Detroit Lakes, MN
Population: 9,165
Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, and the Detroit Lakes area holds a couple lakes that feed into each other creating a diverse and expansive wildlife system that lives alongside the local population. People learn to boat and swim in the region as soon as possible. One kid I spoke started out fishing with his and now even goes by himself to try and catch the big one.
Bridge between Lake Sallie and Lake Muskrat
Sucker Creek Preserve
Through the generosity of many local families and businesses this nature preserve was made possible. It is maintained by the city of Detroit Lakes, and is a great place to walk the dog on the paved paths or venture down some trails for a couple of hours.
It's a nice escape from the bustling lake front and is open year round to the public. Having gone to many parks and preservation areas on this trip, I envy those that get to see them in the fall.
The sheer amount of trees and color changing leaves is something I can't wait to experience for myself someday.
Dan and his Land Barge - Lakes Sallie and Muskrat
As a Marine he was able to travel the world, now he helps people travel their boats from Lake Sallie to Lake Muskrat and back.
Dan grew up in Detroit Lakes, and came back after his service ended. That was 30 years ago. Dan loves his job because he gets to meet all the tourists who come through with their jet skis or pontoons. He also maintains a great relationship with the locals and year rounders.
His land barge shuts down after labor day, so you better pick a side of the lake and stay there once the summer season ends. He doesn't advise trying to jump the gap between the two lakes.
The $20 you'll spend riding his round trip barge is a far better deal than what you'd spend trying to get your boat unstuck after you've run it aground.
Detroit Lakes, MN
During the summer Detroit Lakes grows from its original 9,000 to just around 16,000 and even on sunday the main strip near the lakes northern shore is bustling all day. Tourists mainly stick to the lakefront and boardwalk shops and restaurants. However the nature preserves and other nearby lakes are worth checking out, less crowded, and you can always come back later in the day like I did to an empty beach at Detroit Lake. It was nice soaking my feet after the day spent hiking around, and I even found the courage to jump off the dock and into the cold water.