2011 150+ fun things to do in Becker County by Detroit Lakes Newspapers

150fun 2011

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things

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All City Band

For nearly 50 years, the Detroit Lakes Community has gathered together its school-aged band students for a concert of epic proportions. Held in the town’s high school gym, either last week of March or first week of April, the concert features the city’s grade school, middle school and high school bands under the guidance of a guest conductor. Individual bands each play pieces, with the evening ending in a combined band performance.

All City Choir

Held the first Saturday in April at the Detroit Lakes High School Gymnasium, the All City Choir Concert features choirs from all vocal/choral music students in grades 6-12 from DLHS, DLMS, Holy Rosary School and Faith Christian Schools, under the guidance of a guest conductor with a grand finale of three mass choirs pieces performed.

Becker County Fair

Held each year at the Becker Country Fairgrounds located just off of West Lake Drive along Rossman Avenue in Detroit Lakes, the Becker County Fair features a plethora of exhibits to peruse as well as a midway, business expo and demo derby. The 2011 fair will run July 27-30.

Boats and Bars

Donning their familiar Hawaiian shirts and laid back Caribbean attitudes, the Lakes Area Parrot Heads will offer up their fifth annual Boats and Bars event scheduled for Aug. 27 on Detroit Lake. With more than 50 pontoons expected to partake in the cross-lake fundraiser adventure, moneys raised in this years events will benefit the local Habitat for Humanity organization. For more information contact the local Chamber of Commerce or log onto www.lakesareaparrotheads.com.

WE Fest

The country music and camping festival known as WE Fest will celebrate its 29th anniversary at the Soo Pass Ranch south of Detroit Lakes on Aug 4-6. With the theme “Heaven in 2011,” the lineup includes chart toppers Sugarland, Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley, up and comers like Blake Shelton, MIranda Lambert and Darius Rucker, familiar favorites Willie Nelson and the Charlie Daniels Band, and featured guests Lynyrd Skynyrd. For tickets and camping information, visit the website www.wefest.com or call the toll-free number, 1-800-493-3378.

WE Fest Karaoke Roundup

Held in conjunction with the annual music festival, this competition takes place each year from January through May at music venues throughout the Midwest. Open to the public, the local competitions allow winners to advance to regional and on June 19, a grand finale competition, where they have an opportunity to win the chance to perform live on the WE Fest stage. Keep an eye on the website, www.wefest.com, for details on how and where to enter the next competition.

High Plains Festival

The Soo Pass Ranch south of Detroit Lakes will be hosting a new music and camping festival this year, during the July 4th weekend. Trampled by Turtles will be the featured headliner for the first annual High Plains Festival, performing on Saturday, July 2. Also performing that day will be Pert Near Sandstone, Caroline Smith, Nathan Miller & Untoppable Company, and Sovereign Sect. One area band will also be chosen to perform at the festival kickoff party on Friday, July 1 —via a special “Battle of the Bands” competition on April 30 at The Aquarium in Fargo.

Coffee Shops

Hot or iced; cappuccino or latte? Coffee has become a year-round drink of choice in the lakes area. From coffee stops such as Lakes Brewed Awakening, La Barista, The Caboose and the Social Cup, there is a variety of local flair when it comes to coffee-making in the lakes area.

Doc & the Scrubs

Local Doctor Bob Watson started doc & the Scrubs in 1990. Part of the 1960s 16-piece big band called “The Commandoes,” Watson got a new band together to play at hospital benefit that year and the rest is history. A local musical institution, catch them at Tuesday Nights in the Park in the summer and various events about the area throughout the year.

Wolf Lake Harvest Festival

Wolf Lake’s 27th Annual Harvest Festival offers food, fun and even horseshoes and a softball tournament. Slated for August 12-14 in the northwestern Minnesota lake community, Wolf Lake is located at the cross roads of County Highways 36 and 38, is approximately 30 east of Detroit Lakes.

Laddies Loppet

For more than a decade, Laddie’s Loppet mountain bike race has traversed Maplelag Resort’s scenic and challenging cross-country ski trails every Labor Day Weekend. An American Mountain Bike Challenge event, Laddies Loppet is also part of the USA Cycling National Calendar series and the Alison Dunlap JR Olympic Mountain Bike Series. For more information, contact Maplelag at 1-800654-771 or email them at maplelag@tvutel.com.

Moosejaw

An annual music and dance weekend, Moosejaw is held the second weekend in March at Maplelag Resort. Drawing over 200 people for workshops, dances, jamming, and fun, the emphasis is on oldtime music and square dancing. Past workshops have included swing, Cajun, zydeco and Scandinavian dancing as well.

Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge Excellent viewing of waterfowl and birds of prey is available at Hamden Slough, located near Audubon. Its wetlands and natural grasslands are home to many interesting and unusual shore and marsh birds during their nesting and migratory seasons. Best viewing is during early morning and evening hours, May through November. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails and an overlook on interconnected wetlands. For more information, contact the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District offices by phone at 218-847-4431, send an e-mail to DetroitLakes@fw2s.gov or visit the Web site at www.fws. gov/midwest/DetroitLakes.

Parade of the Northwest

The premier event of the Northwest Water Carnival in Detroit Lakes, the Parade of the Northwest is considered one of the top five parades in the state of Minnesota and the entire upper northwest region of the United States. With well over 100 entrants, the parade will entertain thousands of people in 2010 who line Washington Avenue on July 17.

Holy rosary parish festival

Filled with colorful carnival games for the kiddies and bingo, pie and raffles for the adults, the Holy Rosary Catholic Church will be serving up its 39th annual Parish Festival on Sunday, Aug. 28. Held at the Kent Freeman Sport Arena at the Becker County Fairgrounds, the benefit includes food, fun for kids and adults, live and silent auctions… and did we mention the food?

Bird watching

ART FOR THE AGES AT EMMANUEL COMMUNITY

Relay for Life

Resorts

The lakes region is home of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, a unique partnership between the northwest Minnesota communities of Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Roseau, Thief River Falls and Warroad, as well as participating environmental and birding agencies. Pine forests, deciduous woodlands, native tallgrass prairie, aspen parkland, sand dunes (remnants of Glacial Lake Agassiz), calcareous fens, bogs, marshes, large and small lakes and rivers make up the transition zone that offers over 275 species of birds. Most of the sites are on public land or private reserves open to the public.

Scheduled for June 9 this year, Emmanuel Community’s “Art for the Ages” will display donated art from area artists and photographers that will be auctioned off at the Forest Conference Center.

With luminaries blazing into the night, the Annual Becker County Relay for Life is set to light up the lakes area come July 8 in Detroit Lakes. An American Cancer Society-sponsored event, individuals and teams collect donations for the Becker County Cancer Society and then either walk, jog or run throughout the event held this year only due to track repairs at the Detroit Lakes High School parkign lot. Funds raised during the Relay are used for cancer research, education, advocacy and service programs in the area.

From rustic retreats or luxury lodges, resorts have been an integral part of the Becker County landscape for years, with people being continually drawn to the area from cities both far and near to take part in Northern Minnesota’s cool lake waters. For more information about resorts, contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce.

