Summerscape 2·0·2·0
Outdoor and Home-Based Things To Do Around Becker County
GOING OUT | KIDS’ ACTIVITIES | STAYING IN
It’s a Jungle Out there!
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY Spring and fall hours may vary.
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(218) 731-8711 www.trowbridgecreekzoo.com
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CONT ENTS GOING OUT
Water-ever floats your boat: Lake and river rentals and other water activities you can do this summer.............................................
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Biking, Hiking and ATVing in Becker County and Beyond: Activities to do on land.................................................................... 10 Fun Things to Do This Summer (that you can still do during the pandemic!)..............................................................................
JUST FOR KIDS
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE JULY 26, 2020 ISSUE OF THE TRIBUNE Summerscape is a new summer magazine for Becker County visitors as well as seasonal and year-round residents. For advertising information: Email Melissa Swenson at mswenson@dlnewspapers.com Melissa Swenson, Publisher
Summer youth programs: Despite restrictions, there’s still plenty of fun to be had for local kids ...................................
12
STAYING IN
Campfire Cookouts and Paper Plate Jellyfish: Home-based activities to entertain kids — and grown-ups, too!..................................................... Keep the Gardening Going, All Summer Long........................................................................
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Marie Johnson, Editor Nathan Bowe, Contributor Vicki Gerdes, Contributor Desiree Bauer, Contributor RosaLin Alcoser, Contributor Tasha Kenyon, Design/Layout
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Perham, MN 4 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
GOING OUT
ater aterever ater-ever WFLOATS YOUR BOAT Lake & river rentals and other water activities you can do this summer BY DESIREE BAUER
P
SUMMERSCAPE
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)
SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 5
GOING OUT boats can be brought to a location other than Detroit Lake. At the Holiday Inn Marina, motorized and non-motorized boats are available. Justin Fischer, the marina controller there, says fishing poles, one fishing boat and multiple bikes are all rentable. “We have five pontoons,” he says. “And then we have multiple kayaks and paddleboards and boats.” The rentals are open for Holiday Inn guests as well as the public, though hotel guests can use the nonmotorized marina items for free for two hours. Renters also get a map of the whole lake, which includes restaurants and attractions.
The Detroit Lakes City Beach can get busy on hot summer days. The city has put signs up this year, encouraging people to practice social distancing. If you want to avoid a crowd, go in the morning or late evening. (Tribune File Photo)
HOLIDAY INN MARINA
1155 Hwy. 10 E by the Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes • 218-847-2121 goswctest.net/UserFiles/Holiday%20Inn%20Marina%20Rentals%20Flyer(1).pdf
J&K MARINA
121 W Lake Dr., Detroit Lakes • 218-847-7291 • www.jkmarine.com/rentals
Tube down the Otter Tail River
Dive into the depths Tri-State Diving of Detroit Lakes, owned by Gary Thompson, offers scuba diving equipment, dive trips, certification classes and more. Thompson says the equipment is safe to rent, as he always thoroughly sanitizes everything. Certification classes are two weeks long in the summer, plus exams. Dive trips are open to divers who are already certified.
TRI-STATE DIVING
28300 Little Floyd Lake Road, Detroit Lakes 218-847-4868 tri-statediving.com or Facebook @Tri-State-Diving ▲ Gary Thompson has been scuba diving for over 53 years. (Tribune File Photo)
6 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
Charlie’s Tubing and K&K Tubing both offer rides down the Otter Tail River. They’re both located on Highway 34 in Detroit Lakes. Tubes — for riders, dogs and coolers — as well as parking and rides to the river entrance are provided by both businesses. Rides down the river are about 2 hours long straight through, but many tubers like to stop at the popular sandbar along the way. Water shoes are recommended for first-time tubers. You’ll also need to know how many drinks you have, and they need to be in aluminum cans. If you want to beat the crowds, go early or later in the afternoon, as prime time tends to be around 2 p.m.
CHARLIE’S TUBING
33503 State Hwy. 34 (pink building), Detroit Lakes 218-847-3258 • Facebook @CharliesTubing
K&K TUBING
33551 State Hwy 34 (yellow building), Detroit Lakes 218-847-5734 • Facebook @K-K-Tubing-Inc ▲ Tubers from Charlie’s and K&K Tubing hop off the Otter Tail River at this off-ramp. (Tribune File Photo)
PADDLE BOARDS
WAKEBOARDS
LIFE JACKETS
SURF SHOP WOMENS APPAREL & SUITS
1010
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Gif t $10 1 Certificate 0
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One Certific ate Per Custome r Per Day. Certificate at Time of Sale.
