Becker County manages nearly 75,000 acres of public trust lands. They are open for recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, ATV riding, birdwatching and nature observation. Access to individual areas and seasonal conditions may vary. The selection therefore ranges from outdoor exercise to quiet nature observation—interests you can use to shape your outings.
Changing Landscapes at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
At Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, eastern hardwood forests, northern coniferous forests and western tallgrass prairie meet. The transition between these habitats gives the area its distinctive character: rather than a single landscape, different types of vegetation meet and blend. Anyone interested in nature and habitats will find a specific reason here to pay closer attention to the surroundings.
The half-mile Discovery Loop Trail runs beside the visitor center. It offers a short route, while the five-mile Wildlife Drive provides a different perspective: from the observation platform, you can look out over Blackbird Lake. The two options therefore differ not only in length but also in how you experience the refuge. Trail conditions and seasonal driving conditions may vary.
Between Two Lakes at Dunton Locks County Park
The 53-acre Dunton Locks County Park is located on Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie. A mechanical boat tram transports boats, personal watercraft and pontoons between the two lakes, allowing boat traffic from Detroit Lakes to Shoreham. This is a special connection between the bodies of water: it is about more than just the shoreline and views—it is also about how watercraft can move between the lakes.
The park also has a total of 3.7 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. They run along the slopes above the Eagles Picnic Shelter and south of the bridge in the shoreline area between Lake Sallie and Muskrat Lake. Depending on your interests, you can plan your visit around different activities without confusing the boat tram with the trails: the tram connects the lakes for watercraft, while the trails offer space for land-based recreation.
History, Theater and Science
The Becker County Historical Society & Museum preserves local history through exhibits, artifacts and cultural heritage materials. The facility also includes a research library. This puts both tangible historical evidence and a place for in-depth historical research at the heart of the experience. Exhibits may change, so their specific content can evolve.
The Historic Holmes Theatre presents performances by national, international and local groups. The building also has a story of its own: the section added in 1931 is now the theater; the stage and auditorium are designed in the Art Deco style. Visitors interested in culture can combine a performance with a look at the architecture, rather than experiencing culture through the program alone.
At the Becker County Museum, the Science Center offers interactive STEM exhibits and hands-on learning for children. The topics combine science with experimentation and discovery. For families interested in scientific subjects, this is a different way to engage than a historical exhibit or a stage program; the specific exhibit topics may change.
Winter Sports, Warmer Months and a July Event
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area includes 45 acres of ski terrain, 21 named runs and two terrain parks. It also has seven miles of groomed Nordic trails for classic cross-country skiing and skating. These details give a sense of the range of winter sports available without treating the runs and trails as the same thing: there are designated downhill runs and separate trails for two styles of cross-country skiing. Grooming and seasonal availability may change.
In the warmer months, chairlift rides for mountain bikers and hikers are offered there on weekends. Whether operations are available depends on the season and weather. Another seasonal highlight is the Becker County Fair, held every July. The program includes a carnival, a demolition derby, exhibits, food and entertainment; the annual program may change. If an event or seasonal offering is important to your trip, check the specific dates and operating conditions in advance.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Detroit Lakes, Crow Wing County, Kandiyohi County, Scott, Sherburne County, Waseca County, Dodge County, Winona County.
For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.
