THINGS TO DO 

Embark on an adventure as you seek out six giant troll sculptures created by world renowned artist Thomas Dambo. To join the worldwide troll-hunting phenomenon, view the first sculpture in Detroit Lakes City Park and read Alexa the Troll’s book to uncover the next stop or visit Thomas Dambo’s Trollmap. A golden rabbit which can even be found by putting together clues at each structure.

Dambo encourages participants to share photos and videos on social media but keep the troll locations secret so others may have fun discovering them and following the clues. The trolls are expected to be on display as permanent installations for the next several years. Visit Project 412’s “Meet the Trolls in DL” webpage to learn more.

If you're into board games, video games, and classic arcades, visit Ultima Gaming & Level 99 Arcade inside Washington Square Mall. With more than 25 arcade games, including immersive racing games, Jurassic Park themed games, basketball shooting hoops, and more. Prizes are available for purchase through ticketed games, as well as other pop-culture gifts available for purchase. 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 

Detroit Lakes has 400 lakes within 25 miles of the city. That is a lot of water and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it all year long. Anglers can fish on the pier at City Beach on Detroit Lake, rent a boat from J&K Marine or go out with a local fishing guide. Many hotels, resorts and campgrounds offer canoes, boat launches and docks for guests to enjoy. Ice fishing is also popular and come winter, the frozen lakes will be lined with ice houses and hearty anglers.

Detroit Mountain Recreation Area is a popular spot for skiing (downhill and cross country), snowboarding, tubing, and fat biking during the winter. The rest of the year, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy mountain biking for all skill levels. If you’re traveling with kids, visit their natural outdoor play area with logs and boulders combined with tunnels, slides, and a climbing net.

In winter, outdoor enthusiasts will find hundreds of trails for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing throughout Becker County. Popular trails follow state and county roads and connect Detroit Lakes to nearby towns like Frazee, Vergas and Lake Park or border the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

The Heartland State Trail and Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail both pass through Detroit Lakes and are popular spots to go hiking and birding. The North Country Scenic Trail also starts just five miles east of Detroit Lakes. Watch for wildflowers like the Showy Lady’s Slipper in the spring and summer.

If you’re looking to hit the links, Detroit Lakes is a popular spot for golf and offers award-winning courses at the Detroit Country Club, Forest Hills and Fair Hills Resort’s Wildflower Golf Course.

Be on the hunt for 150 sailboat sculptures throughout the city that were designed by area artists to celebrate the city’s sesquicentennial in 2021.

WHERE TO EAT / DRINK

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Detroit Lakes, from strolling through downtown, walking down the beach or sitting on a deck overlooking the lake.

In the downtown block, Brygge Taps & Tastes and Roasted Pub & Eatery offer burgers, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas and more. Try a locally made brew at Bucks Mill Brewing, which opened in 2022 and offers traditional brews, non-alcoholic versions of their most popular beers, sours, seltzers, and homemade root beer. Fuel up for your day with breakfast at Main Street Restaurant or grab a coffee at Mi Cartagena Café. Pack a picnic lunch at La Barista or MANNA Food Co-op. 

If you’re looking to dine by the water, head to the City Beach area that boasts several spots like Hub41, Lakeside Tavern and Brewery, and El Loro. Casual spots like Long Bridge Bar & Grill and Bleachers Bar and Grill are local favorites. If you’re looking for a special spot to celebrate, The Fireside offers fine dining overlooking Detroit Lake. Find fresh sushi, hibachi, or American comfort food at Sapphire that offers delicious options for any palette.  

A summer staple is the seasonal hotspot, Hotel Shoreham, with an expansive menu with favorites like ribs, walleye and fresh seafood, steak, pasta, and square cut specialty pizzas. And one of Detroit Lakes’ claims to fame is being home to the original Zorbaz, the popular pizza, pasta and Mexican food joint that has become a summer tradition in several other lakeside destinations.

WHERE TO STAY

If you want to be close to the water, there are hotel chains like Holiday Inn, which offers its own marina and boat rentals. Best Western Premier's Lodge on Lake Detroit and Fairfield Inn & Suites are also just steps away from City Beach. Other places to stay include the Country Inn and Suites, AmericInn and Quality Inn.

Resorts offer a little more room to roam and a boatload of ways to get out on the water. Plan a stay at Fair Hills Resort, Rainbow Resort or Valhalla Resort to take advantage of larger lodging options, sandy beaches, on-site dining and more.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS 

Detroit Lakes offers incredible events throughout the year, and many have become annual favorites for travelers. For 40 years, every August country music fans have been coming to WE Fest at the Soo Pass Ranch. Past performers have included Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Brothers Osborne, Jo Dee Messina, and other fan favorites.

Artists and local makers are the draw to annual events like Art in the Park or the Street Faire and classic fair fun is found at the Northwest Water Carnival and Becker County Fair. Runners have raced for over 20 years at the Dick Beardsley half marathon, 10K and 5K. Birders flock every spring migration to see more than 250 species of birds at the Festival of Birds along the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail and other sites.

In February, Polar Fest is a celebration of all things winter with an ice fishing derby, frozen golf, fireworks, sled dog rides, laser tubing, and kites on the frozen water.

The Historic Holmes Theatre hosts events and shows throughout the year. Recent productions and shows have included Godspell, the Fabulous Armadillos, and the Concordia Orchestra.

Plan your stay in Detroit Lakes or explore other areas of northwest Minnesota.