Pelican Rapids is a diverse small city with outdoor activities
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, gets its name from the local river’s rapids. The city’s natural scenery and wildlife inspired local landmarks like Pelican Pete, which is said to be the tallest pelican sculpture in the world. This small city of about 2,300 people also offers diverse local restaurants and grocers and quick access to various outdoor activities. “We have a very diverse population. We’re also in the lakes area of Minnesota, so we see a fair number of tourists in the summer,” says Joan Ellison, one of the 14 partners who own the Mercantile on Main gift shop. “The people here are incredibly welcoming, helpful and inclusive. That’s my absolute favorite thing about Pelican Rapids.”
Homes range from small Cape Cods to lakefront properties
Mature trees surround many homes, some of which are on raised lots. Waterfront homes with private docks exist outside the city, including along nearby Prairie Lake. The area has many part-time residents, and nearly 40% of the homes here are rentals. “I would say probably eight out of every 10 lake homes are not local,” says Jason Bristlin, a Realtor with The Real Estate Company of Detroit Lakes. Houses here include ranch-style, Cape Cod, bi-level, Craftsman and manufactured homes. Homes mostly go from $110,000 to $370,000, while some just outside the city can go over $500,000.
City has diverse dining and grocery options
Many local restaurants and shops are in downtown Pelican Rapids. Downtown has foot traffic and public art, including several 4-foot-tall pelican sculptures outside the businesses. Many may make a morning stop at Brew Haven Coffee, which runs in the Historic City Hall building. Taqueria Chavez1 is one of a few local options for authentic Mexican food. Taqueria Escobar and Sone’s Asian and American Cuisine offer more variety. “Pelican Rapids has the best Mexican restaurants in all of Minnesota,” Bristlin says. “I’m not joking. I was in the Navy for 30 years. I’ve eaten my way around the world.” Local grocers include Larry’s Super Market and La Mariposa Market, with the latter carrying Mexican brands.
Outdoor activities include swimming, fishing and golf
Located in E.L. Peterson Park, Pelican Pete is a roughly 15-foot-tall sculpture overlooking the Pelican River and its rocky banks. Park amenities include a playground, walking paths and a pedestrian bridge that goes over the water. The river also draws many kayakers and paddlers. During the summer, the Pelican Rapids Pool provides a place for many to cool off and play. The public facility has an outdoor pool with water slides and a splash pad. Prairie Lake offers a fishing spot just north of the city. The 1,000-acre lake is home to fish like largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Many may jump in the water from a dock on the lake’s southern shore. The public Birchwood Golf Course offers nine holes of play.
City is home to Pelican Rapids Public Schools
Pelican Rapids Public Schools serves the city and gets a B from Niche. Students may start at Viking Elementary School, which receives a B-minus. They may then finish at Pelican Rapids High School, which gets a B and enrolls students from seventh to 12th grade. High school students here can explore various career options by taking courses in fields like software design, welding and marketing. The high school’s athletics include a boys basketball team that won a sectional title in 2025.
Pelican Fest honors city’s culture
In July, the city celebrates its culture with Pelican Fest, which consists of various activities at different venues. The festival spans a few days and involves activities like science demonstrations, a tractor show and a free swim day at the city pool.
U.S. 59 goes to regional neighbors
U.S. Highway 59 goes to regional neighbors like Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes. Fergus Falls is about 20 miles south, while Detroit Lakes is 25 miles north. Fergus Falls is home to Lake Region Healthcare’s Fergus Falls Hospital, one of the nearest medical institutions to Pelican Rapids. Located about 50 miles northwest, Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, is the nearest hub for commercial flights.
New residents should prepare for winter snow
Like much of Minnesota, winter snowfall is common here. The city typically receives 30 inches of snow, but that amount is far lower than in a few parts of the state, including the Twin Cities area.
