Otter Tail Country Tourism

Detroit Lakes, Minnesota has been named one of the top ten boating destinations in the country this summer.

The state of Minnesota was actually named number 10 on the list, put together by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, but they highlighted Detroit Lakes. They chose DL because of the popular area's ease of access to boating and sales of boating related items (boats, engines, etc.).

Florida was the number one state, but it's still an honor to be included in this list - Minnesota is always a hot spot, even if we can't boat year round.

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: boating, boats, lakes, lakes country

We all know Minnesota is the home to 10,000 lakes - that fact is on the license plates, for Pete's sake! We're also known for a heck of a lot of oversized objects - the worlds biggest things in a few different categories. We'll throw some of them at you - you let us know which ones you've been to!

The World's Largest Adirondak Chair can be found in St. Paul, MN. The chair was built for inner-city kids, for some reason - there's not too much known about this bad boy, but it's a seriously big Minnesota chair!



The World's Largest Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox in Akeley, MN (my dad was born in Walker, MN). I remember as a kid, driving through and looking up and thinking "WHAT IS THIS GIANT LUMBERJACK DOING!?!" Then, my dad decides everyone has to get out of the car, climb in his mighty palm, and get their picture taken in the hand of this giant Paul Bunyon statue. It was pretty cool after I got over the creepiness of the situation.



Frazee, MN is home to the World's Largest Turkey. They're also home to a few large turkey farms, which employs many people in the surrounding areas. If you enjoy Thanksgiving, there's a good chance your turkey came from this area.



It wouldn't be a post from the Otter Tail Country Tourism blog without an Otter Tail County reference - well we're giving you more than a reference: we're giving you an Otter! Fergus Falls, MN is home to the World's Largest Otter. It seems fitting, doesn't it?



I hope you've enjoyed this mini tour through the large items Minnesota has to offer. We're a proud state - and not just of the lakes.

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: attractions, big things, fun, lakes

So what is it? Sunday afternoon watching the Minnesota Vikings? Hanging out in the garden, picking weeds and checking your summer's worth of work? Curling up with a good book?

It could be any of those things - they're life's little presents. You don't get them very often, and when you do, you cherish them. We like to spend this break time at the lake, taking in the scenery and breathing the freshest of fresh air. You really can't beat the sounds, smells, and if you're lucky, tastes, of a relaxing weekend at the lake.



Heck - some of the things you do at home could easily be done at the lake! Take off for the weekend, have a nice dinner at one of Otter Tail Country's many establishments on a Saturday night with that special someone, and wake up to a Sunday full of the latest Nicholas Sparks novel while the hubby gets his weekly football fix. September, October, and November can be just as exciting as those warm summer months - you just have to be open minded and take advantage of all our beautiful state has to offer.

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: autumn, fall, lakes country, relaxation

Minnesota is smack dab in the middle of some of the most beautiful yet under rated land in the world - the great midwest. Yes, we're known for our lakes, but there's also some great forests and rolling prairie grasslands to be found in this state.



I've lived in the Fargo, ND / Moorhead, MN area my entire life - but i've been to many parts of the country. No place seems to feel quite right compared to the land we have here. Yes, mountains are fun, but you can't take your boat for a ride across the Rockies. The weather isn't exactly tropical year round, but have you tried ice fishing in Florida? No Chance!

While it's not the most pleasant thing to wake up to temperatures well below freezing, you also don't have to deal with hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires (hopefully not, anyway). I' take a blizzard over an earthquake any day.

When you're enjoying one of Minnesota's many beautiful sights, take it in, enjoy it, and remember - not everyone has the chance to enjoy all our wonderful state has to offer.

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism

Labels: beauty, lakes, scenery

This past weekend was full of great late season lakes weather. Although I wasn't enjoying one of the 10,000 lakes Minnesota has to offer, I was definitely longing for a swim!

I got to enjoy a weekend in Minneapolis to watch a Twins game with some good friends. On the way to and from the game (from Fargo, ND), we drove by lake after lake and although we were headed to see a beautiful new stadium and our favorite baseball team play, more than once "Gosh, I wish we were going to the lake!" could be heard from the car.

Like I said recently - even though most kids are going back to school, and it's getting late in the season, it's not too late to enjoy some time at the lake. Resorts aren't quite as busy, bed and breakfasts aren't booked months in advance, and public beaches seem a little more secluded this time of year.

Think about a late summer trip to Otter Tail Country - you won't be disappointed!

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: lakes, lakes country, travel