930 WASHINGTON AVE.• DETROIT LAKES, MN • 218-847-2645 SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 7
GOING OUT
Biking, Hiking and AT Ving in Becker County and Beyond ACTIVITIES TO DO ON LAND
W
BY NATHAN BOWE
SUMMERSCAPE
hen you’re ready to get out of the water and spend some time on land, you’ve got plenty of options. Bicycling, for one, is soaring in popularity right now. Both mountain bikes and street bikes are in such demand that David Langworthy, owner of the DL Bike Shop, has trouble keeping them in stock. “If they’re in the store, they sell that day, usually,” he says. There’s a worldwide bike shortage right now because of increased demand and decreased production due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he says. Out on the trail or the open road, bicyclists can forget about COVID-19 for a while and enjoy the wind in their faces.
LAKES AREA MOUNTAIN BIKING ALLIANCE & TRAILS www.facebook.com/lambatmtb
DETROIT MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA
29409 170th St., Detroit Lakes 218-844-7669 • detroitmountain.com 8 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
“You don’t have to worry about social distancing, wearing a mask, that sort of thing,” he says. At this point, street biking pretty much consists of picking a lake to bike around, Langworthy says, at least until the Heartland Trail extensions are paved. As for mountain biking, he adds, “Detroit Mountain (Recreation Area) is the easiest and closest trail system.” Also, Mountain View Recreation Area, maintained by Becker County, offers bike trails. And Maplelag Resort now has 25 miles of mountain bike trails open to the public for a free will donation. Detroit Mountain has been “very busy this season,” says Trails Boss and Rental Manager Tony Schmitz.
MOUNTAIN VIEW RECREATION AREA
30119 Tower Road, Detroit Lakes 218-846-2612
MAPLELAG RESORT
30501 Maplelag Road, Callaway 218-375-4466 • www.maplelag.com
With some traditional summer activities off the table because of COVID-19, “people are changing their game plans and taking up new activities. We’ve seen multiple biking families and people are coming here from other bike areas that aren’t open. They’re traveling here to ride downhill.” The lifts are open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through July, and on the weekends through September, Schmitz says. Bike rentals are available from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. There are downhill trails and crosscountry bike trails, and the trail system is expanding. One new feature is a progressive skills loop trail, a quartermile trail with lots of optional features, located close to the main trailhead. There’s also a newly opened natural play area for kids. The Mountain hosts a one-hour guided family fun run on Saturdays, with free bike rentals available, starting at the graffiti trailer at the main trailhead.
▲ The skills park at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area is a great place for kids to hone their mountain biking abilities before heading out on the trails. (Submitted Photo)
GOING OUT HIKING Dunton Locks
HIKING Mountain View Recreation Area
Dunton Locks County Park has nearly 4 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails on the hills along the shores between Lake Sallie and Muskrat Lake. The northern trails wind through hardwood forested hills that were once a gathering spot for Sioux Indians, and remnants of Indian burial mounds are still present throughout the park. The southern trails also wind through rolling, wooded terrain. The 53-acre park is located just three miles south of the city of Detroit Lakes.
The 3 miles of natural surface trails at Becker County’s Mountain View Recreation Area wind their way through a mature, mixed hardwood forest. The trails are wide and offer several different loop options. The trails are used for horseback riding as well as hiking in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Separate single-track mountain bike/snowshoe trails are also being developed. Parking for 10-15 vehicles is located along Tower Road in Detroit Lakes.
Greater Sucker Creek
ATV TRAILS
This gem boasts 117 acres of natural woods and prairie with accessible paved paths, unimproved trails, marshwalks, a designated trout stream, amphitheater and interpretive signs. The park is located on the southeast side of Detroit Lakes, just off U.S. Highway 10.
