Holiday Inn Detroit Lakes - Lakefront LOCAL AREA

A scenic centerpiece for summer adventures, Big Detroit Lake is your front-row view and playground. Swim, kayak, fish, or lounge on the mile-long beach, just steps away from your room. As the area's main lake, it anchors everything fun and serene about this lakeside getaway.

Set out on a fairy-tale-inspired hunt among Detroit Lakes’ forested trails. Artist Thomas Dambo’s giant trolls, like the 36-foot Long Leif, beckon visitors to explore. With six trolls and three mirror portals, this interactive art trail is the largest concentration of Dambo’s sculptures in the U.S.

Adventure is just a short drive away. Detroit Mountain Recreation Area invites all-season fun. Ski or snowboard in winter, mountain bike or hike in warmer months. Scenic and active, it’s an easy escape after lakeside lounging.

This quiet gem near downtown combines open green space with playful public art and a charming boardwalk trail. Whether you’re tossing frisbee by the lake or posing by a hidden troll, it’s a peaceful patch of creativity and nature for all ages.

Step inside and go back in time at a museum that holds thousands of local artifacts tracing the area’s past. Housed in a historic building, it’s a meaningful stop to better understand Detroit Lakes’ unique heritage and stories.