Since this Scenic Byway is a loop, you can start anywhere on the Trail. Updated Otter Trail Scenic Byway maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce or information kiosks throughout the community.
About
Traveling the Otter Trail Scenic Byway, visitors discover a land steeped in tradition and beauty. This Byway offers more than 1,000 sparkling lakes and wildlife-filled wetlands, 19th century flour mills, scenic trails and spectacular roadside sculptures. There are many intriguing historic sites, informational markers, and the rich natural and cultural resources that make this picturesque route an attraction for visitors from around the world.
Otter Tail County is one of Minnesota’s most productive agricultural regions as well as one of its best-known all-season recreational areas. With fishing and watersports, golfing, hunting, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, this lovely land of lakes and forests is the perfect year-round vacation spot for the entire family.
The Byway connects many of the county’s scenic and historic locales. Pass by tribal hunting grounds and battle sites of great Indian nations. Trace the routes of fur traders and explorers. Learn about an old Mormon colony, the first permanent white settlement in the county. See where towns were platted, boomed and died. Discover the important roles played by railroads and European immigrants in developing the region. So hit the trail! You’re in for an adventure, scenic beauty and a fascinating learning experience on the Otter Trail Scenic Byway.
More Information
Length
- 150 miles
Route
- Circular drive links Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Perham and Battle Lake
Scenery
- Rolling countryside dotted with lakes, stands of woods, farmland. This serene drive in pastoral Otter Tail county visits the forests and lakes of Maplewood State Park and Glendalough State Park, a scenic overlook at Inspiration Peak, and the 1889 Phelps
Attraction Attributes
- Accessible to disabled
- Can accommodate groups of 45 or more
More Information
Reviews
Based on 6 reviews
Went on a road trip via the Otter Trail Scenic Byway. Very pretty and relaxing.With all the rain they've had, it was lush green grass.
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jenniferrN7448GI,
May 29, 2019
The first thing you will notice about this park are the extremely lovely birds. The trees are so full of the exquisite nesting birds. We really enjoyed just watching these graceful birds building...
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Nancy F,
July 11, 2016
Maple wood state park is a must see and is part of this trail. Beautiful hills, forests, lake and interesting sights such as the Phelps Mill. We met a 92 year old couple from Fargo that come to the...
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Doctor511,
March 1, 2015
We stayed over in Fergus Falls, MN on our way to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We wanted to see a bit of MN so traveled the Otter Tail Trail. It was such a fun day as we encountered many...
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matmul45,
January 11, 2015
It is a peaceful drive with interesting little cafes and restaurants along the route to try and small shops in some of the towns only open during tourist/lake season.
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duckye,
June 16, 2012
What's Nearby
Mentioned In
A couple explores the hills and river bluffs around Red Wing by motorcycle / Roy Son
Feel the breeze in your hair on a Minnesota road trip / Roy Son
Dog jumping off a dock into Ottertail Lake at sunset / Allie Hoeft
Downtown main street Park Rapids / Lisa McClintick
Hiking Hallaway Hill near Pelican Rapids / Micah Kvidt