9 BEST Things to Do in FERGUS FALLS, MN

8/24/2023

Looking for some of the best things to do in Fergus Falls, Minnesota? Look no further. Having grown up just 30 minutes away from Fergus Falls, we visited the area all the time - and although things have changed a lot in the last 20 years I've still been able to keep a running list of some of my favorite things to do in the area. From the best ice cream shop in town to unique local gems like Otto, read on for nine of the best things to do in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

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Where is Fergus Falls MN?

Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is located in West Central Minnesota. Known as a town that puts emphasis on the culture & arts, Otter Tail County is also very beautiful. With plenty of nearby parks and over 1,100 nearby lakes, it's also an ideal destination for a summer trip or vacation. With just over 14,000 full time residents, this small town has seen it's share of closed businesses and buildings, however in recent years there's been a slight turn around with new businesses springing up around town. If you're planning a visit, we highly recommend the summer or fall months, and we also highly recommend a stop at some of our favorite places listed below! ;)

Our 9 Favorite Things to Do in Fergus Falls

Otto the Otter (and my mom lol)

Otto the Otter

1. Meet Otto the Otter
Built in 1972 by local high schoolers, Otto the Otter is a Fergus Falls icon. Located in Grotto Park and overlooking Grotto Lake, this free 24/7 attraction is a fun little stop while exploring Fergus Falls. At 40 feet long and 15 feet tall, Otto is also known as the World's Largest Otter! Stop here for a fun (and free) photo op, and you can visit the nearby park as well!

Downtown Fergus Falls

Otter Cove Children's Museum

2. Explore Downtown Fergus Falls
With lots of shopping, unique stores, a nearby riverfront park, cafes and even the local children's museum - you can easily spend the day here walking around and exploring. Some of our favorite downtown shops are Dahlia's Downtown Boutique, Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream, and the local Fergus Theater Center for the Arts!

The Fabled Farmer

The Fabled Farmer - Pulled Pork & Southwest Bowl

The Fabled Farmer

The Viking Cafe

Don Pablo's

3. Sample Local Cuisine
Fergus Falls surprisingly has a number of small eateries scattered throughout town. From Don Pablo's Mexican Restaurant & The Viking Cafe (awarded for their "best breakfasts") located downtown, to The Fabled Farmer (juicery and farm to table meals, but quite pricey) you really can't go wrong. Some places we're saving for next time are Toast (a local brunch spot) and the Union Avenue Bar and Eatery (for wood fired pizzas and fresh pastas).

Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream Outside

Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream in a Cup

Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream Gumball Machine

4. I Scream for Ice Cream? ;)
Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream is another favorite of ours located downtown. Opened in 2020, they are the perfect spot for a summer treat, and if you happen to get a yellow gum ball on their 100 foot long gum ball machine then you'll even get a free ice cream! My favorite flavors are Java Chunk and White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle.

Spies Riverfront Park

Spies Riverfront Park Views

Spies Riverfront Park Market Pavillion

5. Spies Riverfront Park
Another hidden gem located near downtown Fergus Falls, we didn't stumble across this park until this year. Located right on the banks of the Otter Tail River, it's currently in the midst of phased remodels, meaning in the coming years this spot will be even better. The local Fergus Falls Farmers Market is also held in the Market Pavilion onsite every Wednesday & Saturday from June to October!

Otter Tail County Historical Museum

6. Otter Tail County Historical Museum
At $6 a person you can take a museum tour of "Otter Tail County's Wildlife & Native Americans." Although we didn't do the tour ourselves, they have rotating exhibits and share facts all the way back to the 1850's to the area's first white settlers. There's also a library inside that can be used for local genealogy and local history for $6 a person.

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Outside

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center

7. Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
My first trip to the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center was for a field trip in high school, however there's quite a bit that you can do onsite. With multiple events throughout the year, this spot is popular for short hikes and birding. They also have many options for volunteering as well as classes and programs onsite throughout the year. However, they are only open to the public on Fridays from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Delagoon Park

8. Get Outside at Local Parks
With over 500 acres of "green space," Fergus Falls has plenty of local parks to visit if you're looking to spend some time outside! Some of our favorites are Grotto Park (also known as Adams Park) with Otto the Otter, baseball fields, a playground and picnic shelters, and Delagoon Park with Pebble Lake Beach, archery range, baseball fields, boat access, and picnic shelters. *note : we do not recommend a visit to Broken Dam Park*

Fergus Brewing Co. Patio Views

Fergus Brewing Co. Beer Flight

Fergus Brewing Co. Outside

9. Grab a Drink
With two breweries in Fergus Falls, both with great outdoor patios, another thing to do is to head out for a drink (with a sober driver of course). Both Outstate Brewing Co. and Fergus Falls Brewing Co. have different events throughout the year like yoga and trivia, and it's the perfect spot to end a summer night!

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