beauty from your car. The Lake Country Scenic Byway is an 88-mile corridor that follows Highways 34 and 71. Along its route, the Byway uniquely spans three different types of geographic terrain.

Itasca State Park & Mississippi Headwaters

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

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

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

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.

Two Inlets State Forest

Two Inlets State Forest offers over 26,000 acres set in a landscape that's gently rolling to hilly, with scattered lowlands. Two Inlets Trail provides over 27 miles of snowmobile trail that connects to other area trails. Two Inlets Lake provides good fishing. This state forest is known for excellent hunting of deer, ruffed grouse and small game. Indian Creek Water Impoundment provides habitat for waterfowl. Fish Hungryman Lake for Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch, & Pumkinseed.

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

43,000-acre Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge hosts over 250 species of birds, featuring nesting bald eagles, golden-winged warblers, otters, porcupine, wolves & more. A wildlife drive and visitor center offer spectacular vistas of marshes, trees and wildlife in the refuge. Enjoy hiking trails, historic sites, hunting and fishing. The Refuge also provides cross-country and snow mobiling trails in winter, and even more trails for hiking and biking during the spring, summer and fall months.

Smoky Hills State Forest

24,000-acre Smoky Hills State Forest is characterized by rolling-to-moderately steep slopes that offer 30 mi of snowmobile trails, 25 mi of hiking trails, and exceptional hunting for deer & grouse. It is located in eastern Becker County and is traversed by State Hwy 34. It is 20 miles east of Detroit Lakes. State, county, and township roads provide access to much of the refuge. A prairie chicken viewing blind is available from mid-March thru April.

Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Sucker Creek Preserve is a 64 Acre parcel of NW Minnesota hardwood forest. Visitors of all ages are offered a self-guided environmental learning experience. Topography includes swamp, designated trout stream, woods and prairie. Handicapped accessible path leads 1/3 mile through woods and newly seeded prairie to 110-seat amphitheater. Designated trout stream, Sucker Creek, marks south preserve boundary. Outdoor activities include: Hiking Trails, Cross Country Ski Trails, Birding & Wildlife Viewing.

Sucker Creek Preserve

Sucker Creek Preserve is a 64 Acre parcel of NW Minnesota hardwood forest. Visitors of all ages are offered a self-guided environmental learning experience. Topography includes swamp, designated trout stream, woods and prairie. Handicapped accessible path leads 1/3 mile through woods and newly seeded prairie to 110-seat amphitheater. Designated trout stream, Sucker Creek, marks south preserve boundary. Outdoor activities include: Hiking Trails, Cross Country Ski Trails, Birding & Wildlife Viewing.

Dunton Locks County Park

Dunton Locks County Park is a 53-acre park located on the shores of Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie 3 miles south of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59 and 6. In June 2024, Detroit Lakes became part of a global Giant Troll phenomena that includes Dambo troll, Ronny Funnyface in this park. This quiet, year-around park features two picnic shelters, hiking and mountain biking trails which double as cross-country ski trails in the winter, a paved recreation trail, interpretive history signs, two fishing piers, and a mechanical boat tram that transports boats, PWC, and pontoons between Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie.

Minnesota Lake Country Scenic Byway

The 88-mile Minnesota Lake Country Scenic Byway was awarded Minnesota's state byway designation in 1999. The route includes a 67-mile stretch of Highway 34 from Detroit Lakes, through Park Rapids to Walker, with a 21-mile spur extending from Park Rapids north to Itasca State Park along US Highway 71. Communities on the Byway are Detroit Lakes, Snellman, Osage, Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley and Walker.

Detroit Lakes City Beach

Detroit Lakes City Beach is a mile long sandy beach on the shore of Little Detroit Lake. Detroit Lakes City Beach runs along West Lake Drive with a total of 4.8 acres providing swimming activities for the public with a life guard area. The beach offers two boat launching accesses and a fishing and observation pier. Vehicle parking for the City Beach and park areas is available at the Becker County Fairgrounds on the south end of Rossman Avenue.

Detroit Lakes City Park

Detroit Lakes City Park is located by the beach on West Lake Drive in Detroit Lakes. Its pavilion has been a landmark at City Park for decades and can be rented for events. 25 acres are furnished picnic tables and park benches. There are three picnic shelters with grills and electricity, and a bandshell is available to the public. The City Park has a frisbee golf course, a physical fitness course, and several sites with playground equipment.

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Your Guide to Year-Round Detroit Lakes Recreation & Fun!

With over 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius, Detroit Lakes lives up to its reputation as a great place for year-round outdoor activities. Whether your activity choice is in, on or below the water (or even on land) Detroit Lakes offers a great variety of things to do for your entire family.

UPCOMING EVENTS

There’s a lot going on at The Lodge year round. Be sure to subscribe to our eNews and keep an eye on our Facebook page to keep up with live musical events (Live at The Lodge), Summer Thursdays, Wine Tastings, Murder Mystery Events, Girlfriend Getaways, and so more.

“Perfect spot for Business Meetings with time to Relax, Rejuvenate and Reconnect with your clients. Want a Perfect spot for your next Business Meeting, a Group Meeting and or small conferences with time to Relax, Rejuvenate and Reconnect with your clients. Great hospitality welcomes you to The LODGE on Lake Detroit with friendly customer service, outstanding lodging environment from the comfort of your room to the sounds of the Minnesota Loons on Lake Detroit. A great selection of restaurants and golf courses are just minutes away. Close to the downtown area, great location for fishing, and all seasonal things to do and events for all to enjoy year-around in the Detroit Lakes area.”

MINNESOTA TRIPADVISOR GUEST

“We enjoyed our stay at The Lodge in Detroit Lakes, Mn. The staff was very helpful and very friendly. We stayed in the Resort Room adjoining to the Retreat Room. It was very nice for our family so we could have access to each others room and to have use of a Kitchen. We were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and our son was participating in the Pine to Palm Tournament. Nice location to golf course & downtown. The rooms were clean and the amenities of having a dock for our boat and use of paddle boat & Kayakes was especially nice. We enjoyed the complementary breakfast; especially the waffles and pancakes.  The Ice water cooler was very refreshing. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Lodge & will be back on any future trips to the Detroit Lakes area.”

KATHY M – TRIPADVISOR GUEST

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2024-06-24T23:56:57+00:00
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