Even if math wasn't your best subject, you know that if one county in Minnesota has 1,048 lakes, that's a pretty good share of all of the state's lakes. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota has 11,842 lakes of 10 or more acres in size, and you can find about 9 percent of them in Otter Tail County in west-central Minnesota. The county includes the cities of Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids and Perham.

Many families from Minneapolis and St. Paul have lake property in the area, but a large share of those who own a lake home or cabin have their roots in Fargo, N.D., or Moorhead, MN, Depending on the lake, Fargo residents could be at their Otter Tail County lake cabin in 45 minutes. Even a drive to the east side of the county is about 75 miles from Fargo. People heading from the Twin Cities can expect a drive of about two and one-half hours.

Fargo Reunion

Andy and Lisa Finsness didn't have a hard time deciding which lake was their first choice for a family cabin. Andy's family and high school friends from Fargo already had cabins on Lake Melissa, just north of Otter Tail County. "It's close to family and friends, and close to everything else we need," Lisa said.

Having their children be close to their cousins is important to the family. "It's a very family-friendly lake," Lisa said. She also appreciates that it is close to a grocery store, restaurant and health care services. With young children, it's not surprising the family has visited a nearby clinic for needs ranging from stitches to treating pneumonia.

During the growing season, fresh vegetables at Nelson's Market are scooped up by the Finsness family and many others visiting and living in the area. Another attraction with a loyal following is the Shady Hollow Flea Market, located on Hwy. 59 and County Road 22. Lisa has found more than one bargain at the flea market. Several grace the family cabin - from an old bean pot to salt and pepper shakers and a creamer set.

Lake Melissa is about seven and one-half miles around, a distance the family enjoys biking. The shoreline is heavily developed; six resorts and about 375 homes and cabins dot the lakeshore. Considered an excellent lake for fishing and swimming, Lake Melisssa is located downstream from Lake Sallie on the Pelican River Chain of Lakes.

Fishing Heaven

Jim Limmer keeps his boat on a trailer these days because he loves to spend time fishing on different lakes in Otter Tail County. Years ago, that just wasn't possible.

Limmer started working as a fishing guide on Rush Lake when he was 12 or 13. Back in the 1950s, he didn't work with an electronic depth finder. His depth finder was a 16-foot cane pole that he plunged into the water from the boat, marking changes in depths with cans. The routine was repeated every day.

In those days, the Limmer family owned a resort with seven cabins. That meant Limmer took cabin guests on the lake seven days a week. His grandfather, Martin Limmer, bought the resort in the 1930s. Limmer's father was one of a handful of well-known local fishing guides. "In those days, you had wooden boats and if you had a five-horsepower motor, you had a big motor," he said.

Fishing is still a key attraction to the area today, although it's not quite as good as it was 50 years ago. As one indication, Limmer recalls the black-and-white photo of his dad holding a stringer of five walleyes weighing 38 pounds.

"There are a lot of lakes here for the size of the county," Limmer said. "Fishing is my favorite hobby and by all standards, the fishing spots are quite good here."

Lakeshore Sales Strong

Sales of lakeshore property in Otter Tail County were strong throughout 2003 and ahead of 2002 sales, said Adele Butenas, realtor with Coldwell Banker Backstrom and Associates in Pelican Rapids. The trend is fueled in large part by the value of lakeshore property as an investment, she said, as well as by continued low mortgage rates and baby boomers' desire for a place to relax and enjoy a slower pace.

The sheer number of lakes makes it easier to accommodate selective buyers, whether they are looking for privacy or a sugar-sand beach on a lake perfect for swimming. "We have lakes ranging in size from 50 acres to over 13,000 acres, and water clarity up to 24 feet," Butenas said. "Our market offers everything from lake lots and seasonal cottages to year-round homes and estates."

Some smaller lakes in the county are still undeveloped, she said, but others sport million-dollar homes. "We offer a great selection of lakeshore and generally at better prices than those near Brainerd and Alexandria," Butenas said. "Lakeshore development started later here than it did in other areas."

Besides more than 1,000 lakes in the county offering great fishing, beaches and views, Butenas pointed out the area's strong economic base and sound business districts. More than 57,000 people live in Otter Tail County [2000 census]. Other county attractions include championship golf courses, impressive state parks - Maplewood and Glendalough - and county parks, community events and celebrations, and miles of snowmobile trails for winter sports enthusiasts.

Local Attractions

Inspiration Peak Park - at 1,750 feet above sea level, it provides a panoramic view of nine lakes and three counties; 10 miles south of Clitherall

Seven Sisters Prairie - seven rounded knobs crown a 200-foot hill rising above the north shore of Lake Christina; three miles northeast of Ashby

Otter Tail County Historical Society - Fergus Falls

Phelps Mill County Park - picturesque spot on the Otter Tail River, includes the former Maine Roller Mill built in 1889

Maplewood State Park - 6,000-acre state park near Pelican Rapids; contains more than 20 lakes with swimming beaches, boat ramps and nearby picnic locations

Glendalough State Park - former private camp and corporate retreat is still under development; features one of the largest tracts of undeveloped lakeshore and land in western Minnesota; just north of Battle Lake

Prairie Wetland Learning Center - 300 acres in the southern part of Fergus Falls

New York Mills Regional Cultural Center

Lincoln Ave. Fine Arts Festival Presents - former vaudeville house is home to a Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ and many shows, plays, musicals, touring shows and gallery exhibits

Otter Trail Scenic Byway - meanders through 150 miles of forest, towns, lakes and ponds

Links

Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Otter Tail Country Tourism Association

Otter Tail County Bed and Breakfast Association

Pelican Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Perham Area Chamber of Commerce

Coldwell Banker Backstrom and Associates

By Barb Umberger