Facts About Becker County

Becker County is located in west central Minnesota, 30 miles east of the Fargo-Moorhead MSA. Established by an act of legislature, Becker County was approved on March 18, 1858. The county is situated in the heart of what is known as Park Region and is considered one of the state’s most versatile and beautiful recreation areas. The county contains more than 400 lakes and encompasses eleven communities, including the county seat, Detroit Lakes. It encompasses 1,440 square miles with a population of 29,394. It is the only Minnesota county containing all of the Minnesota State symbols: loons, pink and white lady slippers, wild rice, Norway Pines, blueberries and eagles.

There are 296 lakes in Becker County, containing all the way from forty to several thousand acres each. In addition to these lakes, there are more than a thousand ponds, containing from five to forty acres each, scattered over the county. The surface features of the county, as with the exception of the forests, will remain much as they are now for years to come, but there is one feature of the topography of our county so peculiar and interesting in character, you cannot pass it by. That is the lakes and the rivers within our borders.

Quoted from Neil’s History of Minnesota:
Like the Garden of Eden, this part of the country is encircled by lakes and rivers. There is water, water everywhere. The surface of the country is dotted with lakes, and in some regions, it is impossible to travel two miles without meeting a beautiful expanse of water. Many of these are linked together by small rivulets, while others are isolated. Their configuration is varied and picturesque; some are large, with precipitous shores, and contain wooded islands, others are approached by gentle grassy slopes. Their beds are generally pebbly or covered with small boulders, which peep out along the shore and frequently show a rocky line around the entire circumference. But few of them have mud bottoms. The water is generally sweet and clear, and is cool and refreshing during the heat of summer.

For summer, a mile of public beach within the city limits of Detroit Lakes and 412 lakes within a 25 mile radius makes the area outstanding for all water sports. Here you can find some of the finest fishing in Minnesota. There are several golf courses and several tennis courts in the city’s 25 acres of developed park land.

For winter, there are more than 500 miles of established snowmobile trails and ice fishing is excellent for all species. There is also several cross country skiing trails and a 10-run ski area with slopes for beginners, intermediate and expert skiers.

Becker County has an excellent transportation system that includes the intersection of two major railroads. Federal and State Highways 10, 59 and 34 directly link the county to the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Duluth and Fargo/Moorhead areas. The Becker County Airport has a 4,500 foot lighted runway, hangars and maintenance service to accommodate a full range of commuter aircraft. Charter service is also available. Hector International Airport is 45 minutes from the county seat and offers daily flights. The county is also serviced by Greyhound bus lines and Amtrac passenger service as well.