Fergus Falls 2023 DESTINATION GUIDE - #FergusFallsMN
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2023 DESTINATION GUIDE #FergusFallsMN Fergus Falls 218-446-0002 | VisitFergusFalls.com |
2023 EVENTS
Feb. 11 Battle of the Businesses Bowling
Feb. 11 James Sewell Ballet
Feb. 25 Simon & Simon, Concert
March 11 Head Games, Concert
March 18 Pavlo, Concert
April 15 Daydream Believer, Concert
April 28 Fergus Falls Civic Orchestra
June 3 Lake Region Run
June 9-10 Summerfest
June Children’s Theatre Production
Welcome to Fergus Falls July 8 Déjà vu, Concert
O
July 16 ABBA Fab, Concert
ur founding fathers built this town with the Otter Tail River central
July 23 Garth Live, Concert
to our existence. The falls provided power, industry, and a means July 28 Pebble Lake Youth Triathlon
to thrive. They still do. The Otter Tail River meanders gently through Aug. 5-13 Woodie Camp
downtown and is a beautiful backdrop for the nearby shops, restaurants, Aug. 6 Classic Car Show
and breweries. Aug. 15-31 Monarch Butterfly Tagging
Aug. 20 The Crown Jewels, Concert
Aug. 26 Duck Banding
Whatever your reason for visiting, we invite you to relax, unwind, and enjoy. Aug.27 Satisfaction, Concert
Fergus Falls has many outdoor recreation assets and a strong affinity for Sept. 12-16 Speedway Motors
arts and history. Located in Central Minnesota, Fergus Falls is beautiful WISSOTA 100
Sept. 23 National Public Lands Day
and vibrant. Special events throughout the year celebrate our heritage, the
Sept. 30 Otter Cove Children’s
outdoors, and the arts. Residents and employers select Fergus Falls for its Museum Color Romp
excellent education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sense of community. Oct. 21 State Hospital & Poor Farm
The people are our best asset -we know neighbors, welcome visitors, and Cemetery Tours
work together to make Fergus Falls our home. We are glad you are here. Oct. 28 Haunted Museum
Nov. 5 Roll On, Concert
Dec. 2 Over the River Holiday Festival
Dec. 10 Shawn Johnson, Concert
Cover & Main Photo by Rolando Felizola, provided
MINNESOTA Visit our website for event details
Fargo and to learn more
Duluth
Fergus
Falls 112 W Washington Avenue
VisitFergusFalls.com
St. Cloud
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
218-446-0002
Minneapolis Connect with us!
St. Paul
2
Year of the Entrepreneur
By NeTia Bauman
F ergus Falls continues to foster a strong entrepreneurial
ecosystem, so much so, that we’d like to deem 2022 as
the Year of the Entrepreneur! With over 10 new small
and provides high quality Norwegian products ranging
from apparel and flatware to woolens and porcelain!
business start-ups, 4 expansions, and a few business The unique thing about our entrepreneurs is that they
transitions that retained business and workforce, Fergus come from all over; some were raised in Fergus Falls,
Falls is setting foundational roots in entrepreneurship. others have come from elsewhere in Minnesota while
some have relocated from several states away. The common
From art institutions like Stained, a glass art studio that denominator is that each and every one chose Fergus Falls
specializes in creating unique glass art to hospitality to operate their business.
businesses such as Gunpowder, a new Whiskey, Wine &
Beer hub and retailers like The Dragonfly Children’s To continue cultivating a culture of collaboration,
Boutique, a children’s clothing and toy store, Fergus Falls Greater Fergus Falls (GFF) opened The Foundry, a
is diversifying its business composition. With new hybrid coworking and entrepreneurial center that
businesses like Bev’s City Bakery, Revive Athletics, and doubles as a pop-up retail rental and startup accelerator.
Lash Lounge Co., our local entrepreneurs are reimagining Located in downtown Fergus Falls, The Foundry
what hospitality and service can become in Fergus Falls. provides full-service coworking space that goes beyond
the needs of shared space. Through partnership and
In addition to several new businesses, we’re experiencing sponsorships, GFF offers free high-speed internet, free
significant growth through existing business expansions, printing, scanning and copying services, free coffee, as
as well. TC Chocolate, an award-winning, bean-to-bar well as a breadth of entrepreneurial coaching, training,
chocolate manufacturer expanded its operations from and professional development opportunities.