The Forest Riders ATV Club maintains a trail system that connects the communities of Two Inlets in Becker County with Park Rapids, Emmaville and Lake George in Hubbard County. There is an extensive network of trails in the Two Inlets State Forest and a connecting trail south to the Smoky Hills State Forest. These trails predominantly follow forest roads and trails, and to a lesser extent, county and township roads. Becker County contains more than 60 miles of these grant-in-aid trails.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
FOREST RIDERS ATV CLUB
Tim Eischens, Trail Administrator • 218-732-5235
Lost Lake 96 9 :
Sugar Bush Lake
System Forest Road Anchor- M a tson
0
Earth
State
Forest
4
Schoolcra
10
60
NORTH
Coon Lake
42 : 9
9 : 127
Big Basswood Lake
89 9 :
Dinner Lake
Bad Axe Lake
Skunk Lake
9 : 104
71 0 /
Two Inlets 50 9 :
9 : 152
Two Inlets Lake
Eagle Lake
40 9 :
6
9 :
04
04 0 2
0 04
4
ht Str a ig
9 :
32 9 :
Potato Lake
9 : rta
ge
48 9 :
Lak
Fish Hook Lake
042
0
WOODS AND WHEELS TRAIL 041 1
Wolf Lake
9 : 125
ght rai Riv St
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villus Na
Hanna Ore
Park Rapids
34 4 3
47 9 :
9 : Nancy Lake
9 : 114
9 : 117
123
9 :
112
226 3 4
81 : 9
114
/ 0 71
53 : 9
34 3 4 15 9 :
Peysenske Lake
9 : 107
ake
Mud Lake
9 :
1 : 9
9 :
gL
Smoky Hills State Forest
e
115
6 9 :
Lon
Po
48 9 : Straight Lake
225 3 4
7 9 : 50 : 9
Ingram Lake
18 9 :
156
Big Sand Lake
4 9 :
Sloan Lake
0400
124
N. Smoky Hills
Blue Lake
0
0401
River
9 :
Upper Bottle Lower Bottle
3
135
Pickerel Lake
Rice Lake 9 105
04 0
129
24 9 :
d Lake
41 : 9
Islan
Two Inlets State Forest
44 : 9
58 9 :
Emmaville
9 :
46522 Wildwood Trail, Ponsford, c/o Ray Vlasak 218-573-3797 • highpines@arvig.net
ROUND RIVER DRIVE TRAIL
4 9 :
Little Mantrap Lake
46 9 :
Lake George
Paine Lake
Schoolcraft Lake
28
LAURENTIAN LAKES CHAPTER OF NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION
/ 0
Spider Lake
HUBBARD
113 4 3
Twin Island Lake 5
3
Scale in Miles
White
Lake George
71
9 :
BECKER
Morrison Lake
Scale 1:165,000 2
Brisbane Lake
McKay Lake
CLEARWATER
Campground
1
95 : 9
Paul Bunyan State Forest
95 9 :
8
122
Restroom
Minnie Lake
123
Itasca State Park
Rest Area
119
9 :
Elk Lake
Shelter
113 3 4
Alice Lake
95 9 :
Parking
r Hill cho An
Bad Medicine Lake
3 9 :
Lake Itasca
Minimum Maintenance Forest Road
4 9 :
ek
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39
OLCRAF T
ATV/OHM
9 :
200 3 4
117
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122
9 :
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9 :
ATV
North Country Scenic Hiking Trail
Spanning seven states and over 4,600 miles, the North Country Hiking Trail is the longest hiking path in the United States. The trail through Becker County runs 62 miles from Itasca State Park to the Becker County-Otter Tail County line near Frazee. Suggested hikes on the trail include: ► North from the Highway 34 Trailhead (located two miles east of Becker County Road 29), out-and-back: Hike as far as you want then return. You will cross through prairie fields and see wetlands. ► South from Highway 113 Trailhead in the White Earth State Forest, out-and-back: Hike through a white pine plantation then return. ► Highway 113 to CR-39 Trailhead, 4.3 miles: Hike through a mix of hardwoods and pine plantations and over some hilly terrain. Part of this hike is along the Laurentian (Continental) Divide.
Mississippi Headwaters State Forest
Heart Lake
TRAIL
FOREST RIDERS • 122 MILES
Map Key
ek LaS a lle Cre
The North Country Trail also runs through the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge: ► Old Indian Trail, loop: Bear Paw Spur loop trail in Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. ► Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge to Old Indian Trailhead, 2.2 miles: Hike from Pine Lake parking 2.2 miles through a mixture of old fields, hardwoods and along the shores of Tamarac Lake.
