Return in the fall to pursue lunker muskies! The area hotels and lakeside resorts cater to fishing enthusiasts with kayaks and canoes, boat launches and docks. Local fishing guides can take you to top spots to reel in your trophy catch. You can fish off the pier at the City Beach on Detroit Lake, or rent a boat from J&K Marina and fish for walleye, bass, trout, perch and other panfish in the peaceful waters. With more than 400 lakes within 25 miles, Detroit Lakes has an incredible array of places to cast a line. Need a new bike or accessory? Make a stop at DL Bike Shop on Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes before your stellar biking adventure. The family-owned and operated cross-country ski resort has miles of trails to explore and hosts the Laddies Loppet mountain bike races every Labor Day weekend. If you love to be surrounded by woods, bring your mountain bike to Maplelag Resort, north of Detroit Lakes. The alpine skiing destination has a variety of trails and a skills park, and mountain bikes can be rented on-site. Feel the rush as you speed down trails, across wooden ramps and catch air on elevated features at Detroit Mountain. With warmer temperatures, Detroit Lakes’ ski slopes become the ultimate destination for mountain biking. Fuel up at local coffee shop LaBarista try the locally roasted beans and freshly baked sweets at Roasted Pub and Eatery or sip an espresso drink on the patio at Mi Cartagena Cafe, directly across from the City Beach at Little Detroit Lake. Brygge Taps and Tastes has the vibe on hygge with an outdoor fireplace that provides a spot for cold beers, burgers and light bites. Step back in time along Lake Sallie at the historic restaurant Hotel Shoreham Bar, Bistro and Pizzeria built in 1910. Long Bridge Bar, Grill and Marina brings the flavors and laid-back feel of the islands to its waterfront spot, along with a marina to moor your boat. Sip wine while overlooking Rose Lake at Spanky’s Stone Hearth, or try the top-rated steaks and bbq ribs on the newly landscaped outdoor patio at Spitfire Bar & Grill. Enjoy fine dining at Detroit Lakes icon The Fireside. Catch a game at Bleachers Sports Bar and Grill, Pit 611 or Sunlite Bar & Grill. Lakeside Tavern and Zorbaz serve casual eats and plenty of beers on tap right at Detroit Lake, and you can get family-friendly comfort food at Hub 41 nearby. If you want to get take-out or to-go and dine outside, that is available too. Meals are served with a view in Detroit Lakes, with many restaurants having outdoor patios and lakeside locations. Here you’ll find T-shirts, hoodies, surf-inspired casual wear, swim gear and groovy discounts at their famous outdoor tent sales. There is a grill and rotating food trucks on-site at the market, and those in the know say the kettle corn popcorn is a must! The summer kicks off when Lakeshirts Beach Shop across from the Detroit Lakes City Beach opens for the season.

On weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can search for treasures, such as antiques, jewelry, collectibles and décor, at Shady Hollow Flea Market. For more highlights of the Detroit Lakes area, venture out to Buffalo River State Park, Maplewood State Park or Itasca State Park.ĭetroit Lakes has an array of unique shops on Washington Avenue in downtown. You may even get a glimpse of porcupines, fox, or the elusive gray wolf or black bear. Look for the hundreds of species of birds that migrated here in the spring including the once-endangered Trumpeter Swan gracing many of the lakes through late fall. Then, drive 25 minutes northeast of Detroit Lakes to Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis of 43,000 acres. Learn about the Detroit Lakes area’s history, flora and fauna on educational displays as you explore swamps, marsh, woods, prairie and trout streams in the 117-acre Sucker Creek Preserve. On the serene shores of Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie, Dunton Locks County Park has 53 acres to discover with hiking and biking trails, two fishing piers and two covered shelters with equipment you can use for a memorable summer barbecue. You have plenty of space as the area is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which runs from North Dakota to Vermont. However, you love to experience the outdoors, whether it’s with a scenic stroll or an adventurous hike, start at one of Detroit Lakes’ parks and preserves. Make plans for your summer getaway to Detroit Lakes now to take advantage of these top outdoor activities. Whether it is a heart-pumping adventure you seek, more bonding time as a family or enjoying a delicious meal alfresco, there are a plethora of ways to find your space to enjoy the outdoors here. The sunny days of summer are here and it’s the perfect time to get out of the house and explore Detroit Lakes.

Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Detroit Lakes

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