Facts About Detroit Lakes

 

 

 

The city of Detroit Lakes, originally called just "Detroit", began on the north side of the railroad
tracks and was gradually extended south to what is now Big Detroit Lake. The city's name,
"Detroit", came about when a French Catholic Priest camped on the shores of the lake with a
good view of the sunset on the water. The water was low, and the sandbar stood out well, making
a narrow strait that glistened in the light of the setting sun. The priest exclaimed in French, "What
a beautiful strait." The word strait in French is detroit, consequently, the city was named Detroit.
On September 7,1926, the town was officially and logically changed to Detroit Lakes by public
vote. Detroit Lakes is built on the highest point of land between Winnepeg, Canada, and the Gulf
of Mexico. If a straight line were drawn between Winnepeg and New Orleans, that line would run
right down our main street - Washington Avenue.

John K. West, who arrived from New York City in 1881, is known as the Father of the Detroit Lakes
Tourist Industry. He did more to promote tourism here than any other man. One of his promotions
was a steamboat line that ran from Detroit Lakes through Muskrat, Sallie and Melissa Lakes to
Pelican Lake. To this day, tourism is a prime industry in Detroit Lakes.
Early industries established in the 1870's and 1880's included lumber mills, a flour mill, a brewery,
a furniture factory and a "handle" factory. There was also an Opera House that seated 500
persons for the many community events.

In the early days, Detroit Lakes was jokingly called "Swamp Town, Sioughville, and even Mudville"
because there were so many sloughs and swamps right in town. The wide, clean streets and
avenues leading to the lake today are testimony to the work of the early businessman who
envisioned a busy city.

To the west of Detroit Lakes, all lakes and streams flow into the Red River of the North, which in
turn, drains into the Hudson Bay. To the east, all water moves to the Mississippi River and
eventually drains into the Gulf of Mexico.

Today, Detroit Lakes is the Becker County seat. It is near the geographical center of North
America and has 412 lakes within a 25 mile radius of the city. We now have many fine resorts in
our lakes area to service the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy our lakes and wooded area
each year. Thousands of summer homes and many permanent homes have been built on the
many lakes by people from far and near. Detroit Lakes is pleased and proud to offer and share our
vacationland and recreational facilities with all these wonderful people.

You will be able to enjoy fishing, boating, swimming or sail your cares away in the sparkling clear
waters of the 412 Lakes Area, where there are a multitude of things to do and history is alive.
Enjoy the Rural Renaissance, Scandinavian Folkfest, the WE Fest Country Music Festival,
Northwest Water Carnival, the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament, the Village of the Smoky Hills, or
just watching people on the mile long white sugar sand beach. Explore one of the most beautiful
collections of parks and related activities. Visit authentic log cabins in the woods of the Tamarac
National Wildlife Refuge. Go tubing down the Ottertail River, camp out or stay at one of the many
resorts, hotels, bed and breakfast or motels.