20 9 :
11 9 :
17 9 :
© 2020, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 9
GOING OUT
Ten Fun Things to Do This Summer
(THAT YOU CAN STILL DO DURING THE PANDEMIC!) BY DETROIT LAKES TRIBUNE AND PERHAM FOCUS STAFF
FEAST IT UP AT A FOOD TRUCK
Feed your face in the Great Outdoors at Food Truck Fridays, happening every Friday at the Detroit Lakes City Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All the popular local food trucks park there for this outdoor, food court-style feast, serving up everything from pizza to popsicles. Organized by the Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary, Food Truck Fridays continues through September 4.
GO OLD-SCHOOL AT CRUISE DL NIGHTS
Drive your favorite classic cruiser to Detroit Lakes’ West Lake Drive for an evening on the beach from 4-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month in June, July, August and September. Don’t have a classic car? That’s okay, just come view the variety on display. More than 200 vehicles have been known to gather at the beach for these fun monthly events.
VISIT THE ZOO
TEE ‘EM UP
Golf courses were one of the first things to reopen after COVID-19-related closures. There are over 10 golf courses within a short drive of the Detroit Lakes and Perham areas. Whether you’re looking for an easy evening game among friends, a competitive match, nine holes or 18, there’s something for everyone. Detroit Lakes is home to the Detroit Country Club, Lakeview Golf Course and Forest Hills Golf Course, to name a few. In Perham, there’s Perham Lakeside Golf Course.
STROLL THROUGH A STREET FAIR
Every other Wednesday through August 19, shoppers can find food, art, music, history, sidewalk sales and more at the new biweekly Summit Avenue Street Market in Detroit Lakes. Local food trucks park in the lot north of the Historic Holmes Theatre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and as they eat, visitors can stroll through a variety of vendor booths, listen to live music and watch art demonstrations. 10 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
GO HUNTING FOR FISH
The family-friendly Trowbridge Creek Zoo, located northwest of Vergas on County Highway 17, boasts a zebra, camels and kangaroos as well as parrots, elk, deer, wolves, porcupines, alligators and many more local and exotic animals. A playground area for kids adds to the fun. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends as weather permits before and after that. For more information, visit the zoo’s Facebook page or go to www.trowbridgecreekzoo.com.
Have you noticed some colorful and creative sunfish sculptures swimming in front of various businesses in Detroit Lakes? There are 18 of them that can be found around town — all that’s left of the 50 that were originally created in 2002. They were all designed by local artists for a city promotion at the time, called “Sunny in DL.” Each sculpture is unique. Find them all by grabbing a list from the Chamber of Commerce.
Fitness & Aquatic Center OPEN SWIM
TAKE IN A TUESDAY CONCERT
Bring your lawn chair or a comfy blanket to sit on and nestle next to the Detroit Lakes City Park Bandshell for Tuesdays in the Park. These weekly outdoor concerts feature familyfriendly performances by some of the area’s best musicians, playing every Tuesday through August. All concerts are free, with free will donations accepted. The music starts at 7 p.m. under the Bandshell. This year, guests are asked to sit at least 6 feet apart, and face masks are encouraged.
SCREAM, SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM
Chase after The Ice Cream Truck as it cruises around the Detroit Lakes City Park and Beach area on hot summer days, and beat the heat with a frozen treat. The truck makes various stops around town every May through September. Visit The Ice Cream Truck Facebook page to find out where it’s headed next.
SHOP ‘THE FLEA’
Located five miles south of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59, the Shady Hollow Flea Market is open every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The market has more than 100 vendors, plenty of free parking, and food and beverages sold on site. Call 602-809-6661 or visit www. shadyhollowfleamarket.com for more information.
RACE TO FIND THE TURTLES
In lieu of Perham’s signature summer Turtle Races, which were canceled this year because of the pandemic, the community is instead offering a weekly Race to Find the Painted Turtles. Happening every Wednesday through August, this rewarding event offers prizes for those who find painted turtle rocks hidden around town at various businesses. Ten rocks are hidden every week; each one is worth $50 in Perham Bucks. Clues are posted at 10 a.m. at Perham’s Turtle Race Park and on the Perham Events Facebook page.
CLASSES AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN PERSON!
WALKING TRACK
WEIGHT ROOM
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Truckload Sale NEW TJ Maxx, Target & Kohl’s clothing All genders, Various sizes 40-80% OFF RETAIL!
Target and Kohl’s Home Goods and Furniture
Coming Soon Truckload Matress Sale!!!
