Parks & Trails

DUNTON LOCKS COUNTY PARK

Located 2.5 miles south of Detroit Lakes on Highways 59 and 6, Dunton Locks County Park is next to the DNR Fish Hatchery. Bring a picnic lunch and sit under one of two covered shelters. Fish off the pier. Bike or hike the trails - in the fall they're bright with changing leaf colors and in the winter the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. Learn about the area's cultural and natural history through interpretive signage. Try a Detroit Lakes classic - a tram ride between Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie. On weekends through the summer, this tram moves your boat from one lake to the other. Operators are available weekends and holidays from about noon to dusk.

SUCKER CREEK PRESERVE

A precious gem in northwest Minnesota, 64 acres of swamp, trout stream, woods and prairie within the City of Detroit Lakes have been preserved for future generations. A half mile paved trail invites visitors to a 110-seat amphitheater in the woods. Educational signage teaches about natural history, birds, water and plants. Drive about 2 miles east of Detroit Lakes on Highway 10, turn right on 290th Avenue, then drive 3/10 mile. For information, call Sally Hausken 218-847-8032.

CITY PARKS

City Park is located by the beach on West Lake Drive in Detroit Lakes. Its pavilion has been a landmark at City Park for decades and is available to rent for events. In 2008, the first flagship raingarden was planted during the Festival of Birds. Interpretive signage explains the importance of eco-friendly raingardens while chainsaw art situates permanent wildlife in the park. Other parks within the city offer shaded areas with picnic tables, tennis courts, playgrounds, disc golf, skateboarding, softball, basketball, table tennis and shuffleboard.

PARKS WITHIN AN HOUR OR LESS

Three state parks and a state forest are located within an hour of Detroit Lakes. They include Maplewood State Park, 25 minutes south; Buffalo River State Park, 30 minutes west;Smoky Hills State Forest, 20 minutes east; and Itasca State Park, one hour east of Detroit Lakes.

TRAIL SYSTEM

Explore several trails that Detroit Lakes is part of - Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, Lake Country Scenic Byway, and Winter Wonderland snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. Ask for a publication detailing each of these. America's longest hiking trail, stretching over 4600 miles, is extending to Becker County. Find out more about the North Country National Scenic Trail and the recreational opportunities the trail will provide.