This past weekend was the first weekend in a while that both Blake (the fiancé) and myself had nothing going on… well… at least nothing that was urgent. So what should we do when we both have a free weekend off and the weather is beautiful? Well, ‘Do as the Romans do’ as the saying goes… so to “the lake” we went!
While I did have the opportunity last summer to go camping at one of the many lakes in Minnesota, it wasn’t quite the “lake” experience that I have heard so much about. This time we decided to really follow the crowd and head to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota or “DL” as the locals say. Neither of us had been out there before, but it didn’t take long for us to realize where we should be headed. Following the steady line of cars cutting through town, we eventually ended up at the main beach. I couldn’t believe it. Here we were in landlocked Minnesota (yeah, I’m not counting lakes when I say landlocked) and I was staring at a Midwestern beach town complete with sand, funky food places, and even tourist-y beach shops full of boogie boards, t-shirts, and every other knick-knack you’d find at a beach store along the coast (minus the hermit crabs and sea shells).
We found a place to set out our towels and picnic food and laid down in the sand to begin soaking up the sun and commence people watching. I was in heaven. Unfortunately, we got a bit of a late start on the day (I was feeling a little conflicted of whether I should trust weather.com’s prediction of precipitation or trust my eyeballs seeing no clouds in the sky) so we headed back to Fargo after only a few hours. When we woke up the next day and saw the sunshine, it took about two seconds to decide what we were doing for the day… to “the lake” we go for round two!
We were able to get there much earlier this time around and found a great spot. The entire day was spent much the same as the first: soaking up the sun, snacking on food, and all in all enjoying the lake. Though I wasn’t looking at the time, I knew immediately when it was about lunch time. Pontoon after pontoon (with the occasional jet ski and speed boat) pulled up straight onto the sandy shore and out hopped hungry lake-goers. The majority of the crowds headed straight the Zorbaz or one of the other nearby restaurants.
After about five hours, it was time to head home. On our drive back I finally realized exactly what all the fuss is about when people always jet off to “the lake” for the weekend. Yep, I get it now. The lakes are awesome.
While you’re in that part of the state take a little further trip and hit up Charlie’s and go tubing down the Ottertail. This is some of the best on water relaxation that can be had in the DL area. Don’t forget your cooler with your adult beverage of choice.
Well now,then there then; (How to speak Minnesotan) “The Lake” has changed from the time of my youth ’till now. Back in the day, many “lake places” were more like fish camps, (where you go to fish, clean fish, eat fish, and bring home fish. More like a hunter-gatherer mentality. Quiet places, (you don’t talk loud when fishing), with a specific purpose. Oops almost forgot the beer and whiskey. None of those “girley” drinks for us hunter gatherers. Many of those fish camps were close, and almost all had out-door facilities. An old wooden ironing board made the best fish cleaning board, as more than one could clean at the same time, from both sides. etc. etc.
Today, what was a primitive way of summer fun, has now become a sophisticated, almost sterile habitat, where one piece of property takes up four formaly individual pieces of heaven. There used to be (mostly) family run resorts consisting of a string of (4-5-6-7-8?) “cabins”, quite often more appropriately; “shacks”, each one with it’s own private outhouse, and rented wooden boats, (oars included). I owned one of those cabins for almost 30 years, but today, I don’t see anything close or more comfortable to the outdoors ambiance available then. There were no “beautifull people ” at the lakes. Just pretty wives, and family fishing. And the cost?
PS; Forgot the showers. If there was one, it was a centrally located shower room, with sand on the floor. If you wanted, and a lot did, a quick night time dash to the lake for a dip. A shot of Old Fitz for the men, and a splash of Evening in Paris for the lady of the shack. So romantic.
Very sad to see all the old resorts bought and sold, no longer affordable for the blue collar average joe. So many people in this area have such fond memories of those times…..
Aw I love this! To me, the lake evens out for the obnoxious winters.
Jordan, it’s the Portland Malt Shop on the Lakewalk. We used to live in the East Hillside, just up the hill from there and that place is a great incentive when you know you have to walk back up the hill to get home.
Thanks. I’ve gotta head that way and play tourist again. It’s been about 6 years.
Next time you head to the lakes for the weekend, go to the flea market in DL, it’s always a fun activity on a Sunday. Plus you have to eat at Zorbaz! Get the pizza! I grew up in DL and Zorbaz is a must for anyone I bring home! You can also see a little more lake country and go to the Pelican Lake Zorbaz which is a lot of fun too!
I love DL! And Zorbaz….mmmm….I miss the FM area!!
Hmmmm while going to “the lake” surely includes sand and sun I think it’s more about the experience of being invited and spending time at someone’s lake cabin, or cottage as some say. Most of us aren’t able to afford a “lake place” so you’re darn lucky to be invited to these good times. There’s a standing invite for my family to go to my sister in law’s lake place that she co-owns with two siblings. It’s wonderful to spend a sunny day there, lounging in the sun, riding on her pontoon and pigging out (everyone brings food). That to me is “going to the lake”. I have yet to go to Detroit Lake itself but would consider that “going to the beach”. Both are wonderful options no doubt!
KSTP TV from St Paul just did a story on Detroit Lakes, and the main point of the story was Fargo residents who invade the city and the lakes there.
Any of those lakes are a must do. Duluth is amazing (I’m a former resident). Might be tricky to get around now with the flodding, but head up the shore towards Split Rock Lighthouse/Gooseberry Falls. And you must stop at Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors.
If you head to Bemidji, keep going east on Hwy 2 and get a picture of the “Big Fish” by Lake Winnibigoshish. You’ll know it when you see it.
What’s the name of that malt shop in the old gas station in Duluth? I can’t remember where exactly, but you can get to it along the lake shore walk.
3 more lakes to visit for ya.
1) Lake Itasca: The headwaters of the Mississippi river. Don’t forget to take your picture next to the log with the sign carved in it.
2) Lake Bemidji: Come up over the 4th of July and watch the fireworks over the lake. Plus there’s a carnival, food-on-a-stick, and statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. My wife and I are driving about 7-8 hours to be out there over the 4th.
3) Lake Superior: This is a bit of a longer drive, but the views you can find are worth it. This one might have to wait for another summer, though. I don’t know how much the flooding around Duluth has affected the area north along the lake. Definitely worth a trip, though. Don’t forget to stop by Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and a few other things in Duluth while you’re up there.
Did the Duluth thing for the first time last year. Absolutley awesome. I will add Glensheen Mansion to the list of things to see. If you stay at a casino, it is relatively inexpensive.
Agreed, Itasca is a must. Most of my best memories from childhood are from there.
There’s loads more things to do besides the headwaters. I highly recommend Wilderness Drive…and climbing to the top of the fire watch tower.