Recreation in the Area:

Year Round:

Otter Tail County has the most lakes in the State of Minnesota!  The local area offers many things to choose for all seasons of the year.  Our "small town feel" is what you may be looking for when choosing a vacation or get away.  Thumper Pond is located on the Otter Trail Scenic Byway. 

* Red Horse Ranch Arena:  Tucked in the rolling hills of West Central Minnesota is The Red Horse Ranch Arena.  This locally owned facility offers premium equestrian events and services as well as other events such as concerts, and the PRCA Rodeo each year!  Call (218) 736-3000 for more information or visit their website at www.redhorserancharena.com. 

*Cupkies Christmas Village:  So much more than a Christmas Store!  Create holiday memories by cutting the family Christmas tree together and the activities they offer during the holidays or vist the gift shop year round!  Call (218) 346-6164 or visit their website at www.christmastreevillage.com.

*Shady Oaks Riding Stables:  Located 7 miles south of Thumper Pond on County Highway 128 in Battle Lake.  Offering sleigh rides for the winter season and horse back riding and hay rides in the spring/summer and fall seasons.  Call (218) 367-2699 for more information. 

*Glendalough State Park:  Minnesota's newest state park is home to a large population of birds, waterfowl and deer. With more than nine miles of undeveloped shoreline and six lakes, this angler's paradise is one of the last large tracts of undeveloped lakeshore and land in west central Minnesota.  Walking and biking trails are available as well as cross country ski trails for recreation. Two observation areas in the park provide excellent opportunities to see wildlife.  Call (218) 864- 0110 for more information.  

In Their Own Words - A Veteran's Museum:  Throughout history, military conflict has had a profound effect on the men and women of rural America. This museum tells their stories....in their own words.  805 West Main Street Perham, MN  (218) 346-7678 or www.ITOWmuseum.org for more information. 

Phelps Mill County Park:  Enjoy their festival from July 12th-13th, 2008 but visit any time to see the history of milling in rural Minnesota.  Visit the website at       www.co.otter-tail.mn.us/phelpsmill for more information. 

*Cross Country Skiing:  Thumper Pond has over 90,000 pine trees for you and your family to cross country ski through.  Trails have been cut for the season and are breath taking!  A few even have a small hill or two to make it more challenging.   

Spring showers will bring the May flowers as well as the opening of the golf course and the MN State Fishing Opener.

Inspiration Peak:  One of the highest points in the state of Minnesota, Inspiration Peak rises 1,750 feet.  A nice hike to the top you can see over 50 lakes and it offers a captivating view any season.  Visit www.co.otter-tail.mn.us/inspirationpeak 

Fort Thunder Shooting Center:  Opens in April and is open through September.  Offering trap, sheet, sporting clays, 5 stand and a duck tower.  Call (218) 346-6083 for information.  Contact:  LeRoy & Betty Atkinson

The summer season is very popular in our area!  (Only it is way too short!!)

*Thumper Pond Golf Course and Driving Range onsite

*Balmoral Golf Course:  An 18 hole championship golf course, located 7 miles south of Thumper Pond.  Call (218) 367-2055. 

*Perham Lakeside Golf Course:  A 27 hole championship golf course, located 11 miles north of Thumper Pond.  Call (218) 346-6070 or visit www.perhamlakeside.com for more information. 

*OtterTail Cruises on Ottertail Lake: OtterTail Cruises offers the areas only charter boat.  Offering private and public cruises for your enjoyment.  Contact them at (218) 826-6776 or www.ottertailcruises.com or e-mail at captain@ottertailcruises.com  for more information.  

*Shopping the local towns of Ottertail, Perham and Battle Lake:  Visit the many local shops, antiques stores and more for a day or just a portion of it! 

*Fishing and water recreation in the area:  Ottertail County has over 1,000 of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes!  The area lakes are filled with cool, clean water and plenty of fish!  The lakes are inviting to those wishing to fish, boat, swim, water ski, or just paddle a canoe or kayak.  Take a pontoon ride on one of the many lakes such as Ottertail, Blanche, Dead, Battle Lake, West Battle Lake, East Battle Lake and many more to choose from. 

Any time of year, Thumper Pond is nearby Alexandria resorts and Detroit Lakes resorts for a nice drive for you to enjoy our golf course, indoor waterpark, restaurant, lounge or spa!