Ottertail: Lakes, Trails and History

Ottertail combines waterside recreation with a trail between two parts of town and specific local landmarks. When planning your trip, you can weigh whether fishing and watersports, a route on foot or using another form of transportation, or local history best suits your interests.

A trail between two areas

A biking and walking trail connects the two areas of Ottertail. The route, which is just over 1.5 miles long, runs between the old part of town and the section of the city along Highway 78. It is open to cyclists, pedestrians and inline skaters. So it is not just a walking path: cycling and inline skating are also explicitly permitted. Its length gives you a concrete point of reference for planning your day, while connecting two parts of town is what makes the route especially useful. If you plan to use it, check the current trail conditions beforehand.

Lakes and water activities

Ottertail's waterside recreation includes several lakes: Otter Tail, Portage, Donald, Long Lake, Buchanan and Pelican Bay. Activities include fishing, swimming, boating and other watersports. Otter Tail Lake is the largest lake in town and a fishing spot for walleye and other fish species. This makes it a specific point of interest for anglers within a broader range of water activities. The differences are therefore not just in the names of the lakes, but also in whether fishing or another watersport will shape your stay.

Boats, pontoons, jet skis, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards can be used for recreational activities on one of the surrounding lakes. The specific types of watercraft help you narrow down your interests: you can choose a water activity based on the watercraft you want to use rather than just the general category of watersports. This makes the type of waterside experience part of your trip planning, alongside choosing an activity.

Landmarks and local history

A 10-foot-tall otter statue stands at the intersection of Main Street and Buchanan Road in Ottertail. Its precise location at the junction of two named streets makes it a specific local landmark. The statue differs from the trail connecting two parts of town: it is a single prominent point, while the trail itself is a route between areas. If you also consider local landmarks when planning your trip, you can use the statue as a point of reference.

The Saint Paul House is a former hotel and the only remaining building of Otter Tail City. It is located in the old part of Ottertail. This historical connection differs from the waterside recreation and transportation options described here: the house recalls the former town of Otter Tail City and its own former use. For travelers who want to consider the town not only in terms of activities but also its history, it is a specific point of historical interest.

Discover more destinations: Perham, Parkers Prairie, Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids

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