3,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet which will pave the
way for new wholesale markets and product lines while By offering 24/7 access and a variety of membership
long-time caterer Cooking with Mama Sheena expanded to packages, The Foundry can meet the needs of start-ups,
include drive-thru and dine-in restaurant services. Many early-stage entrepreneurs, and all types of unconventional
other manufacturers and businesses are poised for workers including seasonal visitors throughout Otter Tail
expansion in the coming months, too! County, with affordable and inclusive price points, benefits,
and amenities. Meet us at The Foundry, where innovation
We’re also pleased to welcome Norway in the USA to and creativity are the engines of economic growth!
Fergus Falls. This wholesaler relocated to the community Learn more at GreaterFergusFalls.com/TheFoundry.
3
BUSINESSES
GREATERFERGUSFALLS.COM/THEFOUNDRY
101 W. LINCOLN AVE | FERGUS FALLS, MN
@GREATERFFMN
COWORKING SPACE VARIOUS MEMBERSHIP RATES
FREE WI-FI
STARTUP ACCELERATOR
BUSINESS COACHING FREE PRINTING
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FREE COFFEE
MEETING SPACE 24/7 ACCESS
EDUCATION & TRAINING LOCKER RENTAL
POP-UP RETAIL SPACE MAILBOX SERVICE
4
Free Continental Breakfast
Fergus Falls
Handicapped Accessible
Free Full Hot Breakfast
Lodging Properties
Exercise Equipment
Restaurant On Site
Number of Rooms
Pets Allowed
Indoor Pool
Kiddie Pool
Whirlpool
800# Central
Name/Website Address Local Phone Reservations
AmericInn by Wyndham 526 Western Ave 218-739-3900 800-634-3444 60 • • • • • • • •
AmericInnFergusFalls.com
Comfort Inn 425 Western Ave 218-736-5787 800-424-6423 45 • • • • • • •
ChoiceHotels.com
Country Inn & Suites 925 Western Ave 218-531-9992 800-333-3333 96 • • • • • •
RadissonHotelsAmericas.com/CountryInn
Jewel Motel 1602 Pebble Lake Rd 218-739-5430 14 •
Rodeway Inn 610 Western Ave 218-739-3311 53 •
ChoiceHotels.com
Super 8 by Wyndham 2454 College Way 218-739-3261 32 • • •
WyndhamHotels.com/Super-8
F rom “ma and pa” motels to favorite hotel brands,
it gets down to comfort and great service – and they
all deliver. The hotel grid above details the properties and
And with 1,048 lakes in Otter Tail County, resorts are popular
too. The Otter Tail Lakes Country Association website at
OtterTailLakesCountry.com lets you search resort properties
their amenities. based on many amenities.
925 Western Ave
Free Hotel-Wide High-Speed Wi-Fi Fergus Falls
BY RADISSION Largest Pool in Town (218) 531-9992
Complimentary Hot Breakfast
radissonhotels.com
218-736-7586 • 800-530-8937
Honored
to be there when
you need us.
711 Pebble Lake Road
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
218-736-7586 • 800-530-8937
olsonfuneralhome.com
218-446-0002 | VisitFergusFalls.com 5
BUSINESSES
MARY BUYING? SELLING?
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6
New Parks in Town
By Heather Rule, Photos by Jesse Thorstad and Eric Strand
W hether you’re young, or young at heart, the new
parks in Fergus Falls prove fun for all!
Dr. Allen Magnuson Park
In the past, it was known as NP Park. By fall 2022,
the park was rejuvenated by the Noon Kiwanis Club
Spies Riverfront Park and Market Pavilion and renamed Dr. Allen Magnuson Park in honor of
Spies Riverfront Park and the Market Pavilion in downtown the late Dr. Allen Magnuson, a pediatrician at Lake
Fergus Falls are surrounded by the beautiful setting of the Region Healthcare.
Otter Tail River. The park draws people downtown and
provides quality of life improvements to the community, Accessible and inclusive playground equipment was a
according to Fergus Falls city administrator Andrew Bremseth. focus of the project, with swings, slides and climbing
equipment all children could use, regardless of age or
“We often comment that when you’re standing there looking ability level. There’s a hands-on communication board
at the river, you don’t even know you’re in Fergus Falls,” for children who are non-verbal and a touch-button
Bremseth said. “You could be in Colorado or Portland or water sprayer for warm-weather days.
wherever because it’s such a beautiful setting.”
