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Otter Tail County: State and County Parks and Bike Trail of Western Minnesota's Most Picturesque Lake Region

Otter Tail County rests in western Minnesota and is on the western edge of both North America's lake district and the great expanse of the North American hardwood forest. To the west are the farmlands and grasslands of the Dakota prairie.
The county is rich in hills, ponds, lakes, forests, fields, pastures, and prairies. Its abundant wildlife includes deer, fox, rabbits, raccoons, and wild turkeys, as year-round residents, and eagles, pelicans, cranes, herons, Canada geese, and ducks of several varieties, seasonally. Deer roam the land quite freely and in the summer are often found within the city limits of Fergus Falls. Also in the summer mallard ducks are prolific and are commonly found in the back yards of Fergus Falls home owners. By the county's location and topography, its song birds range from forest and marsh dwellers to shrub and prairie nesters.
The county is home to two state parks, Glendalough State Park and Maplewood State Park, one state wayside park, Inspiration Peak, one county park of note, Phelps Mill, and the north end of the paved 60-mile Central Lakes Bicycle Trail. Several maps providing the location and landscape of the parks and bike trail are included on this page. The first map is a road map of Otter Tail County that gives the general location of the parks and trail.

Road Map of Otter Tail County, with Urban Areas, Four Parks, and one Bike Trail

Glendalough State Park

Glendalough was formerly the family and social retreat of the Cowles (see Who Rules America, 1967 edition, G. William Domhoff) of Tribune Co. fame. In the 1950s, both presidential candidate Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon visited it. Today, it is a state park occupying 1,931 acres, bordering or encompassing six lakes - West Battle Lake, Lake Blanche, Lake Emma, Molly Stark Lake, Annie Battle Lake, and Sunset Lake, one with "Heritage Fishing" designation (Annie Battle), and offering 8 miles of hiking/skiing trails, 4 seasonal cabins, 22 tent sites distributed among 1 group camp, 5 canoe-in/hike-in/bike-in campsites, and several cart-in sites, 1 picnic area, 1 official beach, and multiple bird watching spots. Here, deer are plentiful; encountering 10 to 20 deer in an hour hike in early spring is not unusual.

The following map is a photo map depicting the location of Glendalough State Park more precisely.

Photo Map of Glendalough State Park Area

Notes:

1. The park entrance, a bit more than a mile from the northeastern-most corner of Battle Lake, is on County Highway 16. The easiest, but not the shortest, route from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is northwest on Interstate 94 to the Ashby exit (Exit 77), north on Minnesota Highway 78 to a mile past the town of Battle Lake, and east on County Highway 16 nearly 2 miles. The shortest and fastest route from Fargo-Moorhead is southeast on Interstate 94 to the east-bound exit of Minnesota Highway 210 (Exit 57), east on Highway 210 less than 20 miles to the intersection of Minnesota Highway 78, north on Minnesota Highway 78 to a mile past the town of Battle Lake, and east on County Highway 16 nearly 2 miles. For navigating other highways and back roads of Minnesota, order Minnesota Atlas and Gazetteer. (The link is to Amazon.com.)
2. The green (lime) lines mark the approximate boundaries of the park; the yellow lines mark the approximate boundaries of municipalities (here, Battle Lake and Clitherall); the red lines mark the approximate location of section boundaries; the blue lines mark the approximate locations of township lines. To view the township names, click here to go to the overview page on Otter Tail County.
3. The above map depicts four nearby lakes - First Silver Lake, Second Silver Lake, Elbow Lake, and Clitherall Lake - and two nearby towns, Battle Lake and Clitherall.

Because the state park is so close to the north shore of the west wing of West Battle Lake, in the spring and fall it is common to see residents from the north shore walking to Glendalough.
The next map gives a blowup of Glendalough.

Photo Map of Glendalough State Park

From this map, it may be seen that Lake Emma is more a big slough than a lake, but it offers two observation decks on the west and is surrounded by a wildlife protection zone, which is quite sizable on the south side.
To go to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's page on Glendalough State Park, click here.
Maplewood State Park
Maplewood State Park was established by legislative action in 1963, says the Minnesota DNR's park map.
The most striking features of this park are its hardwood forest, dramatic topographic variations (for a glacial deposition setting), and abundant deer. The park also borders Lake Lida, likely the most picturesque lake in all of western Minnesota and a good candidate for central North America.
Maplewood State Park occupies 9,264 acres, borders or encompasses quite a number of lakes and offers two picnic areas, one beach, many campsites of multiple type, 25 miles of hiking trails and 13 miles of cross-country ski trails. It also boasts 150 species of breeding birds, 40 kinds of mammals and 25 kinds of reptiles and amphibians.

