Parks, Trails, and Nature Centers
For those who enjoy natural beauty, Otter Tail Country is a recreational paradise. The areas two state parks, Maplewood and Glendalough, offer a variety of activities and programs throughout the year. Don’t forget about the many county and city parks though. Enjoy a morning hike at Inspiration Peak, or a relaxing picnic in one of our beautifully landscaped public parks. The area also offers scenic hiking, jogging and biking trails, opportunities for bird watching, and many opportunities for environmental education. You’ll love the many outdoor opportunities in Otter Tail Country.
Broken Down Dam Park
This city owned dam gave away in 1909, but the ruins create a beautiful, rustic, scenic attraction! It is a great picnic area! Location: Drive east on Mt. Faith. Watch for signs!
Central Lakes Trail
The Central Lakes Trail is a major corridor that lies in the central hills and lakes region of Otter Tail County. This trail can be used for the summertime activities of biking, rollerblading, running and walking. The trail can also be used for snowmobiling in the winter. This gorgeous feature lies in a 99-mile rail bed, parts of which are completely hidden from any sign of traffic. Visiting the trail makes for a very relaxing and enjoyable pastime. Location: Enter the trail at De Lagoon park on the south side of Fergus Falls.
Glendalough State Park
With more than nine miles of undeveloped shoreline and six lakes, this angler's paradise is one of the last large tracts of undeveloped lakeshore and land in west central Minnesota. During spring and fall migration, to the delight of bird watchers, the park becomes a major waterfowl staging area. Two observation areas in the park provide excellent opportunities to see wildlife activity. Take advantage of the excellent fishing, bird watching, and hiking trails through oak and northern hardwood forests. Location: 3 miles northeast of Battle Lake.
Inspiration Peak Park
Inspiration Peak is the second highest point in Minnesota. The park offers a panoramic view of nine lakes and three counties. This is a great place for family hikes, picnics, and bird watching. Location: 10 miles south of Clitherall.
Maplewood State Park
With over 9,250 acres of woods, eight major lakes and several ponds, this state-protected habitat is great for hiking, bird watching, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, swimming, and fishing. It is also just a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Maplewood is famous for its heavily-forested terrain and abundant wildlife. Facilities in the park include a campground with electrical hookups, a swimming beach on South Lake Lida, boat ramps on South Lake Lida and Beers Lake, numerous picnic spots, hike-in camping areas, and forest demonstrations! Location: Between Perham and Pelican Rapids on State Hwy 108.
Old Clitherall
Site of Otter Tail County’s first permanent white settlement. Founded in 1865 by the Cutlerites, a branch of the Mormons, who fled religious persecution in Illinois.
Phelps Mill County Park
Phelps Mill is one of the most peaceful places on earth!! Check out this picturesque area on the Otter Tail River which showcases the former Maine Roller Mill originally constructed in 1889. A beautiful county park, offering a day of picnicking, walking through the park, touring the mill, fishing or browsing through Phelps Mill store across the street. If you are visiting the second weekend of July, stop by and take in the Phelps Mill Arts and Crafts Festival. Location: 20 miles northeast of Fergus Falls on CR 45 near Ottertail Lake.
Pine to Prairie Birding Trail
Minnesota’s first birding trail is an auto route linking 45 bird-watching sites, spanning three biomes and more than 200 miles in some of Minnesota’s most spectacular wild. In Otter Tail Country, a unique collection of habitats provide homes for a tremendous variety of birds. Pine forests, deciduous woodlands, native tallgrass prairie, aspen parkland, sand dunes (remnants of Glacial Lake Agassiz), calcareous fens, bogs, marshes, large and small lakes and rivers make up the transition zone that offers over 275 species of birds. Most of the sites are on public land or private reserves open to the public.
Prairie Wetland Learning Center
The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center includes 330 acres of native and restored prairie, 28 wetlands and 4 miles of trails. The Visitor Center houses a 2500 square foot exhibit area, the Bluestem Store, classrooms and the Great Hall – a multi-purpose meeting room. The Center provides both day and residential environmental education and interpretation of the prairie pothole region for learners of all ages. Free admission! Location: Just south of Fergus Falls on Hwy 210.
Seven Sisters Prairie
The "mountain" of Seven Sisters Prairie rises 190 feet above Lake Christina. It offers visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and of Lake Christina--an important stop for many species of waterfowl during migration. The unusual plants of Seven Sisters Prairie have attracted botanists since 1893. The dry and wet environments support a variety of plants, including a dozen plants at the eastern edge of their ranges, more commonly found in the Dakotas. Location: Three miles northeast of Ashby on State Hwy 78.