ROLLAG–Western MINNESOTA STEAM THRESHERS REUNION Taking place each Labor Day weekend, the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion is held in the rolling hills near Rollag, drawing around 50,000 visitors each year. Starting in 1954, the reunion has grown from a few farmers threshing grain as their fathers did to one of the largest tractor show in Minnesota. In 2011, the thresher festival is slated to take place Sept. 2-5. For more information, log onto www.rollag.com or call 701212-2034.

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Sand Bar

Santa’s Grand Parade

A nostalgic strip of land sometimes visible − sometimes not depending on lake depth − the sand bar between Big and Little Detroit Lakes is a place to anchor your boat or pontoon for an afternoon of sandy aquatic fun. Just look for the designated swimming area floats. And for the history hounds, the sand bar gave the town and lake its identity as a one of the first travelers through the area, a French Priest, once declared the sand bar to be a beautiful “Detroit.”

Setting the holiday mood. Santa’s Grand Parade of Lights takes to Detroit Lakes’ Washington Avenue the first Monday after Thanksgiving. With strings of lights strategically draped and floats ready to roll, Santa’s Grand Parade of Lights kicks off the Christmas Holiday season in the lakes area with a little community outdoor fun, lit floats and a bonfire near the Pavilion. After the parade concludes, there will be cookies and cider served at Santa’s Village in the Washington Square Mall, with Santa on hand for photos.

Shelterfest

The Humane Society of the Lakes’ Shelterfest has become an annual happening for feline and canine lovers alike. Held at the Hotel Shoreham in August, the event will feature a silent auction, numerous raffle drawings as well as music. For more information contact the Humane Society of the Lakes at www.hsofthelakes.org or 218-847-0511.

Snellman Days

For baked goods, antiques, food and fun, check out Snellman Days . It offers everything from a unique flea market to brats on the grill and is sure to offer a little bit of something for everyone come Sept. 3, just follow Highway 34 east past Toad Lake to Snellman.

Wolf Lake Fishing DerbY

The Wolf Lake VFW Post and Auxiliary organized their first ice fishing derby in 1962. Working around varying degrees of interesting weather through the years, the Wolf Lake ice-fishing derby has only been called off twice in 40-plus years. Today’s derby offers cash prizes and lots of January ice-fishing fun.

Street Faire at the Lakes

Tamarac Fall Festival

Kicking off summer 2011 in the lakes area, the Street Faire at the Lakes is celebrating 11 years of fun, food and shopping amidst the downtown Detroit Lakes business district come June 3-4. A rain or shine event set up along Washington Avenue and Holmes and Front cross streets in Detroit Lakes, the annual street party features artisans, specialty foods and entertainment galore, culminating in a community street dance on Saturday night. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce or log onto www.dlstreetfaire.com.

Located approximately 18 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes, near the intersection of County Road 26 and 29, the Tamarac Visitor’s Center is uniquely situated where the prairie, northern hardwoods and boreal forest meet and provides a unique venue to view autumn’s show of color. Tamarac’s Fall Festival will be held on Oct. 1. For more information contact 218-847-2641.

Tuxes & TailS Get your dancing shoes out. Usually set for the end of November, Tuxes & Tail benefits the Humane Society of the Lakes. For more information about this fundraiser, contact: 218-847-0511 or log onto www.hsofthelakes.org.

Ulen Viking Sword

Sunny in DL

The Ulen Sword is an allegedly authentic Viking sword found in a field about 3 miles west of Ulen. Found by farmer Hans Strand on April 20, 1911 as he was plowing his field, the sword’s cross guard displays a helmeted soldier on one side: a breastplate covering a dagger and two crossed axes on the other. The sword is currently on display in the Ulen Historical Museum. Ulen is located in the northeast corner of Clay County in Minnesota.

Something fishy began with the creative minds of two inspired organizers and a talented local artist in the fall of 2002. The artist created a 4x2.5foot clay sunfish model. A mold was made and 50 fiberglass fish were cast, then painted by a group of local artists, with designs ranging from the serious to the whimsical. Sponsoring businesses displayed the fish throughout the following summer; several of them are still available for public viewing. Visit the Activities section at www.visitdetroitlakes.com for more information.

Tuesdays in the Park

berry picking

Take in performances by some of the area’s best musicians as you enjoy a beautiful summer evening in the DL City Park, Tuesdays from June through August. This year’s lineup includes area favorites like the Lakes Area Community Concert Band, Doc and the Scrubs, Tim Eggebraaten, Mark Fogelson, the Ulen Centennial Band, Hardwood Groove, Purple Pan Steel Drum Band and more! The season will start off with a special, ticketed performance by the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra called “Four Seasons at the Lakes,” with admission set at $12 for adults, $4 for students. All other concerts are free. The music starts every Tuesday at 7 p.m., under the Bandshell in the DL City Park. Call the Historic Holmes Theatre at 218-844-SHOW (7469) for more information.

Berry picking is popular in Becker County. If you like to hunt on public land, waterfowl production — run by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for waterfowl and migratory bird production — are open to the public and offer opportunities for berry picking and mushrooming, hunting and trapping, hiking and cross-country skiing, and wildlife and nature observation. Most WPAs lack established trails, facilities, or interpretive centers. The Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District manages WPAs in Becker, Clay, and Mahnomen Counties. The district office phone number is 218-847-4431. Berry farms are also fun. To find growers, check the Minnesota Grown Directory which lists more than 100 berry growers and farmers’ markets offering fresh berries. Berry season can be fleeting so make sure to call around to find your share. Most growers offer pick-your-own or will pick the berries for you if orders are called ahead.

boating

There aren’t too many better ways to enjoy the lakes than in a boat. The larger recreational lakes in Becker County are popular for sailing, waterskiing and pontooning, and some people like to boat through several lakes via the Pelican River chain. On summertime weekends, the county operates a tram to carry boats across a splinter of land in Dunton Locks Park between Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie. In Detroit Lakes, boat rentals are available at J&K Marina at the beach. You can get a pontoon, speedboat, fishing boat, kayak or paddle boat.

dl softball leagues Men’s, women’s, co-ed and senior leagues take to the slow-pitch mounds Monday through Thursday evenings at Detroit Lakes’ Snappy Park, west of town on Legion Road, with most games starting at 6 p.m. Area businesses often form teams and their families fill the bleachers while sipping a cold drink and chewing on sunflower seeds ... and some good-hearted bad-mouthing of the opposing team. Big tournaments generally take over on weekends, attracting teams from the tri-state area, and with the Fourth of July falling on a Monday in 2011, there’s sure to be a good ballgame to be seen that weekend, and all summer long.

builders show

CINEMA

If you’re in the lakes area next March, go to the home and garden show. It’s a fun place to be whether you’re looking to spruce up your garden or add a new screen porch onto your home. The 25th Annual Lakes Region Association Builder’s Association Home and Garden Show was held the last weekend of March at Kent Freeman Arena in Detroit Lakes. There were more than 100 booths featuring everything from patio lighting experts to screened porch builders, as well as an “Ask the Contractor” booth. Educational seminars and food are also part of the weekend’s activities.