1305 W Hwy 10 • Detroit Lakes
844-6556
ThriftStoredl.com SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 11
JUST FOR KIDS
Summer youth programs DESPITE RESTRICTIONS, THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF FUN TO BE HAD FOR LOCAL KIDS BY VICKI GERDES
SUMMERSCAPE
ART AND STEAM DAY CAMPS
The Becker County Museum remains closed to the public this summer, but museum staff has received special permission from the state to offer some on-site youth day camps, according to Executive Director Becky Mitchell. “We’re trying to be creative in how we service our region,” Mitchell says. Spots will be limited to 12 campers per session to allow for social distancing, and there’s an online alternative for every camp. Other precautionary measures are being taken, as well, such as face masks worn by staff and sneeze shields at each station. This summer’s remaining sessions include a STEAM camp Aug. 11-14, which incorporates science, technology, engineering, arts and math into daily activities; a camp that teaches participants how to build a working computer (Aug. 31-Sept. 2); another that teaches them to build their own video game (Aug. 4-6); a LEGO Mind Builder robotics challenge camp July 28-31; a Native American heritage camp, Aug. 25-28; and two art camps, on July 21-24 and Aug. 14-17. All camps are designed for kids between the ages of 7-14. A complete schedule, as well as more information about each camp, is available on the museum’s website, beckercountyhistory.org (look under the “Store” link at the top of the page) and Facebook page. 12 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
S
ome summer activities for kids in the Lakes Area may look a little different this year, but they are happening, thanks to the cooperative efforts of various youth-focused sports and recreation programs and arts organizations. “We started talking about things we can do collectively,” says Kim Bettcher, marketing and membership director for the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center (DLCCC). “This has been a community-wide effort. It’s been a really great experience, partnering with so many different organizations.” Here’s a look at what’s happening.
VIRTUAL LIBRARY ACTIVITIES Since all Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) sites, including Detroit Lakes Public Library, were closed to the public until July 1, the library’s annual summer reading program went digital. “Lake Agassiz Regional Library is offering a virtual summer library experience this year,” said Eliza Gores, Detroit Lakes’ youth services librarian. “We are going completely online.” Through Saturday, Aug. 15, local youth can sign up at larl.org/explore to participate in reading challenges and virtual activities — such as at-home science projects, art tutorials and storytime sessions — to earn tickets for an opportunity to win some exciting prizes. “You could win a geode to crack open, a (computer) tablet, a LEGO set, a fossil dig kit with real fossils, or a fabulous mystery prize,” said Gores. Plus, she added, “Each child will receive a free book just for signing up for our Virtual Summer Library Experience!” In addition, there will be a summer mystery challenge for adults and teens, who can pick up weekly clues on the LARL website for a chance to win prizes by guessing “whodunnit.”
FINE ARTS PROGRAMMING
Detroit Lakes Community Education and the Historic Holmes Theatre are teaming up this summer to present a variety of fine arts programming. Just a sampling of the programs on the schedule for the remainder of the summer include an anime and manga drawing workshop; Young Rembrandts online art classes; virtual art
classes hosted on Zoom; in-person painting classes on the city beach; and a virtual magic camp hosted by professional magician Jeff Siefert. All in-person classes and camps will adhere to the most current state and federal social distancing guidelines. For more information, or to sign up, visit dlccc.org/ holmes-theatre.html or dlcommunityed.com.
PERHAM AREA ACTIVITIES
Perham’s Just for Kix is holding an outdoor summer pom class, with participants broken up into small groups to keep things socially distanced. The 3-month class started on June 9 but is still welcoming those who wish to join. The class will culminate in a performance during a varsity football game halftime show. Register at justforkix.com/danceclasses/perham-mn. Also, the Perham Public Library is holding a summer reading program until the end of July. Participants can keep track of their reading minutes either online at www.perhamlibrary.org or on paper; prizes are available. In addition, the library is hosting weekly Storybook Window (and crafts) events at the library window facing the park, and picture book parades are happening on the walking path at Arvig Park every Thursday throughout the summer.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AT TAMARAC The Visitor Center and Discovery Center at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge have been closed since mid-March, and that doesn’t look like it will change until at least September. But that doesn’t mean Tamarac’s outdoor features are closed — in fact, the Blackbird Wildlife Drive, hiking trails, picnic areas and lake accesses are very much open and ready to welcome visitors of all ages. In addition, some new programming has been introduced for kids and families, such as Tamarac Take Out and the brand-new Tales on the Trail. Since launching June 15, Refuge
Reporter RosaLin Alcoser contributed to this story.
staff has been setting up new Tales on the Trail adventures every week, installing temporary interpretive signage and activities to do along Tamarac’s many trails. Tamarac Take Out youth activity backpacks are available for families to pick up every other Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Visitor Center parking lot, or for home delivery when volunteers are available to do so. Packs are $40 and are also available at Lakeside Tavern in Detroit Lakes. Currently, there are two pack options available, for either bug lovers or bird lovers. Call the Friends of Tamarac at 218-844-1767 to order a pack, or for more information.
