Explore Todd County: Lakes, Trails and History

In Todd County, forest in the east meets prairie in the west. The county’s lakes cover a combined area of more than 27,000 acres and shape the landscape. You can focus your trip on lakes and trails, local history or regional events.

Lakes, Water Trails and Parks

The Sauk River State Water Trail begins at Lake Osakis in Todd County. The Long Prairie River was designated a state water trail in 2001. At Lake Osakis, Battle Point County Park forms a peninsula; it also has a boat access point to the lake. Access and conditions may change, so it’s worth checking before you travel.

Dower Lake Recreation Area has nature trails and 20 modern campsites with electrical hookups. Check camping availability before your trip; trail conditions may also change. Bass Lake has a concrete boat ramp and a fishing pier. One access point is marked as accessible. Check its condition and signage before you go.

For route planning, the Lake Wobegon Trail offers specific information about length and direction: its section in Todd County is 7.6 miles long, passes through West Union and heads south to the Stearns County line. Route measurements may be updated. Living Legacy Garden is a public garden at the Central Lakes College Ag Center.

In Long Prairie, Riverside Park combines a historic walking tour with WPA ruins. Lake Charlotte Park has a swimming beach and facilities for volleyball, basketball, pickleball and softball. Harmony Park offers walking paths and features three mosaic artworks. The options range from a historic walking tour to parks with sports facilities and outdoor art.

Museums and Local History

Christie Home Museum is a house built in 1901 in the Queen Anne style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. Todd County Historical Museum is located on the former site of the Winnebago Indian Agency; one of the museum’s rooms is an old one-room schoolhouse.

Individual items in the collections also tell the story of local communities. Eagle Bend Museum has hundreds of artifacts, including a hammer from an old school desk that Senator Hubert H. Humphrey returned. Bertha Museum is housed in a bank building dating to 1904 and displays records from the former Bertha Hospital as well as bound editions of the Bertha Herald. Clarissa Museum contains materials on the community’s early history.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The Todd County Fair dates back to 1883. The fair is a community celebration of heritage and progress. Depending on the year, its program may include a rodeo, demolition derby, carnival rides and live music; specific offerings may vary. If you’d like to plan your trip around the fair, check the dates in advance.

The Clotho Ice Cream Social takes place on the first Sunday in August near Clotho United Methodist Church. Check the details for the relevant year before planning your visit. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: lakes and trails, local history or an event date each offer a different starting point for planning your trip.

Explore more destinations: Long Prairie, Sherburne County, Goodhue, Carver, Pipestone County, Steele County, Mower County, Marquette.

For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.