In Ottertail, several lakes, a trail between two parts of town and local history offer different points of interest. If you are looking for hotels in Ottertail, you can first consider whether water activities, getting active or historic places are most important for your trip. The local options appeal to different interests, without requiring you to focus your stay on a single theme. This makes it easy to explore Ottertail through specific recreational and historical connections.
Lakes and water activities
Ottertail’s recreational offerings include Otter Tail, Portage, Donald, Long Lake, Buchanan and Pelican Bay. These lakes are associated with fishing, swimming, boating and other water sports. Otter Tail Lake is the largest lake in town and a fishing spot for walleye and other fish species. If fishing is part of your trip, this lake is a specific place to consider. This distinguishes the fishing focus at Otter Tail Lake from the broader choice of activities on the lakes.
Boats, pontoons, jet skis, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards can be used for recreational activities on one of the surrounding lakes. These watercraft add specific options for activities on the water to the broader range of fishing, swimming and boating. When planning, you can start by focusing on what interests you most: the fishing spot or the types of watercraft listed.
A trail between two parts of town
A bicycle and pedestrian trail connects the two parts of Ottertail. The route is just over 1.5 miles long and runs from the old part of town to the section of the city located on Highway 78. It is open to cyclists, pedestrians and inline skaters. The connection is therefore designed for several modes of travel. Its length gives you a specific distance to consider when planning; at the same time, the trail connects parts of town rather than serving as a lake-based recreational attraction. If you would like to include some activity in your travel plans, it offers a separate focus alongside water activities.
Saint Paul House and Otter statue
Saint Paul House provides another connection to local history. It is a former hotel and the only remaining building from Otter Tail City; its current location is in old Ottertail. The building thus represents both a former use and the history of a named former city. Both aspects are important to understanding its significance: its status as a hotel belongs to the house’s past, while its connection to Otter Tail City explains its historical relevance.
A 10-foot-tall otter statue stands at the intersection of Main Street and Buchanan Road in Ottertail. Its height and exact location give this landmark a clear connection to the town. Together, the statue and Saint Paul House highlight different aspects: one is a specific motif at an intersection, while the other is a preserved building with historical significance. The town’s history thus complements the recreational opportunities on its lakes and trails, without sharing the same focus.
Discover more destinations: Parkers Prairie, Perham, Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids
For the main travel overview: Otter Tail County.
