Detroit Lakes was originally founded in 1871 by Colonel George Johnston. It was first called only Detroit, but its name was changed in 1927 to differentiate it from the major city of Detroit, Michigan. The city expanded significantly due to the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and in 1877, it was decided that it would be the county seat of Becker County. By 1884, there were many businesses in town, including several hotels, a bank, an opera house, and a newspaper. As it happens, some of these historic buildings are still standing to this day. Detroit Lakes remains a small, quiet community with a current population of around 10,000.
Detroit Lakes is mostly known for its huge collection of lakes, and if you're looking for some outdoor fun, you could select one of them for a day of boating and fishing. Alternatively, you could make your way to Detroit Mountain Recreation Area to enjoy some mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding. If you're feeling like more of a leisurely outdoor experience, you could work on your golf swing over at the Detroit Country Club.
It isn't always warm and sunny in Detroit Lakes, and there are certainly plenty of options for indoor activities and entertainment. If you want to get some shopping done, you could visit SuLaine's Antique Mall or browse the many vendors at the Shady Hollow Flea Market. Another option is to learn about the region's interesting history at the Becker County Museum. Then, when you're in the mood for some delicious food and wine, you can enjoy both over at The Fireside, which has been a staple in the community since 1948.
WE FEST Music Festival - The annual WE FEST Music Festival is happening in early August at Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes. The popular festival will include live performances from a variety of world-class musical artists.
Annual Ladybug Festival - All are invited to attend Fargo's Annual Ladybug Festival in late July. Attendees will enjoy tasty treats, fun activities, and the chance to release ladybugs onto plants!
Food Truck Festival - If you're up for sampling a bunch of delicious food, come on out to the annual Food Truck Festival in West Fargo, ND. The event is taking place in mid-August and will include 20 food trucks, eating challenges, vendors, and even corgi races.
Voyageurs National Park is a fantastic place to visit for anyone who likes spending time out on the water. Located in International Falls, MN, the park is more than 40% water, comprising over 200,000 acres and featuring four large lakes and 26 smaller lakes. During your visit, you can make use of the many bodies of water for fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, and ice fishing. The park also features 27 miles of scenic hiking trails to explore. During the winter, it's an excellent destination for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Badlands National Park is an amazing natural area found in western South Dakota. Eroded buttes and pinnacles jut out from the ground, giving the park a strange and unique landscape. The area is home to fascinating wildlife species like prairie dogs, bison, and bighorn sheep. Some of the popular activities for visitors to the park include hiking, biking, backcountry camping, and stargazing.
Named after one of the country's most outdoorsy presidents, Theodore Roosevelt National Park covers just over 70,000 acres in North Dakota. The park is most known for being one of the most pristine bison habitats in the country, and many visitors are lucky enough to spot the amazing creatures. Visitors can also hike through the prairies and badlands, go kayaking or fishing in the gentle streams, or enjoy a tranquil experience backcountry camping in the beautiful setting.
Situated near Battle Lake, MN, Glendalough State Park is a wonderful fishing destination, offering the chance to catch bullhead, bluegill, sunfish, and many other fish species. The park also boasts lovely trails to explore as well as a historic lodge where you can learn about the area's history.
Glacial Lakes State Park is home to several peaceful lakes and ponds in central Minnesota. Many make the trip to the area to partake in water-based activities, like ice fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The park is an excellent destination for wildlife viewing as well, inhabited by cougars, timberwolves, elk, bison, bald eagles, falcons, and many other amazing species.
In addition to being a picturesque nature area, Crow Wing State Park has a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The nearby river offers superb opportunities for paddling and fishing, and there are scenic hiking trails perfect for bird-watching and wildlife viewing.
It's worth taking a detour or two during your travels to visit some of Minnesota's fascinating monuments and landmarks. While you're in the Minneapolis area, one destination you should check out is the Mall of America, which has the distinction of being the largest mall on the planet. The shopping center features 5.6 million square feet of indoor shopping space and contains a theme park, an aquarium, mini-golf courses, many restaurants, and a whole lot more.
Another worthwhile Minneapolis landmark is the Mill City Museum. There, you can learn about the city's unique milling history and browse a variety of interesting exhibits. The museum even features the architectural remains of the operational mill that was once found at the site.
You should also stop by the impressive Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a beautiful outdoor area boasting 40 permanent public art installations, including the iconic sculpture of a cherry balanced on a spoon. The sculpture garden offers free admission and provides some wonderful photo opportunities.
Plenty of top-notch campgrounds can be found in the greater Detroit Lakes area. For one, there's the Governors’ RV Park and Campground, which boasts 45 full-hookup RV campsites available for $39 per night or $175 per week. The campground offers many amenities, including a game room, an exercise room, a pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, a cocktail lounge, and a water slide.
You could also have a peaceful experience camping at Eggerts Landing Campground. The quiet park is home to 37 RV campsites, which cost only $26 per night to rent. The campsites offer electrical hookups, and guests have convenient access to nearby hiking trails, shops, and restaurants.
Hillsboro Campground is another superb camping area to consider. There, you can rent one of the 34 full-hookup RV campsites for $30 per night or $200 per week. The campsites are large enough to easily accommodate big rigs, and the park features several playground areas for the kids.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Detroit Lakes, MN RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Detroit Lakes, MN?Detroit Lakes has plenty of highway access to make RV driving a breeze. The city has many parks, bodies of water and open spaces to visit. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, the Trowbridge Creek Zoo, or one of the pubs or craft breweries in town.
What are the RV rental requirements in Detroit Lakes, MN?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites. if you are unsure about traveling there and any regulations they may have, double checking with the state will provide some peace of mind!
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Detroit Lakes, MN?Renting an RV in Detroit Lakes, MN means endless blue skies and wide open roads. With all the wide open space between destinations, make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. You'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with showers, laundry, and other amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or visit off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Detroit Lakes, MN?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Detroit Lakes, MN RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Detroit Lakes, MN?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Detroit Lakes, MN RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Detroit Lakes, MN?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.