GREAT SERVICES • UNIQUE SHOPPING • CASUAL DINING• FUN ENTERTAINMENT
Come dine with us DON PABLO’S MEXICAN La Barista Open Su-Tu, Th 11am-8pm; Open M-F 7am-4pm; Saturday 8am-4pm
F & Sa 11am-9pm
chinese dragon Tue-Thur 11am-8pm Fri & Sat 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-8pm
PIZZA HUT Su-Th 11am-8pm; F & Sa 11am-9pm
WE LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS
Come shop with us!
DOWNTOWN DETROIT LAKES MINNESOTA
808 Washington Avenue Downtown Detroit Lakes, Minnesota www.WashingtonSquareMallDL.com
LIVE LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • EAT LOCAL • LOVE LOCAL SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 13
STAYING IN
Campfire Cookouts and Paper Plate Jellyfish Home-based activities to entertain kids — and grown-ups, too!
Camp Out in the Backyard Backyard campouts have become all the rage in this era of social distancing. Whether it’s in a tent, popup camper or RV parked outside the house, at-home camping is a fun way to feel like you’re getting away, without the risks of COVID19 associated with travel. A great way to spend time together outdoors and out of the usual routine, backyard camping is an opportunity for some whole-family bonding time. It can also be a way for individual family members to get a little alone time in the midst of all the quarantining togetherness. Older kids can camp out for a night on their own, for example, or Mom or Dad can take younger kids camping one at a time, on alternating nights, to give them a little break from their siblings and some special one-on-one attention. Camping and other outdoor activities have surged in popularity this summer. Stores in the Lakes Area are selling camping gear and other outdoors equipment like hotcakes, according to a representative from Lakes Sport Shop in Detroit Lakes, as people seek out safe ways to keep busy and stay entertained. Build or use an existing fire pit to help make your backyard campouts feel real, and cook snacks (like S’mores) or entire ▲ Backyard campouts are a fun and safe way to get a break from the grind. (File Photo)
14 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
meals over the fire. Below are a few ideas to get you started. You’ll need a tripod, swing arm-style grill, or other type of grill or grate that’s made for cooking over a campfire.
CAMPFIRE CASSEROLE
Mix your favorite ground meat (beef, chicken or pork) with kidney beans and cubed bacon. Add barbecue sauce or diced tomatoes, depending on your preference. Allow to simmer in a Dutch oven on low for 45 minutes to an hour. Season to taste. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, place refrigerated biscuits over the top of the casserole, cover and cook until the biscuits are done.
SEAFOOD NO-BOIL
Cut foil sheets about 12 inches long. Add 5 to 6 shrimp, one quarter of an ear of corn, a few slices of smoked andouille sausage, a lemon slice, and seasonings to taste. Fold the foil packets carefully to seal in the ingredients. Place the packets on a grill over the campfire and allow to cook for around 10 to 15 minutes.
SKILLET PIZZA
Place a little cornmeal and oil on the bottom of a cast iron skillet. Spread refrigerated pizza dough out on the skillet. Cover with pizza sauce, cheese and favorite toppings and cook over the fire until the cheese boils and the crust browns.
CAMPSITE COBBLER
Line a Dutch oven with aluminum foil. Mix together a yellow cake mix, 1 1/4 cups water and 1/2 cup canola oil and pour over two cans of a favorite pie filling flavor in the pot. Prepare the campfire for low heat. Put the Dutch oven in the ashes and cover with remaining ash or charcoal briquettes. Cook until bubbly, around 30 to 40 minutes.
CAMPFIRE CORN ON THE COB
In a clean bucket, cooler or large pan, mix enough water to cover four ears of unhusked corn on the cob with ½ to 1 cup of sugar. Add the corn to the water mixture and soak for 1 to 2 hours. Remove and place over the campfire, turning often to avoid over-burning the
Getting the kids more involved in meal planning and preparation can make dinner time more fun for everyone. (File Photo)
THINGS TO MAKE Make sure you have plenty of popcorn on hand and order in a few pizzas so everyone can focus on the films.
husk. Cook for approximately 20 to 30 minutes or until tender; remove corn from the fire. Peel back the husk and silk, spread with butter and salt, and enjoy.
