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ack the towels, throw on a swimsuit and grab some floaties, because virus or no virus, the Detroit Lakes area’s 400-plus beaches are open for the summer. The Detroit Lake City Beach opened in May, according to Shawn King, the Detroit Lakes public works director, and the public restrooms, water fountains and other amenities are all open and being regularly cleaned.
“For the most part, we are pretty much back open, as close to normal as we can be,” King says. With the COVID-19 pandemic canceling a lot of popular events, closing some businesses and limiting occupancy in local restaurants and businesses, King says the beaches have been “a little busier” this summer.
▲ A pontoon trolls away from the beach on Detroit Lake. (Desiree Bauer / Summerscape)
Swimming, fishing, boating, all available on Detroit Lake The mile-long, sandy City Beach is open to everyone, but dogs and alcohol are not allowed. The space is quick to fill with people, usually being the busiest during the hottest hours of the day. If tanning or swimming isn’t quite what you’re looking for, boat rentals are available right on the City Beach at J&K Marina, or a few miles east at the Holiday Inn Marina.
At J&K, motorized boats such as pontoons, fishing boats and jet skis are available for a full day, multiday or weekly rental. Anything non-motorized, like a kayak or paddleboard, and hourly rentals are not available this summer due to COVID-19. The marina also offers off-lake rentals, so some
J&K Marina, on Detroit Lakes City Beach, is offering motorized boats for rent this summer. (Desiree Bauer / Summerscape)
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