Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Arrival of the Railroad at Pelican Rapids
October 24, 2024
1. Arrival of the Railroad at Pelican Rapids Marker
This tablet is placed here to commemorate the arrival of the railroad at Pelican Rapids, Minnesota July 4, 1882
Dedicated by the Otter Tail County Historical Society May 17, 1932
Erected 1932 by the Otter Tail County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1882.
Location. 46° 34.238′ N, 96° 4.896′ W. Marker is in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, in Otter Tail County. It can be reached from North Broadway (U.S. 59) south of 1st Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling north. Located in E.L. Peterson Park, by the suspension bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pelican Rapids MN 56572, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mill Pond Suspension Bridge (here, next to this marker); The World's Largest Pelican (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pelican Rapids (about 600 feet away); Mill Stones (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Land We're On (approx. 0.7 miles away); Pelican Rapids Village (approx. 0.7 miles away); Churches & Cemeteries (approx. 2.6 miles away); Minnesota Woman (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pelican Rapids.
Also see . . .
this page online
"The railroad arrived in Pelican Rapids in 1882, a branch line from Fergus Falls, which was to continue northward. This never happened, however, and the line remained a dead end until its removal some 100 years later. The city was incorporated in 1883."(Submitted on November 17, 2024.)
Photographed by Annette Fillmore, July 10, 2025
2. Arrival of the Railroad at Pelican Rapids Marker
October 24, 2024
3. Arrival of the Railroad at Pelican Rapids Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2024. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 17, 2024. 2. submitted on July 14, 2025, by Annette Fillmore of York, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on November 17, 2024.
