Minnesota Guys Weekend: Getaway in the Detroit Lakes Region

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Minnesota Guys Weekend: Getaway in the Detroit Lakes Region

Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is the perfect destination for planning your next weekend getaway with the boys. Located in northwest Minnesota, the city of Detroit Lakes resides near more than 400 lakes within 25 miles giving visitors an abundance of outdoor recreation activities on the land and the water. Not to mention exciting events like We Fest, DL Cruise Night, and the Ojibwe Forests Rally. There are also excellent craft breweries, golf courses, off roading trails, and resorts, bringing together all the aspects of an epic guy’s weekend for the books. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some quality time with friends to relax and unwind.

Photo by Explore Minnesota

Where to Stay

Start your trip off by planning your home base for activities in Detroit Lakes. The city offers visitors a range of lodging options, and lets you build a better way to stay. Hotels, resorts, or camping sites, it’s easy to book a stay to meet all of your needs. To add to your epic guy’s weekend check into one of the many resorts that Detroit Lakes has to offer, from luxurious lodges to cozy cabins. Some of the popular resorts in the area include Breezy Point Resort on Straight Lake, Fair Hills Resort, The Hideaway, The Lodge on Lake Detroit and Valhalla Resort. Most resorts offer lakefront lodging, so you’ll never be far from fun, or relaxation.

Photo by Martin Dm

Golfing

A staple on the itinerary for most guy’s weekend trips is golf. Luckily, you can pack those golf clubs because Detroit Lakes has you covered. Home to some of the best golf courses in Minnesota, the city features a range of postcard-worthy courses that are within easy reach of the resorts. The Detroit Country Club, the Forest Hills Golf Course, and Wildflower Golf Course are a few of the top-notch courses located right in Detroit Lakes. But if you’re willing to drive a little further there are plenty more options just outside of town. With beautiful scenic views and challenging holes, these courses will make for a great addition to your guy’s weekend.

Photo by Mosay May

Hitting the Trails

Hitting the trails can mean different things to different people, but if the guys love to do a little bit of off-roading, Detroit Lakes has plenty of options for ATV and OHV enthusiasts. The Detroit Lakes area is home to a vast network of trails, which wind their way through forests, over hills, and across open fields. Some trails to check out include the Smoky Hills State Forest ATV Trails, the Spider Lake ATV Trails, and the Forest Riders Trail. If you’re more interested in non-motorized fun on the trails, there are plenty of options for hikers and bikers, too. Detroit Mountain has some excellent trails for mountain bikers with bike trails, gravity feed flow tracks, and a pump track.

Photo by RG Studios

Craft Breweries

Besides hitting the trails and the green, what would a guy’s weekend be without stopping into a few local craft breweries? Detroit Lakes has a rich brewing history and is home to several top-notch breweries that are sure to impress even the most discerning beer connoisseur. Lakeside Tavern & Brewery has been a Detroit Lakes staple since 1891, and serves up elevated pub grub and a range of their own locally brewed craft beers. Another great place to stop by is Bucks Mill Brewing, which features a range of craft beers on tap and a large space for relaxing and having a few beers with the guys. Zorbaz, a staple pizza and Mexican restaurant with 11 locations in Minnesota Lakes Country, is another fun option with an extensive rotating craft beer tap list.

Photo by 89 Stocker

Boating and Fishing

No trip to Detroit Lakes is complete without some time spent on the water. And if your friends and you are into boating and fishing then you’ll want to hit the lakes during your guy’s weekend getaway. For fishermen, the city has an incredible array of places to cast a line. Visitors can check the weekly Detroit Lakes Fishing Report to see where the fish are biting during their visit, or book with a local fishing guide to ensure you have a great weekend of fishing. Detroit Lake and Otter Tail River are two great places for water recreation of all kinds, including boating, jet skiing, tubing and more. Whether you want to cast a line or take a leisurely boat ride, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your interests.