Perham is a city with industry and lake recreation
Perham, Minnesota, is in a region that embodies the state’s nickname, “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” This city of just over 3,000 people is within minutes of some boating, fishing and swimming destinations. Perham is also home to companies like KLN Family Brands, a pet food and candy maker that employs much of the local population. KLN’s most visible facilities include its Tuffy’s Pet Foods warehouse near downtown Perham. “It’s a tourism community because we’re in the middle of the lakes area of Minnesota. It has thousands of lakes. Whichever way you drive, you come to a lake,” says Susan Heusser-Ladwig, director of the Perham Area Public Library. “Perham is a manufacturing and industrial community, as well. We have a lot of industry in town, and that’s what makes it kind of unique.”
Houses range from Cape Cods to New Traditional homes
Most Perham homes are located along wide and gridded streets. The city’s far north end does give its residents some extra room, as lots there tend to go over 1 acre. While some streets here have sidewalks, it’s not uncommon to see adults and children riding their bikes through the neighborhood. Homes outside the city include waterfront properties along Little Pine Lake. Many of those lakefront homes also have private docks. The area has many ranch-style, Craftsman and New Traditional homes, including modern ones built between the 2000s and today. The city also has a few Cape Cods. Most homes go from about $120,000 to $480,000, while a few lakefront homes run between $630,000 and $850,000. Nearly half of homes here are rentals.
City has cafes, burger joints and craft beer
Downtown Perham draws many walkers to its restaurants, bars and boutiques. Many may start their day at Gathering Grounds Coffee Cafe, which also sells apparel and housewares. Lakes Cafe is a casual spot popular for its breakfasts and burgers. Brew Ales + Eats is a local brewpub that also serves brunch. 1894 offers another place for burgers. The restaurant runs out of an old church, and its name is a nod to the year the building was built. Nest is another spot that functions as both a cafe and a shop. “Considering we’re a small community, we’ve got lots of options for coffee shops, where you can get any drink you can get anywhere else,” Heusser-Ladwig says. Grocers include Central Market.
Recreation includes parks and lake activities
Arvig Park’s amenities include an area for dogs to roam, sand volleyball courts and soccer and softball fields. The park also has a disc golf course and a skate park with a few ramps and rails. Neighboring Pioneer Village hosts August’s Pioneer Fest, which involves events like powder rifle demonstrations and live music. The village’s historic attractions include log cabins and a single-room church often used for outdoor weddings. The public Perham Lakeside Golf Club has three nine-hole courses, each lined by oak, maple and pine trees. Paul Miller Park provides access to Little Pine Lake. Anglers at the nearly 2,000-acre lake will find plenty of walleye and largemouth bass.
Perham has strong public schools and private options
Students may start at Heart of the Lakes Elementary School, which gets a B grade from Niche. They may then go to Prairie Wind Middle School and Perham High School. Prairie Wind Middle receives a B-plus, while Perham High gets an A-minus. Perham High’s athletic program includes a strong baseball team that won three consecutive sectional titles between 2023 and 2025. The city also has some private, faith-based schools. St. Paul’s Lutheran School enrolls students from prekindergarten to eighth grade, while St. Henry’s Area School teaches prekindergarten to sixth grade.
Turtle Fest is an annual tradition
The city hosts Turtle Fest in June. Activities include a signature turtle race, which kicks off a summer tradition of weekly turtle racing events for local children. “They have a downtown street fair with vendors. They have a parade, and they have a lot of activities for kids,” Heusser-Ladwig says. “They have a community medallion hunt, where the chamber [of commerce] will hide a medallion and give hints, and everyone in the community sees if they can find it first.”
U.S. 10 goes to neighbors and Fargo, North Dakota
Perham is located along U.S. Highway 10, which goes to several lake country neighbors. U.S. 10 goes to Fargo, North Dakota, about 65 miles west. Fargo has Hector International Airport, the nearest hub for commercial flights. Perham Health addresses the community’s health care needs.
Area has frigid days and snow
Perham averages a winter low temperature of minus 3. The area also typically gets just over 20 inches of snow a year. However, that amount is far less than some other parts of the state, like the Twin Cities area.