Photo Map of Maplewood State Park

Notes:

1. The park entrance, about 7 miles east of Pelican Rapids, is on Minnesota Highway 108. The shortest route from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is northwest on Interstate 94 to the Pelican Rapids exit (Exit 32), east on Minnesota Highway 108 about 20 miles. The shortest and fastest route from Fargo-Moorhead is southeast on Interstate 94 to Exit 32, east on Minnesota Highway 108 about 20 miles. For navigating other highways and back roads of Minnesota, order Minnesota Atlas and Gazetteer. (The link is to Amazon.com.)
2. The green (lime) lines mark the approximate boundaries of the park; the red lines mark the approximate location of section boundaries; the blue lines mark the approximate locations of township lines. To view the township names, click here to go to the overview page on Otter Tail County.
3. There are private areas within this state park of which public use is prohibited.
4. The depiction of at least one pond on the DNR park map appears to depart considerably from what is shown on the above photo map.

To go to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's page on Maplewood State Park, click here.
Inspiration Peak Wayside State Park
Inspiration Peak is a glacial hill that rises above the countryside about 400 feet. The vista provides an excellent overview of the surrounding area. There is a small picnic area near its base.

Photo Map of Inspiration Peak Wayside Park Area

Notes:

1. The park entrance can be accessed from County Highway 38. The easiest route from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is northwest on Interstate 94 to the Ashby exit (Exit 77), north on Minnesota Highway 78 to the intersection with County Highway 38, east on County Highway 38. The easiest route from Fargo-Moorhead is southeast on Interstate 94 to the Ashby exit (Exit 77), north on Minnesota Highway 78 to the intersection with County Highway 38, east on County Highway 38. For navigating other highways and back roads of Minnesota, order Minnesota Atlas and Gazetteer. (The link is to Amazon.com.)
2. The green (lime) lines mark the approximate boundaries of the park; the yellow lines mark the approximate boundaries of the town of Urbank; the red lines mark the approximate location of section boundaries; the blue lines mark the approximate locations of township lines. Inspiration Peak is in Leaf Mountain Township; to view more township names, click here to go to the overview page on Otter Tail County.

To view the map of the park vicinity provided by Otter Tail County, go to www.co.otter-tail.mn.us/maps/parks/inspirationpeak.php.

Phelps Mill County Park

The Phelps Mill County Park contains a historic flour mill, originally named the Maine Roller Mill and renamed Phelps Mill after the owner's wife's maiden name. When built in 1889, it was the largest flour mill west of Minneapolis (says one pamphlet), but technology rendered it obsolete within a few decades. It was sold in 1919 and closed in 1939. Today, it and the land about it are a county park and host of the Phelps Mill Festival in early July, a popular crafts bazaar with an even more popular lunch.

The following map is a photo map depicting the location of Phelps Mill County Park.

Photo Map of Phelps Mill County Park Area

Notes:

1. The park entrance is on County Highway 45. The easiest, but not the shortest, route from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is northwest on Interstate 94 to the Ashby exit (Exit 77), north on Minnesota Highway 78 to the intersection of Minnesota Highway 210, west on Minnesota Highway 210 to Underwood, north on County Highway 35 to County Highway 1, west on County Highway 1 to the northerly intersection of County Highway 45, and north on County Highway 45. The shortest and fastest route from Fargo-Moorhead is southeast on Interstate 94 to the east-bound exit of Minnesota Highway 210 (Exit 57), east on Highway 210 to Underwood, north on County Highway 35 to County Highway 1, west on County Highway 1 to the northerly intersection of County Highway 45, and north on County Highway 45. For navigating other highways and back roads of Minnesota, order Minnesota Atlas and Gazetteer. (The link is to Amazon.com.)
2. The green (lime) lines mark the approximate boundaries of the park; the red lines mark the approximate location of section boundaries; the blue lines mark the approximate locations of township lines. To view the township names, click here to go to the overview page on Otter Tail County.
3. The above map depicts two nearby lakes - Lake Leon and Sharp Lake - and a short stretch of the Otter Tail River.
4. The source for the park boundaries is http://www.co.otter-tail.mn.us/maps/parks/phelpsmill.php.

Central Lakes Bicycle Trail

The Central Lakes Bike Trail runs about 60 miles from Fergus Falls, Minnesota to Osakis, Minnesota. Some of the most beautiful scenery on this trail is just south of Otter Tail County.

The following map is a photo map depicting that part of the Central Lakes Trail that falls within Otter Tail County.

Northerly Portion of the Central Lakes Bike Trail

Notes:

