$455,433Average Value$229Average Price per Sq Ft79Homes For Sale
Weekend life is year-round in Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes welcomes newcomers with lakes, outdoor recreation and an abundance of vintage, lakefront housing. This small Minnesota city's resources range from a mile-long beach on Detroit Lake to downhill skiing at Detroit Mountain. "The outdoors here are great, but the community is really what makes it special. I was in the Navy for 30 years, and I still chose to come back home here," says Jason Bristlin, a Realtor with The Real Estate Company of Detroit Lakes.
Historic spots such as the 1908 railroad station and Becker County Museum explain Detroit Lakes' past, while a relaxing outdoor lifestyle and eateries with water views make the city a popular destination year-round. Tourism is a prominent employer, along with the Beckley County government, and Essentia Health. Population has risen to just under 10,000 people in recent years, though, in the summer, this number swells to over 13,000.
Detroit Lakes, MN was established in 1871.
Detroit Lakes has abundant public beach access.
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Skiing, boating and biking in Becker County
Residents can spend time in 12 city parks or drive to several state parks. Detroit Lake is at the center of the city, with opportunities for swimming, wakeboarding and fishing. Boaters often meet at the lake's sandbar for parties. The lake is also close to sports facilities at Kent Freeman Arena and City Park. City Park is home to a troll statue that forms the first part of a county-wide scavenger hunt. Both paved and mountain biking trails are open year-round, while groomed cross-country skiing trails and downhill slopes at Detroit Mountain open in the winter. Summers here are considered mild, with an average high of 80. Winters are long and snowy.
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area offers skiing and sledding in the winter as well as bike trails in the summer.
Detroit Lakes City Park offers a public beach on Detroit Lake.
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Shopping in Detroit Lakes and Project 412
Just south of Highway 10, Washington Square Mall is the region's largest. Rather than chain retailers, this mall is home to a suite of small businesses, eateries and boutiques. Residents can find everyday services like a barber and florist, visit the movie theater or play arcade games. Restaurants also line the city's lakefront. "Tourists love Zorbaz Pizzeria. It's a cool place to hang out," Bristlin says.
Project 412 is a community undertaking aimed at creating more business, artistry and entrepreneurship in Detroit Lakes by providing funding, mentorship and other resources. "They've made some really beautiful murals and helped a lot of businesses here. It's just one of the ways you can see our city coming together," Bristlin says.
Zorbaz on the Lake was established in 1969 and features Mexican food and great pizza.
Washington Square is a popular shopping center in Detroit Lakes.
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A growing lakefront market in Becker County
Housing in Detroit Lakes ranges from small cottages from the 1920s to remodeled lakefront properties selling for over $1 million. The median home price rose to $365,000 in 2024, a 15.7% increase from 2023. "Our market is strong right now. We don't have a lot of new construction, but there are tons of starter homes and really nice, high-end builds with over 2,500 square feet," Bristlin says. Detroit Lakes' main streets form a grid of suburban neighborhoods, many of which boast tall, shady trees and homes with vintage Craftsman designs. Outside of the city, buyers can find more spread-out properties up to 2 acres.
Renovated split level homes are common throughout Detroit Lakes.
Many lakeside homes in Detroit Lakes have private beaches.
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Detroit Lakes Public School District and M State
Detroit Lakes Public School District earns a B-plus from Niche. The district serves 2,700 students split between four schools, including the E-Lakers Online High School. Minnesota State Community and Technical College operates a campus in Detroit Lakes.
Detroit Lakes High School serves kids in grades 9 through 12.
Rossman Elementary services kids in grades K through 5.
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Entertainment and history in Detroit Lakes community
Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center is a hub for social life in the city. The center offers an indoor fitness center and pool, educational and social programming, and live performances at the historic Holmes Theatre. Nearby, the Becker County Museum offers exhibits and educational information on the area's history. City Park also has events throughout the year.
The Holmes Theatre is a performing arts theater in Detroit Lakes.
Located in Detroit Lake, the Becker County Museum highlights the area's history.
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Getting around Becker County with Highway 10
Several thoroughfares converge in Detroit Lakes. Highway 10 cuts the 45-mile drive into Fargo, North Dakota, down to 50 minutes, while driving 40 miles to Park Rapids takes 40 minutes on the Lake Country Scenic Byway. Those without vehicles can schedule rides with a ride service operated by Becker County Transit. Fargo's Hector International Airport is the closest with scheduled airline service, about 55 miles west.
Important to know
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Detroit Lakes' rates for violent and property crime are both lower than the national average. Violent crimes have increased by nearly 66% since 2015, while property crimes have decreased by 37%. Detroit Lakes Police Department has 16 full-time officers and two civilian assistants aimed at preventing crime. They are also one of few police departments in the state that still provides services like fire and medical assistance, in addition to nightly business checks.
Written By
Bayley Malo
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Video By
TJ Wengert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bruce Johnson,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Detroit Lakes, MN sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Detroit Lakes, MN over the last 12 months is $330,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
