Otter Tail Country Tourism

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Minnesota Vikings Fans: We're in Trouble.

Wow. After this afternoon's loss to the New England Patriots, the Minnesota Vikings are sitting at 2-5. This is not where we are supposed to be.

Coming into this season, we were expected to be a Super Bowl contender - now we're barely even a playoff hopeful. Between Brett Favre's injuries and off the field extracurricular activities to the addition of Randy Moss a few games into the season, things aren't working out quite right.

On the plus side, the Vikings looked great today. They played smart, tough football, but couldn't get ahead in the points column.

I'm not counting us out, and I'm certainly hoping we can make it to the playoffs, but things are rough right now for those of us who love our Minnesota football.

At least we always have a lake or two to remind us why we love this state!

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: football, lakes country, Minnesota, Vikings

posted by Al at 9:39 PM
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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Wicked Weather: Just a Fluke?

Well that was certainly unpleasant.

Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty much a rude awakening to those of us enjoying a mild Minnesota fall - cold, rain, snow and worst of all, crazy wind. Records were set across the Midwest for wind speeds - the national weather service considered the storm an in-land hurricaine, for Pete's sake! I lost some siding off my house, and I know plenty of people who lost shingles - it was a pretty intense storm.

But it looks like things are clearing up for Halloween weekend and beyond. The forecast calls for mild weather, even a little warmer than the usual for this time of year. It's music to our ears, especially after what we dealt with the last few days.

We'll keep this weather for as long as we can - winter is coming!

Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

[Edit: as of Sunday night, the forecast projects highs in the 40s and 50s through next weekend for Otter Tail Country - get out there and take advantage!]

Labels: fall, lakes, lakes country, otter tail country, weather, winterizing

posted by Al at 5:48 PM
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Monday, October 25, 2010

Winter-Type Weather Sneaks Up on Otter Tail Country

This Wednesday, the high temperature will be 34 degrees Fahrenheit. That's cold, even for Minnesota. After all, we've had days in the mid 70s this month!

Up to just a few days ago, the weather has been nothing short of outstanding here in Otter Tail Country. It doesn't get any better than wearing short sleeves after the leaves have changed color. Doing yard work at home or at the lake is a lot more enjoyable when you don't have to wear a jacket or stocking cap while doing it.

But it couldn't last forever. It's getting cold, and it's getting cold fast. High winds followed by cold temperatures plus precipitation equals a startling wake-up call: winter is around the corner.

Don't get me wrong - I'm hoping for plenty of fall before the snow officially flies. It's just a bummer when we realize that it does eventually get chilly.

We just have to remember: it'll get warmer again after just a few short months.

Until then...

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: fall, lakes country, otter tail country, weather, winterizing

posted by Al at 9:13 PM
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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Fall Walleye Fishing Tips

We've found a video that shares some great fishing tips. It's set in Ontario, Canada, but the tips relate to those of us in Otter Tail Country in Minnesota as well.

Take these tips with you when you're out on one of our many lakes this fall - you'll be sure to enjoy some great success!

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: fall, fishing, fishing tips, lakes, lakes country, otter tail country

posted by Al at 10:23 PM
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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Camping in Otter Tail Country? We've Got the Place.

Fergus Falls' DeLagoon Recreation Area is a great option for outdoor camping.

At just $5 per night for tents and $15 for campers, you can't go wrong with this priced-right campground.

Bring the family out for a night or weekend, or if you're not a local, park the RV at DeLagoon for a big savings over a motel room for the family.

DeLagoon Recreation Area is just another way to enjoy Otter Tail Country!

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: camping, fall, lakes, otter tail country

posted by Al at 10:46 PM
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Find Otter Tail Country Tourism on Facebook and Twitter!

We've decided to jump on board the whole social media thing - please come find us! We're new to this, so please bear with us as we get things in order and gain some steam - but until then, we'd love to have you join us.

We'll try to keep you informed on news about our area, fun facts, and things to do.

Find and "like" us on facebook!

Follow our tweets on Twitter!

Like I said - we're just getting started, but would like some input from you guys as we develop our pages.

Thanks, faithful fans!

Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: lakes country, news, social media, tourism

posted by Al at 10:25 PM
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Monday, October 18, 2010

This Weather - Seriously!

