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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 door
The main events
Detroit Lakes, MNThe big one — a mile-long beach, mini golf, and a walkable downtown (~50 min)Checked August 14, 2026Visit ↗
Battle Lake & Otter Tail County, MNGlendalough, paddling and classic resort lakes
Perham, MNTurtle races, the In-Towner, and family resorts
A little farther
Alexandria, MNBig Ole, a chain of lakes, and an indoor water park for rainy days (~1.5 hr)Checked August 14, 2026Visit ↗
Frazee & Vergas, MNTiny lake towns with quiet beaches and good ice cream
Maplewood State Park, MNHike, swim, and camp in the heart of lakes countryChecked August 14, 2026Visit ↗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.
Every place on this page was read on its own website, and the date beside each one is the day we read it. What that date does and does not promise.
More in this section: Travel & Day Trips in Fargo-Moorhead