Top Things to do in the Ottertail County/Lakes County area

Very Affordable Pontoon Rental

Book as soon as possible to not miss out on your summer fun.

If not booked out before your stay starts they will probably not be available

3 day minimum – $200-$300/day

Housed in a charming, renovated building in Perham, Gathering Grounds serves specialty coffee, hearty breakfast and lunch plates, and a small retail selection a great place to linger with a book or plan your day.

A cozy, downtown café known for craft coffee and a relaxed atmosphere a favorite morning stop for locals and visitors looking for a solid breakfast or pastry before a day on the lakes.

Come Relax and Rejuvenate your Body, Mind And Soul.

Must book in advance!

Limited availability on weekends.

Set in historic downtown Ottertail, this longtime shop blends a gift store with a deli and espresso bar perfect for quick sandwiches, ice cream, and outdoor seating in summer.

Located at Thumper Pond Resort, Willy T’s is a family-friendly tavern serving house-roasted meats, burgers, pizzas and casual pub fare — an easy choice after golf, the waterpark, or a lake day.

A lakeside staple (pizza + Tex-Mex style menu) popular across Minnesota lake country lively patio vibes and big portions make it a crowd pleaser for families and groups.

Perham’s casual dining spot combining classic American entrees with family entertainment (they even have bowling) known for hand-cut steaks, weekly specials, and a full bar.

A regional quick-serve favorite (Detroit Lakes/nearby) dishing up build-your-own burritos, bowls and Tex-Mex comfort food fast, fresh, and wallet-friendly for a lake lunch.

A beloved bakery in the area (New York Mills region) known for fresh morning pastries, sandwiches, and homestyle lunch specials ideal for picking up picnic provisions.

Local bakery in Ottertail producing breads, buns, donuts and specialty coffee a dependable stop for fresh baked goods and morning takeaways.

A hometown breakfast & lunch spot on Perham’s Main Street known for generous plates, daily specials, and friendly small-town service.

Perham’s full-service outdoor & sporting shop (since mid-1900s) a go-to for fishing, hunting, bait, and local outdoor know-how before you head out on the water.

Charming boutique on Main Street offering curated clothing, accessories and home goods perfect for picking up a gift or a lakeside outfit.

A locally owned gift & home shop in Perham (Main Street) with a wide selection of curated gifts and seasonal finds a pleasant browse for unique souvenirs.

A full-service, family-owned grocery serving the lakes area deli, bakery, produce and local staples for stocking cabins or planning cookouts.

Family-run u-pick farm and seasonal destination (near Perham) pick strawberries and raspberries in summer, then visit the fall corn maze and pumpkin patch. Great for family photos and kid-friendly farm fun.

More than a gym PACC offers an indoor waterpark, roller skating, therapy pool, fitness rooms and community programming, making it a local hub for families and recreation.

A scenic state park with paved biking loops, interpretive trails, yurts/camping, sandy beaches and excellent birdwatching a must for paddling, hiking, and quick nature escapes.

Family resort with an indoor waterpark, golf course, and on-site dining — ideal for weekend getaways, group stays, and activities that keep kids entertained.

NEW Mini Golf!!!!!

Regional watersports outfitter renting and selling kayaks, paddleboards and towables, a reliable launch point for exploring nearby lakes or renting gear for a day on the water.

Hi I’m Randin Olson, owner of Lock Jaw Guide Service located in the Ottertail lakes area of Minnesota. Growing up in this area, I had the privilege of learning how to fish from my father who is an outstanding Walleye angler. As the years grew, so did my passion for fishing. Although Musky is my favorite species to chase, Walleye, Bass, Northern, and Panfish will always hold a special place in my life. There is no greater pleasure than to introduce children to the outdoors since they are the future of our sport.

The Heart of the Lakes Trail connects Perham, Pelican Rapids, and Maplewood State Park, expanding safe, multi-modal access to key recreation, employment, and lake destinations in Otter Tail County. Open to the public for walking, biking, hiking, and similar non-motorized uses, the trail offers scenic views along Maplewood Ridge and fills a critical gap in west central Minnesota’s regional trail system.

Perham Lakeside Golf Club is a popular 27-hole public golf course just north of Perham, Minnesota, featuring three unique nine-hole layouts – Maple, Oak, and Pine – with scenic fairways, natural wetlands, and flowing elevation changes. Open to golfers of all skill levels, the club also offers a practice facility with a driving range and short-game areas, a welcoming clubhouse with a restaurant and pro shop, and event space for outings and tournaments.

Thumper Pond Golf Course in Ottertail, Minnesota, is an 18-hole championship golf course set among towering red pine forests and water features. Designed by Eric Niskanen and opened in 2001, the par-72 layout offers about 6,600 yards of golf with multiple tee options, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels. The facility also includes a driving range, practice areas, and a welcoming pro shop, blending natural beauty with a memorable round in Minnesota’s lake country.

Perham Disc Golf in Perham, Minnesota is a public 18-hole disc golf course located in Arvig Park, established around 2010. The layout features a full 18-hole loop with mostly grass tees and Prodigy baskets, offering a mix of open and wooded fairways with moderate difficulty that can challenge players from novice to experienced. Play is free and open to the public, with an average round taking about 1½ to 2 hours to complete. Skilled and casual players alike enjoy the relaxed park setting and the opportunity to explore disc golf in the heart of this lakes-area community.