Ottertail MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ottertail, Minnesota.
1. Otto the Otter Sculpture
FAMOUS COUNTY MASCOT
Otto the Otter is the most famous celebrity in Otter Tail County, standing proudly as the star of Adams Park in Fergus Falls. While visiting Otto, visitors can enjoy the playground and observe the fascinating bird island on Grotto Lake, which is site #48 on the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail. The sculpture serves as a beloved landmark that celebrates the county's namesake and natural heritage.
2. Glendalough State Park
SCENIC HIKING PARADISE
Glendalough State Park offers a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts with 9 miles of trails meandering around lakes, forests, and prairie landscapes. The park features two interpretive nature trails and the particularly stunning 3.3-mile hike around Annie Battle Lake. Visitors can immerse themselves in the classic Minnesota lakeside environment while enjoying activities like biking, swimming, and boating.
3. Maplewood State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY HOTSPOT
Maplewood State Park showcases spectacular natural beauty with its combination of prairies, dense forests, and expansive lakes. Visitors can take the short half-mile hike up Hallaway Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers a beach for swimming and boat launches for fishing and kayaking on South Arm Lake Lida.
4. Phelps Mill County Park
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE LANDMARK
Phelps Mill County Park offers a picturesque setting along the Otter Tail River with its historic mill as the centerpiece. The park features playgrounds, shelters with fantastic river views, opportunities for kayaking and fishing, and a historic pedestrian bridge. Visitors can learn about the mill's significant role in Otter Tail County's history while enjoying modern amenities including ADA-accessible restrooms.
5. Otter Cove Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE FAMILY FUN
Otter Cove Children's Museum provides an engaging, educational environment designed specifically for family-friendly fun in Fergus Falls. The museum features interactive exhibits that stimulate learning through play and discovery for children of all ages. This popular attraction offers a perfect indoor activity option for families visiting Otter Tail County, especially during inclement weather.
6. Thumper Pond Golf Course
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Thumper Pond Golf Course offers golfers a premier playing experience in the heart of Ottertail. The course features beautifully maintained fairways and greens nestled among the natural landscape of Otter Tail County. Golfers can enjoy the challenging course while appreciating the serene surroundings of Minnesota lake country.
7. Lund Boats Factory Tour
ICONIC BOATING HERITAGE
Lund Boats offers fascinating factory tours where visitors can witness the craftsmanship behind these iconic Minnesota-made watercraft. The tour provides an inside look at the boat-building process from start to finish in this facility located in New York Mills. Boat enthusiasts will appreciate seeing firsthand how these beloved vessels that navigate thousands of Minnesota lakes are constructed with precision and care.
8. Historic Flour Mill
PRESERVED INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
The Historic Flour Mill in Perham stands as a testament to the region's agricultural and industrial past. Visitors can explore this preserved landmark to learn about the milling process that was once central to the local economy. The mill offers insights into how wheat from surrounding farmlands was transformed into flour that sustained communities throughout the area.
9. Sculpture Walk
OUTDOOR ART GALLERY
The Sculpture Walk in Fergus Falls features an impressive collection of public art displayed throughout the community. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to discover various sculptures that reflect the culture, history, and artistic vision of the region. The outdoor gallery creates an engaging way to explore the city while appreciating creative works in unexpected settings.
10. Pebble Lake Swimming Park
REFRESHING LAKESIDE RECREATION
Pebble Lake Swimming Park offers visitors a refreshing escape with its public beach and crystal-clear waters. The park provides amenities for swimmers and sunbathers looking to enjoy a perfect summer day by the lake. Families particularly appreciate the safe swimming area and facilities that make for a comfortable day of lakeside recreation.
11. Paul Miller Park
COMMUNITY WATERFRONT GATHERING
Paul Miller Park serves as a beloved community gathering place with its inviting public beach on the shores of Little Pine Lake. The park offers swimming opportunities along with picnic facilities and recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. Its central location makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to enjoy Perham's natural lake assets.
12. Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream Parlor
SWEET NOSTALGIC TREATS
Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream Parlor delights visitors with its nostalgic atmosphere and delicious frozen treats in downtown Fergus Falls. The parlor serves up a variety of ice cream flavors, sundaes, and other sweet specialties that satisfy cravings on hot summer days. Families particularly enjoy stopping here during their explorations of Otter Tail County for a refreshing break with old-fashioned charm.
13. Thumper Pond Serene Woods Spa
LUXURIOUS RELAXATION RETREAT
Thumper Pond Serene Woods Spa offers visitors a luxurious escape with its comprehensive menu of relaxation and beauty treatments. The spa provides professional services in a tranquil setting designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Guests can pamper themselves with massages, facials, and other treatments that provide a perfect complement to outdoor activities in Otter Tail County.
14. Ten Mile Lake Resort
CLASSIC LAKESIDE GETAWAY
Ten Mile Lake Resort offers a classic Minnesota lake experience with accommodations situated on the shores of beautiful Ten Mile Lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and other water activities right from the property. The resort provides a perfect home base for families and couples looking to experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Otter Tail County.
15. Eagle Lake Public Access
PRIME FISHING DESTINATION
Eagle Lake Public Access provides visitors with a gateway to one of Otter Tail County's premier fishing destinations. The well-maintained access point allows anglers to launch boats and enjoy pursuing walleye, northern pike, and other game fish in this popular lake. Scenic views and peaceful surroundings make this spot appealing even for those who simply want to appreciate the natural beauty of Minnesota's lake country.