Situated in the heart of Becker County, the Detroit Lakes region is one of the most diverse and exciting regions in all of Minnesota. Nowhere else in this great state will you be able to find all the Minnesota state symbols: the loon, pink and white lady slippers, wild rice, Norway pines, blueberries, and the majestic eagle.
With over 400 lakes and encompassing eleven communities, Becker County and the Detroit Lakes region offers abundant opportunities to enjoy Minnesota both in and out of doors.
Detroit Lake is a 3,083 acre lake located south of the city that shares its same name. While it may not be as deep as most lakes in this region (its maximum depth is 85ft.), its geography and temperature variances allow for a wide variety of both cool, warm, and even cold water fish species. Bullheads and panfish stick to the warmer waters while the walleyes and the tullibees congregate in the cooler waters.
The city of Detroit Lakes takes full advantage of its proximity to this wonderful lake. Both residents and tourists enjoy the excellent conditions for fishing, swimming, boating, and waterskiing. A well maintained park system provides an ideal place for picnicking and other leisurely outdoor activities, plus miles and miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Nature buffs will want to visit the Tamarac National Wildlife Preserve. Located 18 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes, this 43,000-acre wildlife refuge is home to more than 250 different bird species and encompasses over 20 lakes, three rivers, and countless woodlands and marshes.
Big Cormorant Lake is located near the town of Audobon, about five miles southwest of Detroit Lakes. At 3,421 acres, it is the second largest lake in Becker County. Big Cormorant Lake is regarded as an excellent natural prairie lake with a healthy walleye and pike population. Its close proximity to the Fargo-Moorhead area has resulted in a push for heavy shoreline development, but so far these new developments haven't had a negative impact on the lake.
Sallie (Sally) Lake is located west of Detroit Lake on the other side of Highway 59. This 1,246 acre lake has seen much improvement in its water quality in the past few years. This improvement has led to the reestablishment of the tullibee and the decline in number of the black bullhead and black crappie. A good number of yellow perch, pike, and largemouth bass can also be found in this lake making Sallie a good one stop shop for hungry anglers.
Pelican Lake is located near the Becker/Otter Tail County border approximately seven miles north of Pelican Rapids, MN. This 3,986 acre lake has a maximum depth of 55 ft; however, 41% of the lake is less than 15 ft. deep. The southern portion of the lake, known as Fish Lake, is 309 acres. Pelican Lake is connected to Little Pelican Lake and Lake Lizzie via the Pelican River. Boat travel upstream to Little Pelican is possible, but Lake Lizzie is inaccessible because of a dam downstream. The shoreline of Pelican Lake has been extensively developed. Homes, cottages, and resorts compose the majority of the development. DNR owned concrete public water accesses are located along the east and southwest shorelines of the lake. Pelican Lake is a popular angling lake during both the open water and ice fishing seasons. The lake is best known for its excellent walleye, northern pike, and bluegill fishing.
For Lakeshoredreams.com, the counties grouped in Detroit Lakes MN include:
Norman County MN, Mahnomen County MN, Becker County MN, Clay County MN
