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.
STUNNING PICKEREL LAKE HOME. Breathtaking lake views in this 5 bedroom/3 bath home just minutes from Detroit Lakes. This property features cozy living and family rooms with gas fireplaces, walkout lower level, beautifully landscaped grounds surrounded by woods and lakeside decks perfect for morning coffee or evening grilling. Pickerel Lake is known for its clarity and tranquil waters. This is the
LITTLE DETROIT LAKE- TOP FLOOR CONDO WITH 360 VIEWS. Edgewater's largest unit, 2bedroom/2bath remodeled condo facing the lake. This corner unit is tastefully done with excellent use of space and tons of natural light. New windows in living room and bedrooms, 4 season porch, with wall-to-wall lakeside facing windows. FANTASTIC FUN location, quiet area edging city park yet close to all the downtown
LOTS OF HOUSE WITH ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. 2 LIVING ROOMS DOUBLE SIDED FIREPLACE. WALK OUT LOWER LEVEL WITH GAME ROOM, WET BAR, AND LAUNDRY. ENDLESS STORAGE ROOM. GREAT VIEW OF PELICAN RIVER NICELY TREED LOT. LOTS OF PERENNIALS. 2 PARCELS. THIS IS AN ESTATE - AS IS ADDENDUM REQUIRED!
EASY LAKE LIVING--DETROIT LAKE. Located on a corner lot in the ever-popular Golden Bay Shores is this fantastic Chalet style home. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 at-home office spaces, soaring 20' tongue and groove ceilings and punctuating the Chalet style is the floor to ceiling stone fireplace. In-floor heat, central air, hardwood cabinetry, Granite counters and walk-out patio facing Glawe Lake.
Turn your dream rural home into a reality with this large, wooded lot near Shell Lake! As you arrive you are greeted by a large (approximately 14,000 sq ft.) clearing with dirt work, gravel and grading completed, as well as 15, 4-foot x 16-inch rebar reinforced 5000psi concrete pillars, READY TO BUILD ON. A shed in the front of the property houses the massive shipping container forklift. As you
Turn your dream rural home into a reality with this large, wooded lot near Shell Lake! As you arrive you are greeted by a large (approx 12,000 sq ft.) clearing with dirt work, gravel and grading, as well as 15, 4-foot x 16-inch rebar reinforced 5000psi concrete pillars, READY TO BUILD ON. A shed in the front of the property houses the massive shipping container forklift. As you move through the
Spacious 4 bedroom twin home available for rent! Features include 2.75 baths and a 2-stall garage.Rent: $1850/month + utilitiesDeposit: $1850NO PETSCredit and background check required.Serious inquiries only, please PM for details
New Construction Rental Townhomes in 2025! Perfect Location along south shore drive in Detroit Lakes. Premium quality maintenance free living in a quiet neighborhood. Walk right across the street to new pickle ball courts, a tennis court, a park shelter and a playground for the grandkids! Go for a stroll around lake forest circle, pick up a game of pickle ball or Lauch your boat at the
The high lights are the location, indoor swimming pool and sauna, being next to the Lake and Park, quiet neighbors, secure, privacy. The price is $1400. per month. (will adjust price for a longer or shorter lease and summer months), furnished, bed and a pull out couch sleeper, electric, water, garbage, wifi tv, internet, lawn, beach, pool care and snow removal are all included in the monthly
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Troy Krabbenhoft,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: 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.
