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Hawley, Detroit Lakes & Lakes Country
The string of lake towns just east of the metro — beaches, resorts, and small-town summer.
Drive 30 minutes east of Moorhead and the prairie gives way to lake country — hundreds of lakes, resort towns, and beaches that define summer up here. These are the towns worth pointing the car toward. Distances are from Fargo.
The gateway
Hawley, MNFirst real hills heading east; a quick stop on the way to the lakesLook it up ↗Pelican Rapids, MNSmall-town charm with Maplewood State Park next doorLook it up ↗
The main events
Detroit Lakes, MNThe big one — a mile-long beach, mini golf, and a walkable downtown (~50 min)Visit ↗Battle Lake & Otter Tail County, MNGlendalough, paddling and classic resort lakesLook it up ↗Perham, MNTurtle races, the In-Towner, and family resortsLook it up ↗
A little farther
Alexandria, MNBig Ole, a chain of lakes, and an indoor water park for rainy days (~1.5 hr)Visit ↗Frazee & Vergas, MNTiny lake towns with quiet beaches and good ice creamLook it up ↗Maplewood State Park, MNHike, swim, and camp in the heart of lakes countryVisit ↗
Dad Tip
Detroit Lakes is the easy first trip — beach, food, and mini golf all walkable — but the smaller towns like Battle Lake and Vergas are where you escape the summer crowds.