Detroit Lakes Winter Activities Guide - Your Winter Fun begins at The Lodge on Lake Detroit
Detroit Lakes Winter Activities Guide - Your Winter Fun begins at The Lodge on Lake Detroit

Detroit Lakes Winter Activities Guide

Lots of snow and miles of ski runs and trails equals a lot of great alpine and cross-country skiing. By the way, don’t forget your skates, or fishing pole!

Detroit Lakes Winter Activities Guide

Lots of snow and miles of ski runs and trails equals a lot of great alpine and cross-country skiing. By the way, don’t forget your skates, or fishing pole!

Winter fun in Detroit Lakes begins when you unpack in your lakefront room at The Lodge on Lake Detroit. As your headquarters for winter fun in Detroit Lakes and the surrounding area, you are close to literally any type of winter outdoors (and indoors) activity you could desire! Downhill skiing and snowboarding? At 1500 feet, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area offers an explorable terrain with 45 skiable acres, 21 runs, 2 terrain parks, 2 chairlifts, 2 high-speed rope tows, and 2 magic carpet lifts. Cross country skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing? There are hundreds of miles of trails nearby. By the way, don’t forget your skates, or fishing pole! Several fishing guides offer guide service year-round, and you can always do-it-yourself.

We invite you to join us Minnesotans who don’t crumble with cold temperatures and a little wind chill. We embrace the snow and ice to engage in activities that can only be enjoyed in the winter months. And when you need a break from the elements, plenty of excitement exists indoors, too. Save this Ultimate Guide to Winter Fun in Detroit Lakes and plan your winter getaway: a sure cure for cabin fever!

NOTE ABOUT SUMMER PHOTOS BELOW: Parks and refuges shown below with summer photos are in this list because they their summer hiking trails are also maintained for cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling and/or fat biking.

Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Winter Fun

The newest Minnesota ski destination is Detroit Mountain Recreation Area near Detroit Lakes. Located just minutes from Detroit Lakes, MN, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area offers an explorable terrain with 45 skiable acres, 21 runs, 2 terrain parks, 2 chairlifts, 2 high-speed rope tows, and 2 magic carpet lifts. Detroit Mountain is kid-friendly, catering to first timers (of any age), with a designated learning area featuring Terrain Based Learning™.

Detroit Lakes Kent Freeman Arena | Hockey, Ice Skating & More

The Kent Freeman Arena is located at the fairgrounds in Detroit Lakes. It has two ice sheets; one has an 85' x 195' cement floor, 1500 seating capacity with sound system. The second is a practice sheet with an 85' x 200' cement floor. When the ice is not in use, other events take place including: circuses, auction sales, Becker County Fair, festivals and community functions. Public wi-fi is available at the arena.

Detroit Lakes Curling Club

The Detroit Lakes Curling Club provides recreational opportunities for all curlers. Dedicated to the promotion and the coordination of the sport of curling to provide fun, fellowship and family activities within Detroit Lakes and surrounding communities. The Club sponsors leagues that compete three times weekly, several bonspeils (curling tournaments), Community Ed Classes, and other special events that include Youth Curling.

Detroit Lakes People’s Park Skating Rink

Peoples Park in Detroit Lakes offers one ice rink and one ice skating rink during the winter months. The warming house is open scheduled hours in January and February with a limited number of skate sizes on loan for free. During regular winter seasons, curling enthusiasts compete in bonspiels at the Curling Club on the northern edge of the city off Highway 59.

Becker County & Detroit Lakes Area Snowmobile Trails

Snowmobiling is a popular activitiy during the winter months in Becker County and the area surrounding Detroits Lakes, Minnesota. Multiple public agencies, area resorts, and even private individuals maintain a number of snowmobile trails throughout the County. These trails are maintained to varying degrees; from minimum maintenance level to a regularly groomed basis. Some trails may require a Minnesota State Ski Pass. Check with the trail sponsor regarding any rules and requirements.

Becker County Cross Country Ski Trails

Cross-country skiing is a popular activitiy during the winter months in Becker County. Multiple public agencies, area resorts, and even private individuals maintain a number of ski trails throughout the County. These trails are maintained to varying degrees; from minimum maintenance level to a regularly groomed basis. Some trails may require a Minnesota State Ski Pass. Check with the trail sponsor regarding any rules and requirements.

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.

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. 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.

PT’s Fishing Guide Service in Ottertail County

PT’s guide service is the premiere fishing guide service and local experts in Otter Tail County for fishing Ottertail Lake, Big Pine Lake, Big Stone Lake and Lake Traverse. Come and enjoy a special day with fishing guides Todd Cameron and Phil Jensen in Ottertail County. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the water or an in-depth on the water seminar, Contact PT’s Guide Service to fish the Otter Tail Lakes area.

Baxstar Fishing Guide Service in Detroit Lakes

Baxstar Fishing Guide Service. Baxstar is based out of Detroit Lakes, MN and is owned by fishing guide Brady Baxter, recipient of the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame's Master Angler award. Serving Becker, Clay and Otter Tail Counties in Minnesota, Brady works hard to help clients catch BIG fish they can tell stories about! Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Muskie, and Crappie services available. Contact Brady today to plan your next fishing adventure!

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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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2023-02-21T21:33:19+00:00
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