Members of the Bald Eagle Water Ski Show, based in Centerville, Minn., perform after the Parade of the Northwest on Detroit Lakes as part of the 85th Northwest Water Carnival in Detroit Lakes on July 18, 2021.
The new normal
Despite ongoing COVID concerns, 2021 saw the return of many local festivals and events By Vicki Gerdes | Editor, Guide to Becker County After more than a year of canceled or postponed events due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the lakes area slowly began to return to a ‘new normal’ in the summer of 2021. The lakes area once again played host to a wide variety of entertaining opportunities for enjoying the arts, the outdoors and of course, all the region’s beautiful lakes and rivers, from the Northwest Water Carnival to the Street Faire at the Lakes, Tuesdays in the Park and the Becker County Fair. Most summer festivals and concerts saw near-record attendance, and Detroit Lakes’ 150th birthday festivities were 6 | 2022 Guide to Becker County
a big hit, as well, with the 150 Sails Up public art project, Heritage Fest and more drawing crowds to enjoy all the community had to offer. February’s Polar Fest was “super-sized” this year, with 17 days of winter fun serving as the finale to the city’s Sesquicentennial. Regardless of the season, there are always trails to be found at local parks and nature preserves like Sucker Creek and Dunton Locks, for hiking, cross country skiing or simply enjoying nature up close and personal. There are also lots of quaint shopping boutiques and stores as well as coffee shops for you to stop, rest and meet some friends for a hot cup
of java, espresso or an iced beverage of your choice — and our local restaurants have some pretty tasty food, as well.
A winter wonderland
During the winter, a village of fish houses takes over both Big and Little Detroit lakes, and snowmobilers will find over 250 miles of groomed trails winding their way through the woods and fields of Becker County. At the 200-acre Detroit Mountain Recreation Area (detroitmountain.com), located just a few short miles southeast of Detroit Lakes, guests can enjoy a full range of winter activities, from downhill