Movies are fun, and whether you’re dealing with a rainy day in June or a blustery day in January, it’s a great excuse to sneak off to the movies. In Detroit Lakes, the movie theater is located downtown at the Washington Square Mall. It has five showing rooms, so you can always find a movie for kids, the whole family, or one geared more towards adults. The Cinema 5 has a full concession stand, and being located in the mall has its advantages: Patrons can eat at Pizza Hut, the Chinese Dragon or Dairy Queen — all located in the same wing — before the show.

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CITY PARK

City Park in Detroit Lakes is a great place to find some grassy shade from the nearby mile-long beach. It has restrooms, a playground, and lots of picnic shelters, tables and spots for grilling. On Tuesday evenings in the summer you can listen to live music in the bandshell, or use the popular disc golf course that winds up hills and through hardwood trees. There are tennis courts and a softball field across the street. In the winter you can sled, snowshoe or ski. A road loops through it, and lots of locals just park in the shade and enjoy lunch in their cars. The park is located off Washington Avenue near the Pavilion.

DUNTON LOCKS COUNTY PARK Dunton Locks County Park is a fun place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re in the mood for fishing, biking, birding, hiking or picnicking. Located 2 1/2 miles south of Detroit Lakes, there are hiking and bike trails in the park as well as two picnic shelters. A wonderful feature is a restored waterway between Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie. If you’re birding, the best time to visit is May through October. Look for the common loon, red-necked grebe, waterfowl, woodpeckers, vireos, warblers and finches.

EATING

graystone hotel

Hungry? There’s no shortage of places to eat in the area, from fine dining to casual on the beach, Detroit Lakes has a number of restaurants open year-round, and more hidden gems can be found scattered across Becker County. Ask around, the locals will tell you their favorite place to eat —be it ribs, steak, Mexican, Chinese, pizza or good oldfashioned burgers. Bon appetit!

If you’re interested in history, check out the Graystone Hotel at the corner of Washington Avenue and Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes. The Graystone, added to the National Register of Historic Places list in 1999, was engineered to be fireproof and was built in 1916, a few years after fire destroyed the magnificent Minnesota Hotel in Detroit lakes. It also boasted the modern convenience of indoor plumbing. The hotel, and the entire block, was beautifully refurbished — following strict historical guidelines — by the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corp. about 10 years ago, and is now used as affordable housing, offices and retail space.

fun at the lakes

Lakes are fun, and Becker County is loaded with them — from big recreational lakes like Detroit, Melissa, Sallie and Cormorant to smaller natural environment lakes to the pristine lakes of the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you like swimming, scuba diving, sailing, nature-watching, canoeing, water skiing, or fishing, there’s a lake for you out there. Minnesota isn’t called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing — the state boasts 11,842 lakes that are more than 10 acres in area. The Minnesota portion of Lake Superior is the largest at 962,700 acres and deepest (at 1,290 feet) body of water in the state. On top of that, Minnesota has 6,564 natural rivers and streams that cumulatively flow for 69,000 miles. Happy splashing.

library

skating fun at PEOPLE’S PARK

The Detroit Lakes Public Library is a perfect way to spend a cold winter’s evening or rainy summer day. Located at 1000 Washington Avenue, the original Carnegie building was built in 1913 with a $10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. There are more than books, magazines, newspapers and the other usual suspects at the library. There is artwork, storytime for kids and eAudiobooks from NetLibrary that are audio versions of bestsellers, book club favorites and classic fiction titles, and much more. The library, built in the prairie school style, is now on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth a look on its own merits.

If it’s a nice winter’s day in Detroit Lakes, the place to be is Peoples Park for some outdoor skating fun. The outdoor rink at Peoples Park feature a new warming house, two hockey pens and a skating area. It is lighted during the evening and is located across the street from Freeman Arena (where the indoor rinks can be found). The skating is free and open to the public, and one hockey pen was originally used by the Minnesota North Stars pro hockey team in the Twin Cities. The rink is supervised and cleaned regularly.

mushroom hunting

With three state forests, two national wildlife refuges and numerous game refuges and wildfowl production areas, mushroom picking is a popular pastime in Becker County. The Smoky Hills State Forest, for example, serves up 30 miles of snowmobile trails, exceptional hunting for deer and grouse and a popular environment for berry and mushroom picking. If you want to hunt for mushrooms on private land, the rule is the same as for hunting — make sure you first ask permission from the landowner.

muskie fishing

polar plunge

Looking for a fishing challenge? Go muskie fishing. Detroit Lake is one of the best muskie lakes in the state. Other lakes on the Pelican River chain, like Sallie and Pelican, also have muskies. For trophy-seeking anglers, there’s also muskie fishing in the Mantrap Chain and Elk Lake in Itasca State Park. And don’t forget Beers Lake in Maplewood State Park. Guide service is available throughout most of the area. Or just get out there and hit the weedlines. Happy fishing.

What could be more fun than jumping into a hole in a frozen lake in the dead of winter? In Detroit Lakes, it’s called the Polar Plunge, and the natives love it. At least, some do. The others think they’re crazy. The hardy souls who do it are raising money for the Detroit Lakes Boys and Girls Club. They raised $50,000 this year. Nothing crazy about that. Even if you don’t want to jump, it’s fun to watch — people dress up in all manner of odd garb (there’s a best costume contest) and jump both individually and in groups. Some dive with great style and dignity, others belly flop right in. The plunge is part of the city’s Polar Fest celebration in February.

sailing

There is no shortage of lakes in the area perfect for sailing and windsurfing. Fair Hills Resort bills itself as “a veritable haven for sailing enthusiasts,” and offers beginner and experienced sailors a variety of day sailors, Hobie Cat and Escape boats. Hop on board, pop up the sail and hang on for the ride of your life. Fair Hills also has windsurfing boards with sails for beginners to advanced. Lessons and instructional videos are available. Fair Hills Resort is located about 13 miles southwest of Detroit Lakes on Pelican Lake.

pavilion on the waterfront Area residents are rightly proud of the newlyrestored Pavilion on the Detroit Lakes waterfront. It has been voted the area’s No. 1 landmark by our readers. The Pavilion is looking good again, thanks to a half-million dollar renovation project. It’s not surprising it’s the most popular landmark, because a lot of memories have been made there over the years. For Baby Boomers from Fargo to Park Rapids, the Pavilion was a fun summertime place of music and teen dances. Older generations have their own memories of that oiled, buffed and polished dance floor. The Pavilion, after all, was built in 1915. Back in its prime, the Pavilion was used primarily for dances. It brought such names as Price Orchestra, The Uglies, Al Gillespie, Sonny Jenkins, Roy Orbison, Fezz Fritchie, Billy May and many more. The Detroit Record reported dance tickets were a dime a dance or 12 for $1. Some of the more enthusiastic couples would buy a night’s worth of dance tickets and drape them around their necks as they danced. On opening day, more than 2,000 people came from around the area to check out the building, eat lunch, watch a baseball game between the married men of Detroit and the married men of Audubon, have dinner and do some dancing.