“It’s eye-catching,” Bremseth said. “And a lot of things to
The park, located at 117 S. Union Ave. along the Otter Tail do, and much nicer and advanced than any other park
River, opened in June 2022. It’s named after Gary and that we have in the community.”
Sharon Spies, a local couple who own Service Food Market
and have “been good partners to the community and to the Before the new equipment was added, the city built up
city,” Bremseth said. the park that often flooded after a solid rain shower.
After a hydrology study, the playground’s land was built
The park has a walking/cycling path and offers an overlook level with the surrounding streets so water will not pool
of the riverfront and benches along the promenade. in that area, according to Bremseth.
The Market Pavilion has drop-down garage doors on the
north side, along with overhead heaters, for usage in cooler There’s also accessible crosswalks across South Cascade
weather. People can rent out the space through the city’s Street (the park is located at 520 S. Cascade St.) to the
parks and recreation department. Fergus Falls Public Library. Visitors of the park often
head to the library as well. It’s been a great addition to
This space is also the new home for the Fergus Falls Farmers the city parks systems, Bremseth said.
Market held twice-weekly in the summer. The number of
vendors, crowds and product sales have all increased since “It’s been a good synergy,” Bremseth said. “It’s provided
the market moved to this new location. a lot of synergy for both the library and the park.”
218-446-0002 | VisitFergusFalls.com 7
BUSINESSES
e Dining & Iris
Fin h
Pu
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ua
b
Cas
O .m
pe
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n Da a
i l y at 11
218-739-4406
3401 Highway 210 West
Fergus Falls
mabelmurphys@live.com mabelmurphysmn.com
Enjoy the finest Old World Style restaurant in Fergus Falls
Make Our Store Your Store For…
Gifts & Greeting Cards for all ages
Books, Bibles & Devotionals
Office Supplies
Printed Business Forms & Checks
Monday – Friday 9am–5:30pm
Promotional Products Open Saturday 11am–3pm
victorlundeens.com 126 West Lincoln Avenue, Downtown Fergus Falls (218) 736-5433
SHOP TODAY!
BUY TODAY! 1924 State Hwy 210 E.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
TAKE IT HOME TODAY! 218-739-4675
jaegerfurniture.com
All in-stock inventory is available, NO WAITING.
Cora's Closet
Upscale Consignment Boutique
Tuesday–Saturday • 10:00am – 5:00pm
221 W. Lincoln Avenue
Downtown Fergus Falls, MN in Riverfront Square
218-998-2640
8
A Bird Watch
By Heather Rule, Photos by Marie Noplos
F or visitors wanting a bird’s eye view of birds in the
Fergus Falls area, there are a few options.
The wetlands are managed for nesting waterfowl, including
a variety of ducks, geese and trumpeter swans. Also look for
yellow headed blackbirds and red wings. Winter birding is a
Fergus Falls Rookery bit quieter, but birds are still around. The common red poll,
The Fergus Falls rookery is located at Grotto Lake in smaller birds that come from the north, and horned larks are
Adams Park, with the island in the middle of the lake at the wetlands.
being the heart of the rookery and expanding to the
shoreline near the island. The biggest surprise is that this Spring and summer are the best times to spy some birds at
rookery is located right in a city park, not the wilderness, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.
said Molly Stoddard, educator at Prairie Wetlands Learning
Center. “You usually have to work pretty hard to get to the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail
rookery of herons or egrets,” Stoddard said. “But in this The Prairie Wetlands, and Fergus Falls, are part of the Pine
case, you can drive right up to it.” to Prairie International Birding Trail. It’s located throughout
northwest Minnesota and goes into Manitoba, spanning
Double-crested cormorants nest in the trees, island and more than 200 miles with 51 sites to stop and view more than
near shore. Black-crowned night herons, egrets and 275 total species of birds. Most of these sites are on public
common grackles also nest in the evergreen trees near land or private reserves that are open to the public. Look for
shore. A total of four species of colonial nesting birds are the birding trail logo signs.
in this park. People can see the birds and hear them
communicate with each other. Mallards, wood ducks Fergus Falls is one of the southern-most stops along this trail.
and ring-billed gulls can often be found on the water. It goes north following Hwy. 59 to Thief River Falls, and then
Hwy. 32 toward Roseau.