1. The Fergus Falls Trail Head is in the Delagoon Park of the City of Fergus Falls. The shortest route from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is northwest on Interstate 94 to the Exit 61, northwest on County Highway 82 (the old U.S. Highway 52 for the post-50-year-olds) past the Pebble Lake Golf Course to Delagoon Park Drive (see detailed photo map below). The shortest and fastest route from Fargo-Moorhead is southeast on Interstate 94, to the east-bound exit of Minnesota Highway 210 (Exit 57), east on Highway 210 to County Highway 82, southeast on County Highway 82 to Delagoon Park Drive (see detailed photo map below). For navigating other highways and back roads of Minnesota, order Minnesota Atlas and Gazetteer. (The link is to Amazon.com.)
2. Overnight parking next to the Trail Head in Fergus Falls' Delagoon Park is permissible (as of July 2006), a public service that is quite helpful for those planning an overnight stay in one of accommodations along the bike trail, say in one of Alexandria's bed and breakfasts. South of the Trail Head, Delagoon Park also offers separate camping areas for tents and RVs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a parking lot just .2 mile northwest of the intersection of the trail and County Highway 29, but overnight parking is prohibited as of July 2006, per telephone call to the service at 1-218-739-2291. The photo map below offers greater detail on the location of these facilities.
3. The dotted green (lime) lines marks the route of the Central Lakes Trail; the yellow lines mark the approximate boundaries of municipalities (here, Fergus Falls and Dalton); the red lines mark the approximate location of section boundaries; the blue lines mark the approximate locations of township lines. To view the township names, click here to go to the overview page on Otter Tail County.
4. The above map depicts a number of Lakes along this northerly section of the trail, including Pebble Lake, Chautaugau Lake, Bromseth Lake, Mud Lake, Lake Formoe, and Clear Lake. Just south of Otter Tail County, the trail passes by Pelican Lake and Lake Christina, both large and beautiful and rich in waterfowl during the migratory seasons.
5. For more information regarding Minnesota bike trails, see www.MnBikeTrails.com.
6. The northerly end of the trail is at Minnesota Highway 210, as depicted in the map above.

The next photo map of the Central Lakes Bicycle Trail depicts the Trail Head and important intersections.

Photo Map of Very Northerly Portion of Central Lakes Bike Trail

Notes:

1. The Fergus Falls Trail Head is in the Delagoon Park of the City of Fergus Falls. The shortest route from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is northwest on Interstate 94 to the Exit 61, northwest on County Highway 82 (the old U.S. Highway 52 for the post-50-year-olds) past the Pebble Lake Golf Course to Delagoon Park Drive. The shortest and fastest route from Fargo-Moorhead is southeast on Interstate 94, to the east-bound exit of Minnesota Highway 210 (Exit 57), east on Highway 210 to County Highway 82, southeast on County Highway 82 to Delagoon Park Drive. For navigating other highways and back roads of Minnesota, order Minnesota Atlas and Gazetteer. (The link is to Amazon.com.)
2. Overnight parking next to the Trail Head in Fergus Falls' Delagoon Park is permissible (as of July 2006), a public service that is quite helpful for those planning an overnight stay in one of accommodations along the bike trail, say in one of Alexandria's bed and breakfasts. South of the Trail Head, Delagoon Park also offers separate camping areas for tents and RVs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a parking lot just .2 mile northwest of the intersection of the trail and County Highway 29, but overnight parking is prohibited as of July 2006, per telephone call to the service at 1-218-739-2291.
3. The dotted green (lime) lines marks the route of the Central Lakes Trail; the yellow lines mark the approximate boundaries of the municipality of Fergus Falls; the red lines mark the approximate location of section boundaries; the blue lines mark the approximate locations of township lines. To view the township names, click here to go to the overview page on Otter Tail County.
4. For more information regarding Minnesota bike trails, see www.MnBikeTrails.com.
5. The northerly end of the trail is at Minnesota Highway 210, as depicted in the map above.

Other Close-to-Nature Facilities of Otter Tail County
Otter Tail County has two camps that host Concordia Language Villages during the summer. Camp Trowbridge, 50261 County Highway 17, Vergas, MN 56587, hosts the Arabic language village, Al-Waha, and Lakeside Camp, 40225 Purlieu Road, Dent, MN 56528, hosts the Japanese language village, Mori no Ike.
State Parks in Adjoining or Nearby Counties
In adjoining counties, there are two state parks - Lake Carlos State Park (to the south in Douglas County) and Buffalo River State Park (to the north in Clay County). Two counties away (about 70 miles south-southeast of Fergus Falls) is Glacial Lakes State Park in Pope County. The last offers particularly grand vistas of prairie lands and considerable privacy; on the prairie tails on a weekday it is unlikely that the visitor will encounter anyone, even during the summer. (The forested area about the lake, although comparatively uninteresting, attracts the tourists.)
Northwest Minnesota's Premier Cross-Country Skiing Resort, Say Some
About 30 miles to the north of Otter Tail County, in Becker County, is Maplelag, a very popular cross-country ski resort in the winter. (In the summer, Maplelag hosts one of Concordia Language Villages' several Spanish language camps.) Maplelag's website is rich in photographs and offers an excellent road map.

Other Otter Tail County Pages

Overview of Otter Tail County

Bed and Breakfasts and Resorts

Golf Courses

Fergus Falls

Battle Lake

Pelican Rapids

Vergas

Charts

Links to Amazon.com
Interesting Literature Pertaining to Otter Tail County
History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota: Its People, Industries and Institutions by John W. Mason (Editor)	Abandonings: Photographs of Otter Tail County, Minnesota (Hardcover) by Maxwell MacKenzie	History of the Ojibway People by William W. Warren	Minnesota Atlas and Gazetteer (Paperback) by Delorme (Editor)	Minnesota Atlas of Historical County Boundaries by Gordon Denboer (Compiler), John H. Long (Editor)