tamarac national wildlife refuge For a near-pristine wildlife experience in the heart of Becker County, visit the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. It covers 42,724 acres and was established in 1938 as a refuge breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge has rolling forested hills interspersed with lakes, rivers, marshes, bogs and shrub swamps. You can see over 258 species of birds and 50 species of mammals at the refuge. Spring attracts a magnificent warbler migration, and fall is highlighted with an abundance of waterfowl, including more than 15,000 ring-necked ducks at its peak. Tamarac has a rich history, and is treasured for its hunting, fishing, ricing, maple sugaring, and forest resources. The refuge office/visitor center is located 18 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes, at the junction of County Roads 26 and 29.

resort skiing

Two resorts in Becker County are especially well known for their cross-country skiing — Maplelag and Rainbow. Rainbow resort, located in the northeastern part of the county, about 20 miles from Itasca State Park, has 23 kilometers of private skiing trails for guests. Some trails are relatively flat, making them perfect for the beginner, and others offer an abundance of hills to challenge the more advanced skier. Maplelag is a destination cross-country ski resort with 60 km of Pisten Bully groomed trails. It’s located 20 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes on Little Sugarbush Lake in a maple-basswood climax forest.

high school sporting events

Go to a high school sporting event. If you’re into sports, it can be hard to beat the enthusiasm and intensity of high school competition. While most people may think of football, volleyball or basketball when they think of high school sporting events, there is also baseball, soccer, softball, track and field, golf, tennis and other sports that are fun to watch. It’s hard to beat the intensity of a Frazee-Vergas wrestling match, for example. In the summertime, there is Legion baseball and amateur baseball at the Washington Park ball field near the beach in Detroit Lakes, and amateur teams in other places throughout the county, too, such as the Wolf Lake Wolfpack.

paintball

Paintball is a blast. It’s a fast-paced, fun, and exciting “shooting” game, in which players try to mark each other with colored dye. Players wear goggles and protective clothing and the “paint” is environmentally safe. Becker County is lucky enough to have at least two paintball operations, which offer up different turf for “battlefields” as well as a variety of closeshooting tournament-style games. All Terrain Paintball is out east on Highway 87 in Spruce Grove Township, between Frazee and Menahga. In business for seven years, the operation has three courses on site — woods, speedball and corn maze — and will also travel upon request. Foxhole 2 is located 3 miles south of Audubon on County Road 15 and a mile east on 165th Street. It is open by appointment only. Call 218-439-3294 or 218-849-2046 for more information.

waterslides

old time snowmobiles

go-carts

If you like that slip-sliding away feeling, there are a couple options for waterslides in the area. The Best Western Holland House motel on Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes boasts an indoor waterpark featuring a 133-foot waterslide, pool, hot tub and a kiddie pool with a “dew drop” waterfall. The Detroit Lakes Community Center also has a large swimming pool with a waterslide, diving area, kiddy swimming area, hot tub and sauna. Day passes are available.

Watch classic snowmobiles in action at a vintage snowmobile run. There are several held each year in Becker County. The granddaddy is The Midnite Riders Old Timers Classic Snowmobile Fun Run, geared for sleds 25 years and older, which starts in Lake Park. More than 1,000 snowmobilers with antique, old and modern sleds gather in early February for the 39-mile run. It starts at 8 a.m. and for several hours, snowmobiles of all vintages — and some best described as totally one of a kind — arrive and are parked for viewing by the public. The Ultra Snowmobile Club in Detroit Lakes also hosts a vintage snowmobile run in February, the ROLA One Lunger 100.

Go-carts are fun for everybody, and Go-Putt-NBump Amusement Park offers go-carts for younger and older kids and adults. This summer amusement area also features an eighteen-hole championship miniature golf course, which is known as one of the hardest courses in a five state area, as well as bumper boats and batting cages for softball and baseball enthusiasts. It’s located on Highway 59 South near Detroit Lakes.

Marina on detroit lake Want to take a fishing trip on Lake Detroit or just relax and enjoy the water, but don’t have a boat? That’s OK. The J&K Marina on Detroit Lake at the end of Washington Avenue can provide all your boating needs.

The Depot in DL

The White Earth Tribal Council leases the depot building from the BNSF Railroad, and the Shooting Star Casino operates the coffee shop — now housed in the completely refurbished White Earth Transit Station. Inside, customers can find ice cream, pies, pastries and coffee. There are also kiosks with native products and arts handmade from the White Earth Reservation. There is free Internet access as well. Not to mention, the depot is used as a transportation hub. White Earth Transit has daily service from the depot building to Mahnomen. On Wednesdays, there is a free shuttle to the Shooting Star Casino.

sledding

There’s nothing like sledding to make the little ones happy, and give them a good workout at the same time. In Detroit Lakes, there is an unofficial sledding hill in City Park and a higher, faster hill at the junction of Highway 34 and Roosevelt Avenue. Bring your own equipment, and don’t forget the boots!

Amateur baseball

Pine Point powwow

Head down to the ballpark and catch some amateur baseball this summer. There are plenty of games, with nine area teams in the Countryside and Hi10 Leagues. Catch the Detroit Lakes Angels, Wolf Lake Wolfpack, Midway Snurdbirds, Perham Pirates, Vergas Loons, Dent Wildcats, Frazee Flames, Pelican Rapids Lakers and Hawley.

The 2010 Pine Point Powwow is Aug. 12-14 in Ponsford. This powwow is worth a trip in itself and showcases the proud history of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe in the Pine Point area.

Walleye fishing opener

Minnesota’s walleye fishing opener is a holiday all of it’s own. This year, opening day is May 14, and is anticipated by thousands of anglers throughout the state. Luckily, there are 412 lakes in a 25-mile radius of Detroit Lakes so there are plenty to choose from. The Cormorant Lake chain is always a popular spot. And after fishing early in the morning, head over to the Cormorant Community Center for the annual fishermen’s breakfast.

Avenue of Flags

More than 500 American flags are flown throughout the Oak Grove Cemetery in Detroit Lakes Memorial Day weekend, all donated veterans’ funeral flags. The flags blowing in the spring breeze make for a spectacular sight. Take a drive through the cemetery, just north of town on Highway 59.

White Earth Powwow

The White Earth Powwow is a celebration of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, celebrating the day the White Earth Reservation was created. The powwow this year is June 10-12 at the powwow grounds in White Earth. The powwow grounds were renovated last year and are ready for the annual festivities. The weekend is full of native dance, food, art and dress, all in celebration of the White Earth Nation.

humane shelter

swimming

Spend some time with dogs and cats at the Humane Society shelter just outside Detroit Lakes. The animals love the attention, and you might just find yourself a devoted pet. The 4,000-square-foot shelter can house 55 homeless animals, compared to about 20 pets the Humane Society could help at once through its previous system of foster homes. The shelter is located 2.7 miles north of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59. Stop by and make some poor animals day!

