Dunton Locks County Park
Detroit Lakes Minnesota Parks & Outdoors
Dunton Locks County Park
Detroit Lakes Minnesota Parks & Outdoors
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, next to the DNR Fish Hatchery. The park is accessible by bicycle, roller blades, or on foot by using the Fish Hatchery Recreation Trail located on West Shore Drive near the Pelican River. 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, allowing boat travel from Detroit Lakes to Shoreham.
Covered Picnic Facilities for Groups
Picnics are a frequent sight at Dunton Locks County Park which offers facilities to accommodate almost any size group. The VFW Shelter, located near the shore of Muskrat Lake, offers modern restrooms and a modern kitchen complete with stove, refrigerator, sink, indoor charcoal grill with exhaust hood, a food service area, and electrical outlets. The shelter provide covered seating for 48 people plus outside seating for an additional 12. The Eagles Shelter, located on the hill overlooking the park area, has electrical outlets, an indoor charcoal/wood fire grill, and covered seating for 48. Both of these shelters can be reserved for family reunions, weddings, meetings, or business/organizational gatherings calling 218-846-2612.
Hiking, Mountain Biking & Cross Country Ski Trails
For the nature lover, Dunton Locks has 6.1 km of hiking, mountain biking and cross country ski trails located on the hills above the Eagles Picnic Shelter and along the shores between Lake Sallie and Muskrat Lake, south of the bridge. The northern trails wind through hardwood forested hills once a gathering spot for the Sioux Indians. Remnants of Indian burial mounds are still present throughout the park. In fact, much of the park area was a gathering area for netting tulabies, camping, and trading. The southern trails also wind through rolling, wooded terrain, however much of the trails are located on private land owned by the Soo Pass Ranch. This land is used for camping during the music festivals the Soo Pass Ranch holds each year. For a map of the trails at Dunton Locks Park use the following link: Dunton Locks Trail Map (PDF).
More Dunton Locks Ski Trails Detail
Connecting the Waters
Be sure to visit the mechanical boat tram located just south of the bridge. Years ago, when the Detroit Lakes area was first being settled, the Detroit Lakes and Pelican River Slack Water Navigation Company installed a series of locks and dams to accommodate steamship traffic from Breckenridge to Detroit Lakes, thus the name Dunton Locks. While the plan was cut short, it did inspire a group of local entrepreneurs in the mid 1970s to try to duplicate the effort, only on a much smaller scale. This group designed, built, and maintained a mechanical boat tram to promote dinner excursions between Shoreham and Detroit Lakes. Becker County now operates the tram as a local tourist attraction.
Location: Address: 200 East State Street, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 | Tel: (218) 846-2612 | Dunton Locks County Park Website | Distance from The Lodge on Lake Detroit • 6.4 miles
Detroit Lakes Parks & Trails
The Detroit Lakes area abounds with beautiful parks, lakes, rivers, hiking & biking trails and more. 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.
Lakefront Hotels In Detroit Lakes
About The Lodge on Lake Detroit & The Spa Within
Our Detroit Lakes Minnesota lake resort is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy brilliant sunsets and memorable nights on Big Lake Detroit. Nestled in a lovely tree-filled setting on a private 550 foot wide sandy beach, you’ll find the latest hotel style and amenities. The Lodge is independently owned and operated by Holland Hospitality, Inc., now in its third generation of providing excellence in hospitality.
With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, we stand out among other lodging choices in Detroit Lakes, MN. For couples or family getaways, we offer a variety of rooms and suites with king, queen or two queen beds. Our free hot breakfast (currently using Grab & Go Bags while Covid precautions are in place), free local calls, indoor heated pool and fitness center make the hotel a great place to recharge between enjoying Detroit Lakes attractions and activities. View hotel detail.
All rooms feature lakefront views, free Wi-Fi and wired internet, flat-screen TVs with extended channels. Rooms are equipped with mini-frige, microwaves, and coffee makers and are pet and smoke free. View accommodation detail.
Detroit Lakes Day Spa: The Spa Within at The Lodge offers an extensive menu of select spa treatment services, many of which are signature treatments exclusive to this spa. These revitalizing treatments include the use of warm and cold basalt stones for face and body, and a variety of facials and massage therapies that are sure to induce a state of deep relaxation.
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
