Looking for next Summer's Family Vacation Spot? Discover the Perfect Lake Resort Rentals in Detroit Lakes, MN

If you’re planning a family vacation filled with outdoor adventures, relaxation, and beautiful scenery, look no further than the lake resort rentals near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. This charming area offers a variety of activities, accommodations, and easy travel options to ensure a memorable getaway for everyone.

Fun Activities to Do and See

Detroit Lakes is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for fun activities. Here are some highlights:

• Water Sports and Fishing: Enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing on the pristine lakes. Many resorts offer equipment rentals, so you can easily spend a day on the water.
• Detroit Mountain Recreation Area: Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, this area provides year-round outdoor fun.
• Shady Hollow Flea Market: Explore unique finds and local crafts at this popular market.
• Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing: Experience a relaxing float down the river with family and friends.
• Detroit Lakes Public Beach: Ideal for a picnic or a day of swimming and sunbathing.

• Festivals and Events: Don’t miss the Northwest Water Carnival, Street Faire at the Lakes, and other local festivals that bring the community together.
• Minnesota State Fair: Only 200 miles SE of Detroit Lakes is one of the Nation's greatest State Fairs.  Scheduled August 21st through September 1st or usually 1 1/2 weeks before Labor Day.  Exciting rides, attractions and all the fair food you can imagine.  Learn more at Minnesota State Fair (mnstatefair.org)

• Pixie Wood Antiques - Located 46 miles south of Detroit Lakes at 24893 Palace Rd Battle Lake, MN 56515.  You will find the perfect gift for anyone in your life.  Open between May - Aug and weekends only in the earlier and later parts of the summer months.
• We Fest - A weekend of your favorite country music artists all in one venue.  Scheduled for August 7th - 9th, 2025.  Learn more at WE Fest Country Music Festival

Places to Stay and Weekly Rates

Detroit Lakes offers a range of accommodations to suit every family’s needs and budget:

• Fair Hills Resort: Known for its all-inclusive packages, Fair Hills Resort offers a variety of activities, meals, and amenities. Weekly rates for a family of four start at around $2,000 during peak season.
• Whaley’s Resort: Located on Many Point Lake, this resort features well-kept cabins, a sandy beach, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Weekly rates for a cabin start at approximately $1,500.
• Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit: This elegant hotel offers modern amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and free breakfast. Weekly rates start at about $1,400.
• Holiday Inn Detroit Lakes - Lakefront: Enjoy a private beach, indoor pool, and on-site dining. Weekly rates for a family room start at around $1,200.
• End of the Road Resort - Lakefront cabins located at 13471 North Beach Point Lake Park, MN.  A 3-bedroom cabin runs approximately $1,000 per week with a $300 deposit.  Check their website for current prices and availability at End Of The Road Resort Rates

There are a host of other lake resorts in the near vicinity or search for a lake cabin on Air BnB

Dining

Detroit Lakes, MN, offers a delightful array of local cuisine that caters to various tastes and preferences. Here are some notable spots to check out:

The Fireside

Located on East Shore Drive, The Fireside is known for its stunning lake views and delicious dishes. Popular menu items include the Parmesan encrusted walleye and the 16oz rib eye. The ambiance is perfect for a relaxing dinner with family or friends.

Sapphire Sushi, Hibachi & American Cuisine

For those who enjoy a mix of flavors, Sapphire Sushi offers a unique blend of sushi, hibachi, and American dishes. It’s a great spot for sushi lovers, and their burgers are also highly praised.

Lakeside Tavern & Brewery

A staple in Detroit Lakes since 1891, Lakeside Tavern & Brewery serves up elevated pub grub and their own brews. The menu features fresh, cooked-to-order items like pizza and burgers, and their in-house beers are a hit with locals and visitors alike.

La Barista

If you’re in the mood for a cozy café experience, La Barista in the Washington Square Mall is a must-visit. They offer a variety of options, including waffles, salads, and soups, all made with love.

Zorbaz

Zorbaz is a fun, casual spot known for its Mexican and American cuisine. Their pizza and nachos are particularly popular, making it a great place for a laid-back meal with a view of the lake.

Brygge Taps & Taste

This American bar and pub is known for its hearty portions and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy a burger and a beer, especially after a day of exploring the area.

Mi Cartagena Cafe

For a taste of something different, Mi Cartagena Cafe offers great coffee and a lovely ambiance. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing morning or afternoon break.

Long Bridge

Known for its outdoor seating and delicious wings, Long Bridge is a favorite among locals. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful lake views.

Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, casual eats, or a cozy café, Detroit Lakes has something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy exploring the local culinary scene!

Air Travel Suggestions

The nearest major airport to Detroit Lakes is Fargo Hector International Airport (FAR), located about 47 miles away. Here are some travel tips:

• Flights: Several airlines, including United, American, and Delta, offer flights to Fargo from major cities across the U.S. Round-trip fares can be quite affordable, especially if booked in advance.
• Transportation from the Airport: From Fargo, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Detroit Lakes. The drive takes about an hour and a half. Alternatively, Jefferson Lines operates a bus service from Fargo to Detroit Lakes.

Detroit Lakes, MN, is a fantastic destination for a family vacation, offering a mix of outdoor activities, comfortable accommodations, and convenient travel options. Whether you’re looking to relax by the lake, explore local attractions, or enjoy seasonal festivals, Detroit Lakes has something for everyone. Start planning your trip today and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones!