With 412 lakes in the area, there shouldn’t be any problem finding a lake to take a dip. Detroit Lakes showcases a mile-long beach, built to bring sunbathers, families and swimmers to the area. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

anishinaabe center

Interested in American Indian products? Visit the Anishinaabe Center in Callaway, located just inside the White Earth Reservation on Highway 59, about 12 miles north of Detroit Lakes. You’ll find a gallery of native-made crafts, from dream-catchers to jewelry, and also a grocery store of sorts where natural, organic foods grown locally can be purchased.

Dick Beardsley run

More than 1,500 runners take part in the Dick Beardsley Half Marathon and 5K Walk/Run every September. This year’s event, it’s 15th anniversary, is scheduled for Sept. 10, and will feature Dick Beardsley and a special guest runner. Starting in Detroit Lakes City Park, the Beardsley Run route heads north on Washington Avenue, then back south on Summit Avenue. Half-marathon runners then head around Detroit Lake, while 5K participants head back to the park to finish. Dick Beardsley was a two-time Grandma’s Marathon winner, Boston Marathon runner-up and the fifth fastest man in U.S. marathon history.

Curling

Photography

Grab a rock and throw it into the house. The Lakes Curling Club has a newly expanded and remodeled facility north of town on Highway 59, just across from the Oak Grove Cemetery. They offer yearly leagues for beginners and experts alike, and several bonspiels every curling season.

Photographic opportunities abound in the Lakes Area. Head up to Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge for a glimpse of some of northern Minnesota’s wildlife. Shoot a spectacular sunset on Lake Sallie or an early morning sunrise over Big Floyd Lake. Bright native prairie flowers bloom near Dunton Locks most of the summer. Take people pictures at the beach, WE Fest, Fourth of July or any of the town carnivals this summer. And don’t forget your camera on your family vacation to the lakes this summer.

Camping

Camping opportunities abound in the lakes area from the state parks and state forests to resort campgrounds, from nobody else around for miles to lots of friendly neighbors to share your vacation with, there’s something for every camper in the lakes area.

Shooting Star casino

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Shooting Star Casino and Event Center is 35 miles north of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59. The casino offers 16 blackjack tables, 1,100 slot machines, a poker room, bingo every weekend, three restaurants, a cabaret lounge with entertainment, and an RV park. The event center also hosts some of the biggest names in entertainment, whether it’s music or stand-up comedy.

13 Disc golf

Detroit Lakes City Park features an 18-hole disc golf course. The course offers a challenging game of Frisbee golf, also known as “frolf,” with an ample amount of exercise. The course is located among the trees and hills on the park’s east side.

Golf courses

Mini golf

Sportsmen clubs

Bowling

There are 10 golf courses within a short drive of the Detroit Lakes area. Whether you’re looking for an easy evening game among friends, a competitive match, nine holes or 18, there’s something for everyone close to Detroit Lakes. Five minutes from Detroit Lakes are the Detroit Country Club, Lakeview Golf Course, Forest Hills Golf Course, Maple Hills Golf Course, and River Hills Golf Course. Located 10 minutes from Detroit Lakes are the Frazee Golf Course, Forest Hills Golf Course & RV Resort, and Ironman Golf Course. About 20 minutes away are Wildflower Golf Course, Green Valley Golf Course and Perham’s Lakeside Golf Club. Tee ‘em up.

Go-Putt-N-Bump, south of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59, offers a “traditional” game of mini golf, avoiding obstacles like the windmill or big gorilla. Go-Putt-N-Bump is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Rock’n Waters, west of Detroit Lakes on Hwy 10, provides another mini golf outing. Without funny obstacles to avoid, Rock’n Waters is a challenging test for even the seasoned putter.

The Becker County Sportsmen’s Club operates a shooting range east of Detroit Lakes on Highway 10. Trap shooting leagues start in the spring and run through the summer. The range also provides spaces for rifle and pistol shooters. The Cormorant Sportsman’s Club operates a conservation center south of Audubon on Becker County Road 11. The conservation center is used by many groups, and is where the club constructs wood duck houses to give away. The club runs a youth shooting program and has a wild game feed in April of every year. There is also an active sportsmen’s club in the Height-of-Land area.

Zee Lanes in Frazee and Voyageur Lanes in Detroit Lakes offer loads of fun on the hardwood. So if your friends say, “Lets roll,” go bowling.

Quake the lake boat races Watch several classes of professional power boats race around a course on Little Detroit Lake. This year’s event will be held June 18-19 in front of the Detroit Lakes City Beach from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Farmers market

The Lakes Area Farmer’s Market is open every Tuesday and Saturday from late May through mid October 10 a.m – 2 p.m. in Detroit Lakes City Park. Find all sorts of locally grown produce, flowers and crafts. This will be the market’s 13th year.

Star gazing

Get out of town just a few miles and the vastness of the Milky Way unfolds under the night sky of Becker County. Blankets of stars are ready to be gazed upon from just about any open location in the county. If you’re really lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the spectacular northern lights on opportune nights.

Four-wheeling

Becker County has many four-wheel trails, mostly located in the Two Inlets and Smokey Hills State Parks in northeastern Becker County. The Forest Riders ATV Trail system is a combination of state forest roads, county forest roads and township, county and state road rights-of-way. It provides ATV enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna within the Two Inlets State Forest, White Earth State Forest and Becker and Hubbard counties managed forest lands. The trails provide connections to services in Two Inlets, Lake Alice, Lake George and Emmaville, and access the Paul Bunyan State Forest.

Hunting

Hunting is second only to fishing in Becker County. Becker County is in what is known as a “transitional zone,” meaning it is in transition from forest to prairie. It also means that some of the state’s best hunting can be found here. Head west of Detroit Lakes for pheasant, duck and goose hunting on the prairie marshes or try the central lakes for ducks and geese. The central woods are also a good spot to find ruffed grouse. If big game is your ticket, Becker County has an abundant population of whitetail deer, and a fall bear hunt is very popular in the area. The wild turkey open permit area now extends into southern Becker County with a growing population of turkeys. There are two fall wild turkey hunts and one spring season.

Fishing

Skate park

There are 412 lakes within a 25-mile radius of Detroit Lakes, and for obvious reasons, fishing is great around here — summer or winter. Whether you’re on one of the Cormorant Lakes going for walleye or trying your hand at muskies on Detroit Lake, there’s something for every angler in the lakes area.

Detroit Lakes’ public skate park is located on the northwest corner of Peoples Park, near the beach and just across from the ice arena. Skaters enjoy many different ramps, rails and obstacles that have been installed in the skate park.

State forests

Becker County boasts three state forests, all located in the northeastern part of the county. Two Inlets State Forest is located in and around the Two Inlets area of extreme northeastern Becker County. The forest provides boat accesses on both Hungryman and Cedar Lakes, with a picnic area near Cedar Lake. The White Earth State Forest is 160,502 acres of rolling hills and lakes in northern Becker County. The Shuttlebug Nature Trail is a good summer hiking spot, and there are 70 miles of marked and groomed snowmobile trails in the winter. Smokey Hills State Forest in eastern Becker County was established in 1935 to perpetuate forest management and fire protection. There are almost 24,000 acres of land within its boundaries.