...Or, Take Another Kind of ‘Staycation’ Staycations need not be limited to days spent lounging on the patio or laying on the living room couch. The following are a handful of activities that can help people make the most of their staycations.
► ORDER TAKE-OUT: One of the allures of travel is getting to escape the responsibility of meal planning and cooking every day. Treat yourself to this same luxury at home, and support local restaurants while you’re at it, by ordering delivery, takeout or curbside pickup during your staycation.
► ENJOY THE WONDERS OF NATURE: Commit to exploring local parks, hitting the trails to hike or mountain bike, or renting a boat or kayak and taking to the water.
► HAVE A SPA DAY: Even if the local spa is closed due to COVID-19, you can still have an extra relaxing time during your staycation. Enlist your spouse or a friend to share back, head or foot massages. Do at-home facials and face masks, and take a long, hot bath. If you’ve got young kids at home, you can have some fun doing each other’s hair (and maybe makeup), and painting fingernails and toenails.
► PLAN YOUR OWN FILM FESTIVAL: Plan a daylong film festival in which each member of the family gets to choose a movie everyone can watch together.
► GO FOR A DRIVE: Want to get away from the house for a while? Take a driving tour of the region. Explore scenic routes you haven’t been on before.
► SPEND A DAY ON THE LINKS: Golf courses were one of the first things to reopen after virus-related business closures. Find a course within driving distance of your home and book a tee time.
Paper plate jellyfish: Cut a paper plate in half, paint it creatively and add googly eyes. Use glue or tape to hang strips of brightly colored yarn or party streamers underneath it to create the “tentacles.” Shaving cream paint: This is a great sensory material that is relatively easy to clean up. Simply mix shaving cream with food coloring in a bowl, or use a muffin tin to separate colors. Use it to finger paint on a table or in the bathtub. Found items birdhouse: Birdhouses or bird feeders can be made from scraps of material found around the house. Scavenge for spare lumber, wood scraps or other supplies around the yard or in the shed or garage. An adult or older sibling can help cut the wood into pieces. Young children may enjoy painting the house. Wood adhesive or screws can be used to assemble it. Leaf art: Gather leaves and twigs from around the yard and then combine pieces and glue them to paper to make animal shapes and other designs.
BOATS AND PONTOONS
941 Market St. Perham, MN 218-346-3333
M-F 8:30-5:00 Sat 8:30-1:00 Sun Closed
www.raysmarineperham.com
SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 15
STAYING IN
Keep the Gardening Going, All Summer Long BY ROSALIN ALCOSER
G
SUMMERSCAPE
ardening is something people can do all summer long and well into the fall, right in their own backyards. Planting projects provide fun activities and blooming color all season, and they can be done by anyone, who lives anywhere — from a sprawling farm to a studio apartment. While early summer is a popular time for container gardening, putting up
16 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
hanging baskets and planting annuals in pots, mid to late summer “is a good time (for people) to start planting their beds and pruning existing bushes and shrubs, or moving things around in their gardens. Any of those things can really be done at any point between now and the fall,” says Jodie Ramsay, owner of Jean’s the Right Plant Place in Perham. When planting beds, gardeners should be mindful of both space and weather,
Choosing perennials that bloom at different times of the summer will guarantee something is always in bloom. (RosaLin Alcoser / Summerscape)
STAYING IN “We are seeing a big interest in collecting different varieties of houseplants and unique succulents.” — Mara Bergen, Bergen’s Greenhouses
according to Ramsay, keeping in mind how much sun a location gets before choosing what to plant, and how big plants will get once full grown. Timing is also important, she says, “Since when it’s super hot, windy and dry, it’s super stressful for plants.” Planting when temperatures are in the 70s or lower 80s is fine, “But when it gets up to 90, it’s pretty stressful for plants.”