Orange Picking at La Verne Heritage Foundation

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, you will find a little slice of the past.  A historical place host to the Weber House and the last acre and a half of working orange groves.  Every January since our boys were small, we have been been picking oranges fresh from the tree.  The oranges are the best kept secret in Southern California and we are sharing our love for the La Verne Heritage Foundation's events with our readers.

Each year, the La Verne Heritage Foundation offers tours and events for the entire family.  From orange picking in January, to Spring Squeeze field trips in March, Hands on History in April and May, Summer Concerts in Heritage Park and don't forget the pumpkin patch field trips in October.

The oranges are always sun kissed sweet and making this outing a family and friends event creates memories that will be remembered a lifetime.  As you walk through the iron gates at the entrance, the kind volunteers great you with 5 lb. mesh net bags for sale.  This year, bags are $8 each (subject to change without notice).  We always buy 3 or 4 bags and strategically stuff them full.  It is very easy to get more than 5 lb of oranges in each bag with easily 15-20 pieces of delicious citrus.

Our family grab picking sticks the foundation provides and walk into the orchard.  Pro Tip, pick oranges higher in the trees where the sun lights the tree tops for the largest and sweetest citrus.  The La Verne Foundation also has a few grapefruit trees you can pick from.  After filling our bags, we pull up a chair at the picnic table and enjoy an orange in the orchard.

On certain weekends, the foundation has extra volunteers available to provide tours of the Weber House.  This is a beautiful maintained, 2-story farm house with all the nostalgia and history of the late 1800's.  While you are there, the foundation has a a general store with lots of gifts for you or your family and friends.  The store sells jams and jellies, olives, local honey Pyrex and much more.  It is a little county store in the middle of the bustling Los Angeles metro.

Orange Picking occurs every Saturday in January for 3 to 4 weekends only or while supplies last.  Hours are 9 AM to 3 PM and we recommend you arrive early as they get very busy.  Last weekend, the foundation had over 700 families confirm their attendance.

La Verne Heritage Foundation is located at 5001 Via De Mansion La Verne, CA.  Follow them on Instagram for the latest information and upcoming events.  If you want an amazing family outing, some of the best oranges you will ever taste and some of the greatest eateries in La Verne, this is for you.

Thomas Dambo "Trail of a 1000 Trolls" at the South Coast Botanic Garden through Jan 14th

Thomas Dambo is a Danish artist and storyteller who creates beautiful and fun sculptures and installations out of recycled materials. His vision is to create art that inspires people to explore nature, have adventures, and demonstrate that trash can be turned into something beautiful.  Thomas's project is called “Trail of a 1000 Trolls”. 

Thomas began by creating a series of six massive wooden sculptures called “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King” in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The sculptures are made from recycled materials and are all different types of trolls. The project was years in the making and the trolls were installed at various points. The project became like a scavenger hunt to find them, experience them, and share photos of the giant installations on social media. The trolls have delighted adults and children alike and have become popular attractions.

The project is part of his ongoing, whimsical folklore project that’s sprouted more than 100 unique trolls across 17 different countries. He has placed his troll artwork on display in various locations around the world, including Denmark, Florida’s Pinecrest Gardens, South Korea, Puerto Rico, China, and Australia.

Now through Jan 14th, you can see Thomas's Troll artwork at the South Coast Botanic Garden located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard in Palos Verdes, CA 90274.  We took a field trip to this amazing exhibit for a stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden where Thomas has his masterful artwork on display for all of Southern California to enjoy.

Dambo has been building and creating with wood since the age of five. He uses reclaimed materials such as wooden pallets, fragments of demolished wooden buildings, broken branches, and fallen trees to create his trolls. For each one, he weaves themes of honoring the land and protecting nature into its story.  He pre-makes the heads for his giant trolls and later adds them to sculptures he erects in outdoor locations around the world.  The trolls are designed to be interactive and engaging, and they encourage people to explore the natural world around them.

It takes Thomas and his team of volunteers several months to create one troll art piece. The number of volunteers needed to make one art piece varies depending on the size and complexity of the sculpture. For example, he worked with 22 troll builders to create 10 sculptures that stretch from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States.

Thomas' trolls art project is a beautiful and inspiring example of how art can be created from recycled materials. His work encourages people to explore nature, have adventures, and foster a greater sense of environmental responsibility.

In addition to this amazing artistry, you can take your family on a nature walk abound by thousands of plant, flower and tree species.  The South Coast Botanic Garden is an 87-acre botanical garden located in the Palos Verdes Hills, in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, California, United States, about 10 miles south of Los Angeles. The garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. The garden is situated in Sunset’s Zone 23, one of the most favored growing areas in the world. The wide variety of plant life provides food and shelter to an abundant wildlife and bird population, and over 200 species of birds are sighted annually.

The garden has several exhibits that showcase different types of plants. Some of the current exhibits include:

• The Living Wall: A vertical garden that features a variety of plants, including ferns, succulents, and flowering plants.
• The Garden for the Senses: A garden designed to stimulate all five senses, with plants that have different textures, colors, and fragrances.
• The Japanese Garden: A garden that features a traditional Japanese landscape, with a koi pond, a tea house, and a bonsai collection.
• The Fuchsia Garden: A garden that features a collection of fuchsia plants, including some rare and unusual varieties.

The admission prices for the garden are as follows:

• Garden Members: FREE
• Adults: $15
• Seniors (62 and over): $11
• Students (with ID): $11
• Children (5 – 12): $5
• Children (4 and under): FREE
• Third Tuesday of each month: FREE

The garden is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entrance allowed at 4:30 PM).