Scuba diving

Becker County is known for having several of the clearest lakes in Minnesota and several excellent spots for freshwater SCUBA diving. Head into the depths of Pickerel Lake in search of bison bones or Lake Six and find an antique ice auger. If you’re in need of gear, a charter trip or a fresh tank of air, call Tri State Diving for all of your diving needs. Tri State Diving sponsors a medallion hunt every summer, where clues are given as to the location of an underwater medallion hidden somewhere in the lakes area. A valuable diving prize is given to the diver who locates the medallion. This year, 40 additional medallions will be hidden in the lakes for divers out there to find without clues. Tri State will award 40 prizes for each medallion found. They will also be hosting “Discovery Dives” for certified divers Saturdays and Sundays all summer. Call 218-847-4868 or 800-SCUBADO.

Scenic byway

Demo derby

The Lake Country Scenic Byway is an 88-mile corridor along Highway 34 from Detroit Lakes to Walker. The drive provides many different northern Minnesota experiences for travelers. The fall colors are a special treat, but it’s a beautiful drive any time of the year.

Becker County holds three annual demolition derbies. The Frazee Turkey Days demo derby is held just south of Dagget Trucking. Turkey Days is scheduled for July 29-31. The Northwest Water Carnival demo derby, scheduled for Saturday, July 9, is held at the Becker County Fairgrounds grandstand in Detroit Lakes. The Becker County Fair, scheduled for July 2730 this summer, holds two nights of demo derbies, with 8-cylinder and modified cars running on Friday night and 4-cylinder cars and trucks battling Saturday night.

412 BMX

Snowmobiling

Muzzleloader rendezvous

The 412 BMX bike track, located on the southwest corner of the Becker County Fairgrounds in Detroit Lakes, is new after a spring renovation last year. The BMX bike club holds sanctioned races every Wednesday night during the summer months.

Becker County is a snowmobiler’s paradise, with more than 200 miles of groomed trails throughout the county. A map of the groomed trails is available at the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Experience the pre-1840 fur trade era encampment during the annual Bearclaw Muzzleloader of Northern Minnesota Rendezvous July 15-17 at the Height of Land Sportsmans Club. Hawk and knife throwing, archery and fire starting are just a few of the activities planned.

Shakespeare in the park

Also in City Park this summer is Shakespeare in the Park at 7 p.m. on June 24-26 and July 1-3. Performances will take place in the Detroit Lakes City Park Bandshell. This year’s selection is “All’s Well that Ends Well.” Bring your own lawn chair. For more information, contact Vicky at 844-7469.

Fall colors

Churches

Clogging

Nightlife

Pie and Bake sales

Thrift Stores

The maple forest turns brilliant shades of orange, gold, and red in the autumn at Maplewood State Park. Eight major lakes and many ponds offer water lovers places to swim, fish, boat, and simply relax. Lake Lida has a sandy beach and large picnic areas for visitors. Drive along the scenic route to observe the wildlife: the park is host to 150 bird species and 50 species of mammals. The extensive trail system attracts hikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers.

Featuring a variety of denominations and over 30 churches to attend, the lakes area offers numerous opportunities for worship. For listing of churches and service times log on to www.detroitlakes.com or see the local phone book yellow pages.

A form of line dancing and tap dancing, clogging is a traditional type of percussive folk dance. In the lakes area there are a variety of clogging associations who perform at local parades, events and church gatherings: two such performing dance lines in the area are the DL Cloggers and North Star Cloggers.

Detroit Lakes is a bustling lake town, and residents and tourists alike have a variety of nightlife opportunities in the area, including the Holmes Theater, Cinema 5, events at the lakeside Pavilion, as well as fine dining, karaoke and trivia nights at various restaurants and taverns.

Keep your eyes open. With lots of local baking expertise, there are ample pie and bake sales to peruse in lakes country, including but not limited to Holy Rosary’s Annual Pie Sale in the fall and Cookie Walk in the Winter.

Filled with everything from flea market finds to household must-haves, Detroit Lakes has a variety of thrift store opportunities, including the Boys and Girls Club Thrift Store located at 605 Highway 10 East (the former Pamida building) and Lakes Variety at 223 West Front Street.

Crazy days

Crazy for a good sale? Detroit Lakes and the surrounding towns each have their own special Crazy Days, ready to provide that bargain you’ve been searching for. Detroit Lakes’ Crazy Days is scheduled for Aug. 2 this year. Washington Avenue will be blocked off for businesses to fill the street with bargains. Audubon Crazy Days is June 11, and Frazee’s Crazy Daze is June 4.

St. Marys party in the park Fun and games for the entire family abound at the St. Mary’s Family Council Party in the Park. This year’s event is scheduled for July 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Center in Detroit Lakes.

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Live at the Lodge

The Lodge on Lake Detroit, located at 1200 East Shore Drive in Detroit Lakes, periodically and every Thursday night in the summer, hosts a free concert series known as “Live at the Lodge” that features some of the region’s best-known vocalists and musicians. Call 218-847-8439 for more information including dates, times and featured artists.

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School plays

Each year, Detroit Lakes High School stages a fall musical and a spring play. Past productions have included “West Side Story,” “Frankenstein,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Beauty & The Beast,” and “Aida.” Frazee-Vergas, Lake Park-Audubon and Waubun-Ogema-White Earth also host annual productions during the school year. Call these schools for more information.

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Pole, Pedal, Pant Triathlon

Waubun’s Rainbow Resort is host to the annual “Pole, Pedal, Pant Winter Triathlon,” a competition that combines a 10K cross country skiing trek with a 7K mountain bike race and a 7K run. The 2009 event, as the 20th anniversary brought out 77 participants. As of now, the 2012 event has yet to be scheduled. See the events calendar at www. rainbowresort.com for more information.

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Washington Square Mall

The largest shopping destination in downtown Detroit Lakes, Washington Square Mall is home to a five-screen movie theater, three restaurants, a coffee/gift shop and a variety of retailers. Call 218847-1679 for more information

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Historic Holmes Theatre

Located inside the DLCCC complex, the Historic Holmes Theatre is a beautifully renovated 837-seat theater providing music, dance, theater and visual arts for the residents of Detroit Lakes and surrounding communities. The theatre brings local, regional, national and international performances to the Holmes stage. The Historic Holmes Theatre opened in May 2002. Since that time, it’s hosted more than 74,000 audience members, 200 performances and 30 free shows. Last year alone, more than 17,000 people attended main stage shows, and more than 7,000 area students attended daytime school shows.

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Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center

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Shady Hollow Flea Market

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Cormorant Art Show

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Sucker Creek Preserve

Located at 826 Summit Ave., the community’s showcase recreational facility includes not only state-of-the-art aquatic/fitness and theater/cultural centers, but also child care, senior nutrition and area learning services. Call 218-844-4221 or visit www.dlccc.org for more information.

Located five miles south of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59, the Shady Hollow Flea Market is open on the Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day and WE Fest weekends as well as every Sunday from June through Labor Day. Call 218847-9488 for more information.