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center offers 330 acres of The Riverview Waterfowl Sanctuary located in Fergus
land, including 3.5 miles of hiking trails, to bird watch. The Falls is a site on the trail, too. Birders can look for trumpeter
site has 28 wetlands and a lake, providing an opportunity to swans, Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks and ring-necked
see wetland and prairie birds. ducks at this site.
One prairie-specific bird is the bobolink, “a fun bird to hear” “There’s great birding here,” Stoddard said. “It’s a wonderful
and watch, Stoddard said. “They sound like R2D2,” she added. part of the state to bird.”
218-446-0002 | VisitFergusFalls.com 9
BUSINESSES
FULL SERVICE GROCERY STORE
321 Lincoln Ave.
Fergus Falls, MN Championship golf with rolling terrain,
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& fastest greens around.
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Pro Shop, Practice Facilities &
•Fresh Baked Goods Daily! Lessons
www.servicefood.com Dining Room & Full Service Bar
servicefoodmarket@gmail.com
Wedding, Reunion & Party Hosting
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1918 Pebble Lake Golf Drive
218-998-9000
County Highway 82 • Fergus Falls, MN
218-736-7404
playpebblelake.com
Kitchenware � Toys & Games
Bath & Body � Home Accents
Specialty Groceries
Something for
everyone...
Home cooked favorites, breakfast Including yourself!
Small batch skin care and served all day & home to the
handmade soap. Good “Best Omelet in Minnesota”
for your skin, good for Mon-Fri 5:30am–2:00pm Fergus Falls
Sat-Sun 7:00am–2:00pm 120 S. Union Avenue
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marketfergusfalls.com
10Veterans Walk of Flags
By Heather Rule
F or 20 years, the nonprofit organization Fergus Falls
Veterans Walk of Flags has displayed American flags
throughout town on special days a few times a year. Each flag
for a specific veteran. The flags are numbered, so people
know where to find them. Each flagpole includes a brass
name plate listing the veteran’s name, branch of service and
represents a veteran of the military, living or deceased, with rank. All flag locations also have placards with a list of flags
an honorable discharge. The group has 1,922 total flags. and the veterans they represent so visitors can match the
flags with the appropriate veteran.
The flags are displayed in 10 areas of Fergus Falls:
Veterans Park, Dr. Allen Magnuson Park, the Otter Tail “We encourage people to go out, take pictures, walk
County Courthouse, Junius Avenue, Union Avenue, Wright around,” said Tony Rendz, an Air Force veteran who’s on
Park, Neese Park, City Hall Park, Friberg/Summit Avenue, and the board of directors for the Veterans Walk of Flags.
the Minnesota Veterans Home. The flags go up on Loyalty “We get so much ranting and raving about how good it
Day on May 1, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, all looks.”
POW/MIA Day, and Veterans Day.
Flags are flown in decent weather. The threat of rain or
The Veterans Walk of Flags started in Fergus Falls in 2002 snow risks damage to the flags, so the group doesn’t put
with 426 flags by the end of that year. Perrie Sheldon, the them up in precipitation, according to Rendz.
group’s co-founder, got the idea after a visit to Iowa seeing a
town’s Avenue of Flags. In Fergus Falls, the flags were sold for All of the work is done by volunteers, and the group is
$75 each to honor veterans and first displayed at Veterans always in search of more people in the community (you
Memorial Park near downtown. With more and more flags, the don’t have to be a veteran or military member) who want
group uses four trailers to move them to the various locations. to help put the flags up and take them down.
The flags are displayed at 7:30 a.m. and taken down at 4:30 For more information, visit the Fergus Falls Veterans
p.m. that same day. Each flag goes up on a pole designated Walk of Flags page on Facebook.
218-446-0002 | VisitFergusFalls.com 11BUSINESSES
Providing premium vinyl windows and doors built right here in
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Fergus Falls, MN 56537
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12Otter Trail Scenic Byway and Talking Trail
By Heather Rule, Photos by Kvidt Creative
T he Otter Trail Scenic Byway is a 150-mile loop, with
Fergus Falls a stop along the way. The scenic byway
allows communities and regions of Minnesota to highlight
written by the Otter Tail County Historical Society that tie
in with that particular location. The stories cover topics like
the history of Glendalough State Park and the Fergus Falls
their natural environment, plus recreational, historical, cul- cyclone. The stories are historical and factual, but they’re
tural, and archeological assets, according to Nick Leonard, a also entertaining to listen to, Leonard said. The Talking
board member of the Otter Tail Lakes Country Association. Trail is a chance for people to learn about the history of
Fergus Falls and the region as a whole.
