Detroit Lakes Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Detroit Lakes with this helpful guide covering places to visit, activities, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and more.


Comprehensive Travel Guide to Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes is a gorgeous city located in Northwestern Minnesota, USA. It’s a perfect vacation spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This comprehensive travel guide will give you all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to Detroit Lakes.

Introduction to Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes is a stunning place known for its scenic lakes, rolling hills, and lush greenery. With a population of around 8,500, it’s a small but vibrant city with plenty to offer travelers. The city is a popular tourist spot, especially in summers, for its beaches, water sports, hiking trails, and more. Detroit Lakes is also known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

List of Places to Visit in Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes has a lot to offer tourists, with plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained. Here are some must-visit places in Detroit Lakes.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Becker County Museum
  • Historic Holmes Theatre
  • White Earth Indian Reservation

Natural Attractions of Detroit Lakes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Detroit Lake Beach
  • Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
  • Dunton Locks County Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Detroit Lakes

  • Heartland Trail
  • Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
  • Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

Best Things to Do in Detroit Lakes: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Golfing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Snowmobiling
  • Ice Fishing

Week-Long Itinerary for Detroit Lakes

Day Activity
1 Visit Becker County Museum, Historic Holmes Theatre, and White Earth Indian Reservation.
2 Relax at Detroit Lake Beach and explore the nearby Dunton Locks County Park.
3 Go hiking or biking on Heartland Trail.
4 Enjoy water sports like kayaking and canoeing.
5 Go fishing or golfing.
6 Take a horseback riding tour.
7 Go snowmobiling or ice fishing if the weather allows it.

Food and Drink Scene of Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes is known for its delicious food and drinks, which reflect the city’s culture and tradition. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pasty
  • Wild rice soup
  • Sweet corn
  • Lefse

Local Beverages

  • Surly Brewing Co. beer
  • Honeycrisp hard cider
  • Norther Lights Vodka

Where to Stay in Detroit Lakes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Detroit Lakes has accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some recommended places to stay in Detroit Lakes.

  • Holiday Inn on the Lake
  • Best Western Premier The Lodge
  • Red River Lodge

What to Buy in Detroit Lakes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Detroit Lakes has plenty of local products and souvenirs for travelers to bring home. Here are some recommended items.

  • Wild rice
  • Local pottery
  • Lefse
  • Handmade soaps

Local Culture and Customs of Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes has a rich cultural heritage that reflects in its art, cuisine, and festivals. The city is home to multiple ethnic communities, and it’s known for its warm hospitality. Detroit Lakes celebrates several festivals every year, including a Native American powwow and a Scandinavian festival.

Best Time to Visit Detroit Lakes

The best time to visit Detroit Lakes is during summers, between June to August. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the lakes are perfect for water sports and outdoor activities. The city also hosts several festivals during summers, making it an ideal time for tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Detroit Lakes

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Attend the local festivals.
  • Explore the city’s nature trails and parks.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Attempt any water sports or outdoor activities without proper equipment and training.
  • Disrespect the natural resources, including lakes and wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes is a safe city. However, tourists are advised to take standard safety precautions such as keeping your valuables safe and keeping an eye on your surroundings.

Health in Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes has several hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical care. It’s always recommended to carry travel insurance and contact local healthcare providers in case of any medical emergencies.

Getting to Detroit Lakes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Detroit Lakes is easy. Here are some transportation options.

Airports Near Detroit Lakes

  • Hector International Airport in Fargo, ND (70 miles away)
  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

Bus Stations Near Detroit Lakes

  • Greyhound bus station in Fargo, ND (70 miles away)

Other Options

  • Car rental services
  • Private taxis

How to Get Around in Detroit Lakes

Getting around Detroit Lakes is easy. Renting a car is a good option, or tourists can also use private taxis or public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Detroit Lakes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Fargo, ND (70 miles away)
  • Bemidji, MN (100 miles away)
  • Grand Forks, ND (125 miles away)

Conclusion

Detroit Lakes is an excellent place for a relaxing vacation. With its scenic views, fun activities, delicious food, and warm hospitality, it’s perfect for travelers looking for a quiet break from their daily lives. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you plan a memorable trip to Detroit Lakes.