The Cormorant Area Art Club will hold its 12th Annual Art Show July 9-10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The event will be held at the Cormorant Community Center located in Cormorant Village, 13 miles south of Lake Park and 1.5 miles north of Zorbaz on Pelican Lake. Regional artists will display a wide variety of watercolors, acrylic and oil paintings, rosemaling, pine needle basketry, prints, cards and art gift items. There is no admission charge.

This 64-acre parcel of Minnesota hardwood forest is the City of Detroit Lakes’ newest park. Site features include wetlands, woods, prairie and a designated trout stream. Open year round, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the park includes a handicap accessible, fully signed path that extends one-third mile through woods and newly seeded prairie to a 110-seat amphitheater. The park is free and fully accessible to the public, with a parking lot.

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river Tubing

The Ottertail River is the place to be during the summer months, as no less than three tubing operations are available to choose from: Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing (218-847-3258 or 846-1539), seven miles east of DL on Highway 34; K & K River Tubing (841-1904 or 847-5734), also seven miles east of DL on Highway 34; and Ed’s River Run (847-2874), eight miles east on Highway 34 and two miles north on County Road 29.

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Boys & Girls Club

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Sailboat sculpture

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Arts & Crafts in the Park

The Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes, located at 150 Richwood Road, offers a full range of youth activities, from sports to arts and crafts to computers, games and leadership opportunities. In addition to offering daily activities throughout the school year, the club is also open for summer camp. There is a nominal annual membership fee of $40 per child. Call 218-847-5700 for more information.

Located adjacent to the Detroit Lakes Pavilion, this metallic sculpture with bronzed sails was dedicated in May 2008, as part of Detroit Lakes’ “Capitol for a Day” community celebration. The sculpture, which was created by local artist Hans Gilsdorf with assistance from Ulteig Engineering and Bohl Brothers, stands 13 feet high, and will be lighted 24 hours a day for public viewing. It was paid for entirely through community donations, including funds raised as part of the “Sunny in DL” public art project.

With about 125 arts & crafts booths selling everything from clothing to candles and paintings to pottery; a variety of food vendors and live music drifting through the trees, Arts & Crafts in the Park will bring another year of fun to the Detroit Lakes City Park on Sunday, July 31.

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Festival of Birds

Though birding is a popular activity in the Detroit Lakes area at pretty much any time of year, interest reaches its peak during the community’s annual Festival of Birds. The 2009 festival is on May 19-22 with special guest Drew Wheelan, who will present the disasterous effects of the bp oil spill and what it means for MN birds that migrate to the Gulf. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 847-9202 or go to www.visitdetroitlakes.com.

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parkfest

With children’s games, live entertainment, food and informational booths, the annual Party in the Park is a celebration of the Detroit Lakes community, and will be held on May 19 from 4-7 p.m. at the Detroit Lakes Pavilion.

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Young Life Triathlon

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Castaway Club

Held annually in August, the Young Life (formerly Castaway) Triathlon consists of an Olympic course with a 1.5K swim in Little Detroit Lake, a 40K bike ride through Minnesota lakes country, and a 10K run on the scenic Pelican River trail. The sprint course includes 500 meter swim, 20K bike, and 5K run. Free lunch is provided for all racers following the race, as well as various activities around the area. This year’s event takes place August 19 - 20 in Detroit Lakes. Call LuAnn Milner, 218-532-2662 for more info, or visit the Web site, pickleevents.com/younglifetri.

Located 13 miles south of Detroit Lakes, the Castaway Club is one of 25 Young Life camps in the U.S. and Canada. With Big Pelican Lake to the west and Little Pelican Lake to the east, visitors will experience some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets the area has to offer. Castaway hosts more than 3,000 campers during the summers and about 4,500 campers during the school season. Call 218-532-2662 for more information.

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Circus

The community of Detroit Lakes hosts two traveling circus groups each spring, the Jose Cole Circus (sponsored by the Knights of Columbus) and the Shrine Circus (sponsored by the Shriners). Both events are held at Kent Freeman Arena.

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Horseback riding

The Timberline Ranch, located at 19243 County Highway 25, offers horseback riding seven days a week, Memorial Day weekend through fall. There is also an on-site gift shop and a new petting farm. Call 218-847-3886 for reservations.

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Movie Rentals Raining outside, or just want to stay in for the evening? Detroit Lakes offers several movie rental stores, including Central Market (844-3663); Video Action (847-5115) and Redbox.

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Antiques

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Community Band

The lakes area offers several good antique stores, including SuLaine’s Antique Mall in Detroit Lakes (844-6830); Buggy Wheel Antiques in Audubon (439-6980).

The Lakes Area Community Concert Band celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2011. With an active membership of about 40 area musicians, the group rehearses on Thursday nights at the Detroit Lakes High School band room and plans an April 30 concert in the Historic Holmes Theatre. Contact Rick Olson at 847-4281 or bko78@hotmail.com for more information.

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Memorial Day Parade

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Detroit Lakes Senior Center

Area service groups join forces each year to host a Memorial Day Parade in downtown Detroit Lakes

Located in the lower level of the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center, the Senior Center offers nutritious noon meals served fresh every day, Monday through Friday, as well as games, entertainment and other activities. Call 847-5823 for more information.

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Slow Food Dinner

Held semiannually at the Historic Holmes Theatre Ballroom, the Northwest Minnesota Slow Food Dinner features a menu focusing on locally grown, organic foods and is sponsored by Native Harvest (www.nativeharvest.com).

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Rummage sales

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Shopping downtown

Regardless of the treasure you’re looking for, someone else in town is bound to have it — hopefully for a bargain price. Every weekend throughout late spring and all summer, you can’t travel down a street in any town without finding a rummage sale. So grab your cash and get ready to shop.

Downtown Detroit Lakes offers something for every shopping need. From clothing to pets, real estate to kitchen utensils, one of the many stores lining Washington Avenue offers what you need, and better yet, what every shopper wants.

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Polar Fest

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Fourth of July

Polar Fest week in Detroit Lakes is a ton of fun: There’s a Freeze Your Buns Run/Walk, golfing on the lake ice, a Miss Polar Fest and Miss Teen Polar Fest pageant, old timers hockey, and much more. The Polar Plunge, for example, lets you plunge merrily into the bitter cold of Detroit Lake. Jumpers dress in favorite costumes and plunge into the freezing waters of Little Detroit Lake each February to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes.

Known for many years as the place to be on the Fourth of July, Detroit Lakes’ beach and fireworks display draws crowds from both near and far. Once known for its ability to party, Detroit Lakes has tamed a bit and become more family-friendly. The fire-works display (set off from a barge on Little Detroit Lake) is best viewed on the mile-long beach or from a boat. For more information, visit the Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.visitddetroitlakes.com, or call 218-847-9202.

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Boat parades on Fourth of July Patriotism carries over to the water. Several lake residents around the Becker County area host boat parades each Fourth of July. Meeting at a specified time, the boaters are encouraged to dress their boats up as best they can, with the possibility of winning prizes. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 847-9202 to find out which lakes host parades.

