Becker County: Nature, Trails and Culture

Becker County manages nearly 75,000 acres of public trust land. These lands are open for activities such as hunting, hiking, ATV riding, birdwatching and nature observation. Which areas are accessible and what seasonal conditions apply may vary. Becker County also maintains parks, public water access points, motorized and non-motorized recreation routes, and a swimming beach. Facilities and seasonal operations may change; check current notices before visiting.

Three landscapes meet at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

At Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, eastern hardwood forests, northern coniferous forests and western tallgrass prairie meet. This changing mix of habitats gives the refuge its distinctive landscape character. Visitors can explore at different scales: the Discovery Loop Trail is half a mile long and next to the visitor center. The five-mile Wildlife Drive leads to an observation platform overlooking Blackbird Lake. This offers a choice between a short walk and a longer drive with a viewpoint. Trail conditions may vary seasonally; driving conditions on the Wildlife Drive also vary with the seasons.

By the water and on the trails at Dunton Locks County Park

The 53-acre Dunton Locks County Park is located on the shores of Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie. A mechanical boat tram transports boats, personal watercraft and pontoons between the two lakes. For visitors interested in how the waterways are connected, this facility is a distinctive feature of the park. The park also has 3.7 miles of hiking, mountain biking and cross-country ski trails. These different uses make the trails appealing for a walk or bike ride as well as cross-country skiing; the information describes the activities, not a specific difficulty level.

Seasonal options at Detroit Mountain

Detroit Mountain Recreation Area includes 45 acres of ski terrain, 21 named runs and two terrain parks. For Nordic cross-country skiing, there are seven miles of groomed trails designed for both classic and skate skiing. These offerings have different focuses: downhill runs and terrain parks on the one hand, and trails for two styles of cross-country skiing on the other. In the warmer months, chairlift rides for mountain bikers and hikers are offered on weekends. Operations depend on the season and weather; visitors planning a trip should take current conditions into account.

Stage, history and learning

The Historic Holmes Theatre presents performances by national, international and local groups. A section of the building added in 1931 is now the theater; its stage and auditorium are designed in the Art Deco style. The historic building and its performance program offer culture enthusiasts different ways to enrich their stay.

The Becker County Historical Society & Museum preserves local history through exhibits, artifacts and heritage materials, and maintains a research library. The Becker County Museum has a Science Center with interactive STEM exhibits that offer children hands-on learning. This brings both local history and science and technology into focus. The exhibits on display may change.

An annual event in July

The Becker County Fair is held every year in July. The program includes a carnival, a demolition derby, exhibits, food and entertainment. This annual event brings together a range of activities; specific offerings may vary from year to year. Check the dates and program for your travel plans.

When choosing when to travel, you can first consider whether nature observation, trails and proximity to the water, winter sports, culture or a seasonal event should be your main focus. Becker County brings together these varied interests, without every activity being tied to the same season. If you are planning a hotel stay, deciding what matters most can help you shape your trip around the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Detroit Lakes, Chickasaw County, Le Sueur County, Morrison, Murray, Marquette, Anoka, Clearwater County.

For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.