“We’re pretty unique in that we have an over 150-mile loop,”
Leonard said. “It really covers some pretty remarkable “What’s cool about that is you can be driving and basically
agricultural areas, lakes and prairies.” listening to stories about a wide variety of topics that were
crafted by the local historical society,” Leonard said.
There are 23 locations that stand out in these areas. At each
spot, there’s an informational panel so visitors can learn Some areas of the byway are unique based on the time
more about that specific location and about the Otter Tail of year. A popular time to travel the byway is autumn,
County region. Information might include details about “just given our remarkable fall colors” on the trees,
agriculture in the area or the importance of the railroad Leonard said. Some segments of the trail coincide with
within the history and development of Otter Tail County. popular snowmobile trails, so people might travel along
the byway and not even know it.
The byway is diverse with everything from lots of wildlife
to old mills. Most of the Otter Trail Scenic Byway is a The scenic byway and the Talking Trail are good ways
driving route along existing streets and highways. for visitors and residents to see the region, according to
Leonard. Visitors will often drive a portion of the scenic
“There’s a wide variety of byway,” Leonard said. “The byway, stopping for lunch, gas or shopping along the way
content is very diverse on those panels.” in some of the communities in Otter Tail County.
The Talking Trail is also part of each byway stop. Each “I think what people like about it is, it is a recreational
panel has an 800-number and a QR code to access the opportunity for people to be able to see parts of our county,”
Talking Trail. With that access, visitors can listen to stories Leonard said.
218-446-0002 | VisitFergusFalls.com 13BUSINESSES
Indoor Play Structure Miniature Downtown
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14Pamper Yourself with a Massage or Tattoo
By Heather Rule
W hether you’re itching for some new ink, or some
rest and relaxation, make sure to find time to
pamper yourself.
Finding a purpose, community with tattoos
Getting a tattoo is another way of self-care, whether a
resident of Otter Tail County or on vacation. Some people
want a specific image for the tattoo, while others might
Maintain with a massage come into a tattoo parlor for a consultation, especially for
If you’re looking to treat yourself to some rest and relaxation more extensive pieces like a sleeve.
on vacation, look no further than a full body massage. It’s
a chance for the entire body to relax. A massage can also Getting a tattoo can be a huge confidence builder, said
help those staying active on their vacation with a lot of Sam Norman, owner and technician at The Bee Hive
walking or hiking. Tattoo Parlor in Fergus Falls. Sometimes people will come
into the shop a bit shy and nervous; maybe they haven’t
“It’s never a bad idea to be able to splurge when you’re on felt like they fit into certain groups in the past, such as
vacation,” said Janna Rarick, owner of Revitalize Massage athletics in high school, Norman said. But then they’ll
and Healing in Fergus Falls. come back for a six-session tattoo.
One of the most common reasons folks might seek a “We’ve seen it a lot where they come in way more
massage is to relieve pain, especially back pain or pain in confident, just how they carry themselves and maybe feel
between shoulders. A lot of driving, such as on vacation, like they’re part of a large group, the tattoo community,”
or even sitting at a desk all day at work can create some of Norman said.
those issues between the shoulders and neck, according
to Rarick. A massage can help decrease the stress level in Those getting tattoos often strike up conversations with
the body. others getting their tattoos at the same time. Being in the
shop for the same reason – getting a tattoo – gives them
Rarick also encourages massages for maintenance. Those something in common to talk about. A lot of friendships
who get massaged once a month, for example, tend to notice are made in the tattoo chairs, Norman said.
how much better they feel. While many people might view
massages as a special, one-time thing to treat themselves, Though it might be harder to get a walk-in tattoo done for
Rarick said you should pamper yourself and take care of someone on vacation, it’s possible. Some clients also have
your body on a regular basis.“You get to relax and sleep on standing appointments throughout the summer if they’re
the table,” Rarick said. “You wake up feeling fantastic.” seasonal residents, Norman said.
218-446-0002 | VisitFergusFalls.com 15YOUR SUCCESS STORY STARTS HERE.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College,
minnesota.edu • 877.450.3322
a member of Minnesota State, is an affirmative
action, equal opportunity educator and employer.
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