Mara Bergen, of Bergen’s Greenhouses in Detroit Lakes, says perennials have been a popular choice for beds this summer. “Annuals bring a spot of color quickly to any yard, deck, or doorstep,” she says, adding that the addition of perennials that bloom at different times of the summer will guarantee something is always in bloom. In the fall, after Labor Day, is the time to start cleaning up the garden for winter and planting bulbs that will bloom the following spring, such as tulips and daffodils, Ramsay says. House plants are also something people can plant and enjoy long after summer is over. “We are seeing a big interest in collecting different varieties of houseplants and unique succulents,” Bergen says. “Green plants have a bonus health factor: they clean the air. Succulents come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors. Succulent gardens are also very forgiving — if you forget to water them all week, they like it dry. Some varieties of house plants also bloom; anthurium, bromeliads, orchids, and peace lilies, to name a few.”
Once people are done planting their outdoor pots, it's a good time to move onto flower beds. (RosaLin Alcoser / Summerscape)
Price’s FineJewelry est. 1943
218-847-5309 805 Washington Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 www.prices-finejewelry.com
Located at 918 Washington Ave Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501 (218) 234-7533 | www.beautifuljunque.com SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 17
GET YOUR LONG WEEKEND ON! SUNDAY OMELETTE BAR
THURSDAY OUTDOOR GRILLED TO ORDER SIRLOIN STEAK
PREPARED FRESH RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!
MEAT RAFFLE 6PM TILL GONE
SERVED 9-NOON
(WEATHER PERMITTING)
$10.95
$14.95
MONDAY - FRIDAY 4-6PM HAPPY HOUR $1 OFF BOTTLES, TAP, AND RAIL DRINKS
1/2 PRICE APPETIZERS
OPEN DAILY AT 11 AM
Cruise to the Pit Night With Bruce and Tiki Dee on the Patio 4 PM-7 PM AUG 2ND
AUG 16TH
AUG 30TH
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL SUMMER LONG! Party with us on the Patio (weather permitting)
EASY TO FIND, HARD TO LEAVE
• Aug 8th Deadbeats • Aug 22nd Front Fenders • Sept 4th Deadbeats • Sept 5th Blue English • Sept 12th Fat Cats (Pre Octoberfest)
15057 Co Hwy 11, Audubon, MN 56511 (218) 439-6121 | thepit611.com 18 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
Home of the Famous
Thunder Burger Ice Cracking Lodge Est. 1934
OWNERS - BRIAN AND TANDRA PARSONS
Class 2 Slot Machines BINGO: TELECONFERENCE MONDAY 6PM FRIDAY 6PM RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
HAPP YH $2.0 OUR 3-6 0M PM AND ILLER LITE BUD LIG TAPS HT
Steak Specials FRI/SAT/SUN
Y OPEN DAIL AT 11 AM ESDAYS U T N O D E CLOS
30389 COUNTY HWY 35 • PONSFORD MN, 56575 • (218)573-3631 SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 19
What's going on at
2-4-1ink
Golfers dr h specialenwt it curr scorecard
The best Sports bar to watch your favorite sports!
Featuring 75” HD TV’s!
HAPPY HOUR Dock Access to Deadshot Bay Monday-Friday 218-844-6820 25807 Cty Hwy 22 • Detroit Lakes 4-6PM 20 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
mation: 001998051r1
VOTED BEST BREAKFAST IN THE LAKES AREA!
Proudly Serving Downtown Detroit Lakes
FOR OVER 20 YEARS BREAKFAST • LUNCH DESSERT
INCLUDES COFFEE!
BREAKFAST SPECIALS STARTING AT 29 6 MON-FRI 7AM-11 $
ANY OMELET, HASHBROWNS, TOAST & COFFEE 69 8 MON - FRI 7-11AM $
PIE & COFFEE 89 3 MON-FRI 2-4PM $
– 7 DAYS A WEEK –
Main Street Restaurant
900 Washington Ave. Detroit Lakes, MN • 847-3344
Open Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-4:00 p.m. • Sat. 7 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
SUMMERSCAPE 2020 | 21
847-8154
MCKINLEY PLAZA • DETROIT LAKES 22 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
Destination Liquor Store! Just Minutes South of Detroit Lakes!
BUILD YOUR OWN
IT’S EASIER TO ASK US WHAT WE DON’T HAVE!
CRAFT BEER 6 PACKS MONTHLY
EVENT CALENDAR 25275 S. Melissa Drive • Detroit Lakes
218.846.WINE (9463) • 218.847.BEER (2337) (Just Minutes south of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59)
STORE HOURS MONDAY-SATURDAY 8AM-10PM SUNDAY 11AM - 6PM
