In Pelican Rapids, one particularly tangible focal point is the Pelican River: two larger parks are located along the river in the eastern part of the city. A footpath connects E.L. Peterson Park and Sherin Memorial Park/Campground via a large suspension bridge. If you want to focus on parks and river scenery, this connection offers a clear local point of reference. Pelican Pete is also located in E.L. Peterson Park, adding a distinctive landmark to your visit there.
Riverside parks and different park highlights
E.L. Peterson Park and Sherin Memorial Park/Campground are the two larger areas along the Pelican River in the eastern part of Pelican Rapids. The bridge over the river connects them. Each park retains its own identity: Pelican Pete stands in E.L. Peterson Park, while Sherin Memorial Park/Campground is the name of the second location.
Other parks offer different highlights. Thompson Memorial Park has a modern playground and a soccer field. Veteran’s Memorial River Park is a place to rest and enjoy the river. If you are planning to visit several parks, these specific features can help you choose: Thompson Memorial Park focuses on its playground and soccer field, while Veteran’s Memorial River Park is about taking a break by the river. This means you do not have to give every park the same purpose for your visit.
Pelican Pete and the view toward Mill Pond Dam
Pelican Pete is 15.5 feet tall and was built in 1957. The figure is located in E.L. Peterson Park and faces toward Mill Pond Dam on the Pelican River. The dam is just outside downtown Pelican Rapids. Its height, year of construction, and direction of view give the landmark a specific context: you can combine a visit to the park with a look at the figure and take in its connection to the river and the dam.
Trail connection and seasonal snowmobiling
The Heart of the Lakes Trail provides a pedestrian connection between Perham, Pelican Rapids, and Maplewood State Park. It therefore connects three named locations; the footpath over the suspension bridge, in turn, connects the two parks along the Pelican River. These routes address different planning needs: one leads between the two park areas in Pelican Rapids, while the other links Pelican Rapids with additional destinations.
There is a special condition for the Heart of the Lakes Trail during the winter months: snowmobiling is permitted on certain sections. Factor this seasonal and section-specific information into your plans rather than assuming snowmobiling is allowed along the entire trail. If you are interested in a stay focused on walking trails, the trail is also a different option from the nearby riverside parks.
Paddling trip on the Pelican River
The Pelican Paddle Company paddling trip on the Pelican River takes about 1.5 hours. It runs from the access point at Prairie Lake to downtown Pelican. A boat, paddle, and life jacket are provided. The listed price is $16 per person, plus tax. The duration gives you a specific reference point for planning; the trip connects a lake access point with downtown.
If you are planning the paddling trip for a specific date, check in advance whether it is being offered then.
Plan your stay around what matters most to you
When choosing a hotel in Pelican Rapids, you can start by deciding which of these options you want to shape your stay: the connected riverside parks, the Heart of the Lakes Trail connection between three locations, or the listed paddling trip and its approximate duration. These are different activities, not one unified route.
Discover more destinations: Perham, Ottertail, Parkers Prairie, Fergus Falls.
View the broader travel guide: Otter Tail County.
