The Underappreciated County In Minnesota That's Home To 1,048 Heavenly Lakes
By Betsy Rathburn|Published March 19, 2019
×
Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
We all know that Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But did you know that the official count is more than 1,000? Our beautiful lakes give us thousands of miles of shoreline. Not only that, but they give us endless opportunity for recreation all year long. While Minnesota has lakes in just about every county in the state, there is one in particular that has a whopping 1,048 heavenly lakes. Read on to learn about this amazing area of Minnesota:
Otter Tail County is a west-central Minnesota county with a population of about 57,000 people. Fergus Falls is its county seat and largest city.
The county was named after its largest lake, Otter Tail Lake, as well as for the Otter Tail River. The lake covers 21 square miles and is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors.
In fact, the area is known for its outdoor recreation. Otter Tail County is home to several state parks, including Glendalough, Maplewood, and Phelps Mill State Parks.
If you'd like to stay awhile, there are also many lakeside resorts in the area. These spots, often family-owned for decades, give you a taste of what going up north in Minnesota is all about.
But even if you decide not to spend the night, Otter Tail County has plenty to see and do. From its 1,048 lakes to its lovely small towns and state park, it's a Minnesota adventurer's dream.