Have we mentioned how much we like these temperatures?

It doesn't seem like October in Otter Tail Country, as we've been mentioning before. It's strange that we're not writing about how cold it is, or how the first snow has flown - it's just downright nice outside.

Sure, there are windy and cloudy days, but we're not freezing, and that's something to be thankful for. Fishermen are out on the lake, catching those fish trying to fatten up for the winter slow down. Instead of staying away from lake cabins and cottages, people are out there raking leaves so they can enjoy their lawns for a few more weeks.

We'll never complain about temperatures in the mid 60s half way through October - keep this up, Mother Nature!

Labels: fall, lakes country, weather

posted by Al at 10:38 PM
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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Fall in Otter Tail Country - What to Do?

One question - have you been to Inspiration Peak State Park?

If your answer is no, I don't expect to hear anything about not having anything to do in Otter Tail Country when it isn't prime lakes time.

From the top of the peak (the second highest point in Minnesota) you can see nine lakes and three counties...how many times can you say you've done that? Thanks to the glaciers that went through our area quite a few thousand years ago, you can experience a one-of-a-kind view like Inspiration Peak.

In addition to the view, there's some great hiking trails. Don't forget to pack a lunch - Inspiration Peak State Park is a great picnic spot!

Just another "inspiring" thing to enjoy in Otter Tail Country!

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: entertainment, fall, hiking, picnic, seasons, state parks, things to do

posted by Al at 10:37 PM
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Monday, October 11, 2010

Indian Summer a Welcome Treat

This past weekend has been wonderful in the weather department. Continuing into Monday, we've enjoyed high temperatures from the mid 70s to low 80s - a rare treat in Minnesota!

We're usually bracing ourselves for snow in mid October, not wearing shorts and T shirts (I heard there were shirtless guys tailgating before the UND football game in Grand Forks, ND this weekend!).

While we may pay for it this winter, we'll take all the Indian Summer days we can get in this part of the country - Otter Tail Country.

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: indian summer, lakes, lakes country, weather

posted by Al at 10:11 PM
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Saturday, October 9, 2010

Minnesota Vikings - Will Moss be the Answer?

Late this past week, the Minnesota Vikings picked up Randy Moss from the New England Patriots. Will it be the spark they need to get back to where they were last night?

The state of Minnesota is known for it's heart-wrenching professional sports teams as it is its gorgeous lakes country. The Vikings brought us within inches of the Superbowl last winter, but couldn't seal the deal. This year, we thought we'd pick up where we left off, only with a bad taste in our mouth to make us strive for excellence.

But we're sitting 1-3 with some losses that should never have happened. Things haven't worked out quite right, but there's still some hope - there aren't many teams that look perfect anymore.

With the addition of our old friend Randy Moss as a deep threat, could we get back in the hunt for a championship?

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: football, lakes, lakes country, Minnesota, Vikings

posted by Al at 10:15 PM
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Monday, October 4, 2010

Fall's Color Explosion

Fall is in full swing in Otter Tail Country - cool nights, brisk mornings, waterfowl migrating, trees going through their wonderful color changes from green to red to orange finally to yellow and brown before falling and making the crunchy underfoot for those cool evening walks.

The lakes are still active, with the ducks and geese from up north moving down, loons and seagulls packing up and hitting the road, and die-hard fishermen working hard for those fall walleyes and bass.

The woods, with the beautiful trees and blanket of crisp leaves on the floor come to life with squirrels getting ready for winter and deer trying to fatten up for the long winter months to come.

There's no doubt - a Minnesota Fall is a beautiful thing.

Labels: fall, Minnesota, otter tail country, seasons

posted by Al at 4:49 PM
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Friday, October 1, 2010

"Minnesota Gurls" is a Minnesota Twist on the Katy Perry Hit Song

Many states have given their version of this summer's popular single "California Girls", and the great state of Minnesota didn't want to be left out.

Some clever MN youngsters put this video together as a response to the hit song:

They touch on many of the things we love about our state - the lakes, the beaches, the lutefisk...er...wait...

Give the song a listen and let us know what you think!

-Al, Otter Tail Country Tourism Team

Labels: Minnesota, music, otter tail country, songs, summer