Moments Become Memories at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
Stretching about 1,608 feet to the summit, Detroit Mountain in Becker County offers year-round recreation for residents and visitors alike on its 310-acre property. The Mountain is located just 3.5 miles east of the city of Detroit Lakes at 29409 170th Street.
Summer and Fall Sports at the Mountain
On the weekends in the warmer months, mountain bikers and hikers can enjoy a peaceful and scenic chairlift ride to the top of the Mountain, enjoy the views and hike or ride back down.
Once at the top, riders can choose from a variety of trails that cater to different skill levels. Advanced beginners may enjoy the thrill of descending the mountain on one of the rolling green level trails while more advanced and experienced riders may enjoy the blue and black level trails with large berms, jumps and drops. “Rollers are an undulation that is purposely built into the trail to make it more fun for the rider,” said Tony Schmitz, the operations and rentals manager for Detroit Mountain.
In addition to eight downhill gravity trails that are lift accessible, the Mountain provides 13 miles, with more to come, of cross country singletrack trails. These trails may also be utilized by hikers and pedal assisted electric bikes (e-bikes). Schmitz noted that visitors can bring their own bikes or rent bikes daily, including e-bikes, from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend at the main lodge.
“The gravity fed downhill trails are designed for the more advanced rider,” Schmitz said. “But the cross country singletrack trails, though designed to be challenging, are suitable for most who are comfortable on a bicycle and have basic bike control.” With the advancement of pedal assisted e-bikes, he noted “The e-bike option provides those users to put on more miles than they may physically be able to otherwise, giving them the experience of what draws others to the sport. It’s a more exciting way to get exercise and the thrill of riding fun trails.”
A mountain bike skills area and skills trail are also popular with the younger kids and the Mountain also has an exciting natural play area/playground on site.
©Tony Schmitz Photo
Winter Sports at the Mountain
When the temperature drops and the landscape turns into a picturesque snowscape, the Mountain offers alpine downhill runs for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. The mountain hosts a 210-foot vertical drop, 45 acres of skiable terrain along with a separate tubing park. On the slopes, skiers and snowboarders have 21 named runs and two terrain parks to slide down.
“We have runs for beginners, intermediate, advanced and those that call themselves extreme skiers or snowboarders,” Schmitz said. “A ski run with a steep grade takes more skill because you must have the ability to control yourself and to keep your speed in check. Anyone looking for a ski or snowboard lesson can find that at the Mountain, too.”
©Tony Schmitz Photo
Downhill skiers and snowboarders may also enjoy the obstacles found at the Scheels Terrain Parks. Grinding on pipes called “rails”, gliding off boxes or getting air off a jump to pull off a trick can add to the fun of the sport. The downhill slopes are served by two overhead triple chairlifts, two high speed tow ropes and two magic carpets.
Two magic carpets are also found at the Landslide Tubing Park. Essentially, the rider pulls the snow tube onto the magic carpet behind them, which resembles a conveyor belt and provides an easy ride back to the top for another exhilarating slide back down the hill. There is a warming lodge at the top of the tubing hill, where tubers can enjoy hot cocoa, coffee or snacks before or after a snow-tubing session. Tubing is popular with families for two hours of wallet-friendly fun.
Cross country skiers will also find Detroit Mountain provides groomed nordic trails on the property. With abundant tree cover, there are seven miles of trails that cater to classic and skate ski enthusiasts, with a chance to see deer and other wildlife. Classic skiers utilize tracks that are set into the groomed trail, whereas skate skis use flat groomed trails. The Detroit Lakes Area Nordic Ski Club grooms and maintains the cross country ski trails. Detroit Mountain also provides ski tuning (sharpening and waxing) services on site.
Ski and snowboard rentals along with daily lift tickets must be purchased online at detroitmountain.com. Tickets for tubing may be purchased online or on-site the day of. Mountain bike rentals are available on-site during the summer months, or bring your own bike. Hours of operation vary depending on the season and weather, so be sure to check their website for updated information before heading out.
The main lodge features the rentals shop, a Cafe with grab-and-go food options and seating featuring a scenic view of the slopes, a cozy fireplace, and gift shop with Detroit Mountain gear, skis, goggles, helmets, gloves, mittens and more. The Aces Wild Saloon has post-ski & ride beverages available as well as live music on Friday nights during the winter season. Be sure to put on your boogie shoes for the annual outdoor concert event, Music on the Mountain, featuring a well-known musical artist each summer.
Discover the interactive public art at the Mountain. A mammoth constructed from natural wood and branches, Mashaal the Mammoth stands 20 feet tall, eight feet wide and stretches 30 feet long. The interactive public art structure offers a staircase inside a hollowed-out leg that leads into a small play area for youth. “At the top of the bunny hill is a monolith-mirrored structure to explore, as well,” Schmitz said. He hinted that even more popular wooden art attractions will be coming summer of 2024 to Detroit Mountain.
The Mountain was revived through a community effort. After being defunct for many years, in 2010 a group began fundraising. More than $9 million was raised to purchase the mountain, build a lodge and restore the recreational landmark. “Once it was built and ready to open, a non-profit gifted it to the city of Detroit Lakes,” Schmitz recalled. “It is now managed by DMRA (Detroit Mountain Recreational Area), a non-profit.”
Since opening, Detroit Mountain averages around 45,000 recreational enthusiasts visiting each season. Check out what makes this year-round attraction so appealing with a day or weekend trip to Detroit Mountain, where your moments will become memories.
Contact Information
29409 – 170th Street Detroit Lakes MN 56501
Driving Directions:
29409 170th St, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
One Mile east of Detroit Lakes on Hwy 34. Turn south on Otto Zeck Road, at T turn west on Mountain Rd. look for our sign on your left!