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Lights over Boulder Lake. Photo: Jonathan Dyess
Minnesota is quite literally jam-packed with beautiful lakes and wild places to explore. In addition to the state’s abundance of lakes (which total 11,842), it’s geographically diverse, home to sweeping grasslands with rolling hills in the southwest, dense forests speckled with granite outcroppings in the north, and craggy cliffs in the southeast along the Mississippi. Though, as you might expect, the lakes steal the show.
This summer, pack up your car and check out these ten beautiful and less-travelled lakes, representing the wide range of outdoor experiences Minnesota has to offer.
Park Rapids is the gateway to
Itasca State Park. The south park entrance is a 19-mile drive from Park Rapids north on U.S. Highway 71, and the east entrance is only a couple miles farther north, near the junction of Highways 71 and 200.
Itasca State Park encompasses
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota’s oldest state park.
Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes.
Stand under towering pines at Preacher’s Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann’s Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of
Park Rapids is the gateway to
Itasca State Park. The south park entrance is a 19-mile drive from Park Rapids north on U.S. Highway 71, and the east entrance is only a couple miles farther north, near the junction of Highways 71 and 200.
Itasca State Park encompasses
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota’s oldest state park.
Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes.
Stand under towering pines at Preacher’s Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann’s Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of
Perham is a charmer.
A growing little city with big dreams, this hidden gem in western Minnesota boasts a bustling downtown shopping district, fun and family-friendly community festivals and tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Seated in the northeastern corner of
Otter Tail County, on the Highway 10 corridor between Wadena and Detroit Lakes, Perham’s year-round residents number around 3,500, but the area’s population swells to three times that in the summers, when seasonal lake home and cabin owners are factored in.
All those folks are kept entertained with community events like Turtle Fest, the East Otter Tail County Fair and the holiday season Parade of Lights, to name just a few. In addition, the area’s mix of prairie, wetlands and forests, with its record number of lakes and other waterways, creates the perfect environment for wildlife watching, fishing, hunting, birding, swimming, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, camping, and the lis
Governor Walz Invites Everyone to Otter Tail Lake
AJ Taylor6 hours agoLast Updated: April 27, 2021
by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
You’re invited to celebrate the 73rd Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, May 13-15, 2021 in Otter Tail County, a treasured state tradition that will continue this year by following Stay Safe MN event parameters. Event festivities were postponed in 2020 when the devastating COVID-19 pandemic hit. Our Minnesota communities and residents have shown incredible resilience and adaptability over the last year, finding creative activities to enjoy our state. Exploring the great outdoors, fishing and taking close-to-home trips to places like Otter Tail County are great ways to safely soak in the upcoming summer season.