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Water Carnival

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hawgs 4 dawgs

Since 1935, the Detroit Lakes Jaycees has been hosting one of the largest events in the state, the annual Northwest Water Carnival. The weeklong event is filled with way too many events to list, including a chili cook-off, sandcastle building competitions, ice cream social, water fights, and to top it all off, the Parade of the Northwest. This year, the water carnival takes place July 8-17. For more information, visit www.dlwatercarnival.com

This motorcycle ride was so popular in 2008 that folks at the Humane Society of the Lakes decided to make it an annual event. This year, the memorial ride, dubbed “Hawgs 4 Dawgs,” will take place on June 25. Registration is $15 for single and $25 for double.

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Frazee’s Third Crossing Sled Dog Races

Frazee’s Third Crossing Sled Dog Rendezvous returned to the lakes area this past January, and organizers hope to keep the tradition alive, providing weather and trail conditions cooperate. Operated by the Frazee Sled Dog Club, the races have been a local tradition since 1999, and this year’s event included 8-dog and 6-dog competitions on a 6-mile course as well as 4-dog, 6-dog (age 16 and under) and skijor races on a 4-mile course.

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Hawley Rodeo

For a good old time right next door, check out the Hawley Rodeo, which runs June 10-11, beginning with Breakfast on the Farm at Steamer Hill. The rest of the week is filled with all things rodeo, including a kids pedal tractor pull, horse show, scholarship pageant, variety show, horseshoe tournament and more. Don’t forget the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. For more information, contact City Hall at 218-483-3331.

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Bed and breakfasts

Sit back, relax and enjoy a little rest and relaxation in the comfort of a bed and breakfast. Enjoy gourmet food, luxury rooms and friendly and unique experiences. There are several bed and breakfasts located throughout the area. Check out www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/Inns/north_ central.htm for the perfect one for you.

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Keeping in shaperunning, biking

Keeping in shape is easy in Becker County. The Dunton Locks area offers paved trails or dirt trails through the woods for hiking and biking. Although there isn’t a dedicated path, many people take advantage of the 11-mile trek around Detroit Lake, whether it be for running, biking or just a nice walk. In the near future, Detroit Lakes will be linked to Park Rapids via the Heartland Trail as well, along Highway 34.

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Pine to Palm golf tournament

Beginning in 1931, and held each year except 1942-43 during World War II, the Pine to Palm golf tournament is held at the Detroit Country Club each August. The competition brings out the best of the best amateurs fom all over, with Todd Hillier winning the Championship last year. This year’s event is August 8-14, and details and registration forms can be found at www.detroitcountryclub.com

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Smokey Hills retreat

Smokey Hills Wilderness Retreat, located on Highway 34, 10 minutes west of Park Rapids, offers 18 units of lodging, lots of activities including ATV trails, a movie theater, a children’s play area and a campfire pit, and plenty of nature to “rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit.” For more information or to make reservations, log onto www.smokeyhills.com. It opens in June.

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Sunday drive

Windy country roads, beautiful lakes, and all the colors of nature. Becker County has much to offer along the lines of natural beauty. There are plenty of country back roads to slow down and enjoy nature. There are also plenty of spots to pull over for a picnic, the perfect photograph or a walk through the woods.

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Turkey Days

Frazee’s Turkey Days celebration is not to be missed. For four days, people can enjoy all things turkey and more. There is a street dance, parade, activities for kids, a pageant, a demo derby, a flea market, a car show, a road rally and an all-school reunion this year. The event is scheduled for July 29-31. For more information, check out www. frazeecommunityclub.com.

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Looney Days

Vergas Looney Days is slated for Aug. 11-14. The small town festival has all the components of a big city celebration complete with a scholarship pageant, street dance, parade, flea market, pig roast, collectible car show, loon calling and more. For more information, visit www.looneydays.com.

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Latvola Cup

Maplelag’s Lotvola Cup is a cross-country ski race where only the traditional technique is allowed. It is an event for all levels of ability, from the youngest skier to the serious competitor. While there are awards for top finishers, the name of this game is fun. For more information, visit www. maplelag.com.

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Oktoberfest

Raise your stein, it’s time to polka. The Frazee Oktoberfest celebration hosts German food and fun. Hundreds of dancers gather each year to polka, waltz and two-step around the Frazee Event Center floor. Not to mention to fill up on cabbage rolls, polish sausages, German potato salad, pretzels and kuchen. Check it out this year on Oct. 1.

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Maple Syrup Fest

There’s nothing sweeter than pure maple syrup and a stack of flapjacks. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Vergas’ annual Maple Syrup Fest in April. To wear off those pancakes, the festival also hosts a 5k run/walk and tours of local sugar houses. For more information on the event, visit www.vergasmn.com.

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Waterskiing

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Heart walk

With plenty of lakes in the area, there is plenty of room for some water skiing. Besides participating in the sport on your own, Detroit Lakes also hosts an annual waterskiing program during the Northwest Water Carnival.

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Historical monuments

Throughout Becker County there stands reminders of history gone by. Whether it is in plain sight, like the Detroit Lakes Public Library, one of the last remaining Carnegie library buildings, or a historical point not so easily seen, like remnants of the first Red River Ox Cart trail through Detroit Lakes, history is all around. Visit the Becker County Historical Society.

Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and go until noon May 14, walk begins at 10 a.m. There will be refreshments, heart health information, kids activities and an inspirational story about this year’s spokesperson. There is no cost to participate, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds to support medical research and educational programs. Location: Detroit Lakes Middle School Contact: Stacy Duncan 701-212-3995, stacy.duncan@heart.org

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becker county Museum

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Karaoke

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Lakes area bike club

The Becker County Historical Society and Museum plays host to multiple pieces of history throughout the county on display. And if you have some spare time and want to do some research of your own, shelves and cabinets abound with records. The Pioneer Settlers Union was formed in 1882, and it became the Becker County Historical Society in 1924, to preserve the history of Becker County. Learn more online at the museum website, www.beckercountyhistory.org.

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bike tourS, airplanes

The Kids Midsummer Bike Tour, a part of the Northwest Water Carnival, will be on July 9 this year, with participants asked to meet at 10 a.m. at the Detroit Lakes Pavilion on the beach. Kids will also enjoy the DL Airport Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast at 9 a.m. July 9. Come and check out the airport and the planes! The Knights of Columbus will be serving a pancake breakfast as well so bring the family for a great start to your day.

Instead of singing into that hairbrush at home or belting out a tune in the car, try your hand at being a star with karaoke. With several bars around the area offering karaoke each week, you’re certain to find that musical calling to get up and perform.

This area bike club was started with four friends more than 10 years ago, and now 30-some bikers gather every Tuesday evening from mid-April until mid-October to ride. Each ridemaster will plan three or four routes of varying lengths for varying abilities and each week is in a different town, like Perham, New York Mills, Detroit Lakes or Frazee. Following the ride, bikers gather at an area bar or restaurant for burgers and beer, which some think is the highlight of the evening -- they joke that they’re an “eating club with a biking disorder.” Visit www.lakesareabikeclub.com for more infomation.

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