Overview
Ottertail is a small, cozy tourist town in Northwestern Minnesota with a population of 474. In 2002, Ottertail was the fastest growing city in Minnesota due to its growing fame in the greater metropolitan area of Minneapolis, Saint Paul. With a vast collection of beautiful lakes, large golf courses, and old-fashioned antique stores, Ottertail is the best place to go if what you are looking for is a genuine mid-western experience (farms, lakes, and small, but modern towns).
1 things to do · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ottertail
Thumper Pond Golf Course and Resort
Designed by Eric Niskanen, is "a must play in Minnesota" according to Golf Magazine.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 1°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Fargo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BRD Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, Brainerd — 68 mi away. Directions
- FAR Hector International Airport, Fargo — 69 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 155 mi away (major hub). Directions
The only way into Ottertail is by car.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Get in
The only way into Ottertail is by car.
Get around
- Car - by far the best way to see Ottertail and its surrounding beauty.
- Walk - best way to get close to the lakes.
See
- Lakes - hundreds of lakes surround the city of Ottertail. Ottertail Lake, the 6th largest lake in Minnesota, is home to hundreds of beautiful summer homes and resorts which add to its profile as a weekend getaway.
- Farms - the many farms that dot the surrounding countryside are tributes to old-fashioned mid-western living.
Do
- Ottertail River - its winding, scenic path is a must for people who enjoy tubing down the river. Many local businesses offer tube rentals.
- Potato Fest - in early August, locals kick-off this small town festival that includes a parade and pyrotechnics display.
Sleep
Nearby
Wadena
City / town · 3 listings · 20 mi away
Fergus Falls
City / town · 5 listings · 27 mi away
Detroit Lakes
City / town · 13 listings · 30 mi away
Staples
City / town · 7 listings · 37 mi away
Alexandria
City / town · 8 listings · 38 mi away
Tenney
City / town · 3 listings · 50 mi away
Breckenridge
City / town · 2 listings · 50 mi away
Wahpeton
City / town · 21 listings · 51 mi away
My experience
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