Near North Lake Avenue (State Highway 78) south of Lake Shore Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
As the site of many battles between Indian tribes, the lake was named Lac du Battaile by early French mapmakers. Later, in explorer Jean Nicollet's map of the Mississippi Valley, the name was anglicized to Battle Lake.
A Conflict of . . . — — Map (db m260481) HM
On Whitetail Lane 0.2 miles north of County Highway 16.
An 89-Year Journey From Resort to Resource
"I started with surprise and delight! I was in the midst of a prairie! We passed whole acres of blossoms all bearing one hue, as purple, perhaps, or masses of yellow or rose; and then again a . . . — — Map (db m260432) HM
On North Lake Avenue (State Highway 78) south of Lake Shore Avenue.
The Battle Lake area endured a tenuous time in the winter of 2008. School enrollment was down, retail and tourism economics were difficult, businesses were closing, storefronts on Lake Avenue were in disrepair, city infrastructure needed . . . — — Map (db m262096) HM
Near 120th Street (County Highway 38) north of 435th Avenue when traveling east.
For Minnesota's Nobel Prizewinning novelist Sinclair Lewis, Inspiration Peak more than lived up to its name. From its "bald top," he wrote, "there is to be seen a glorious, 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like . . . — — Map (db m120098) HM
On State Highway 210, on the right when traveling east.
Known also as Old Town, about one quarter mile south, named for Major George B. Clitherall, U.S. Land Officer, was settled in 1865 by a seceding group of Latter Day Saints.
The community flourished for many years but gradually . . . — — Map (db m207750) HM
On State Highway 210 0.3 miles east of County Highway 5, on the right when traveling east.
Flight From Religious Persecution Led to the Organization of Otter Tail County's First Permanent Settlement.
The Cutlerites
Clitherall was settled by the Cutlerites, a branch of the Church of Latter Day Saints on May 6, . . . — — Map (db m260485) HM
On South Central Avenue (County Highway 35) south of Pioneer Lane, on the right when traveling north.
Founder of Dalton
Ole C. Dahl, founder of the city of Dalton immigrated from Norway in 1865. Initially settling in Iowa, he worked as a farm hand and painter until he had enough money to bring his wife Oline and their six . . . — — Map (db m260556) HM
On South Central Avenue (County Highway 35) north of Pioneer Lane, on the left when traveling north.
"We may not know them but we owe them all."
Alonzo Hanson ·
Carl F Murawski ·
Mathew Sterns ·
Henry Mark ·
Dell T Formo ·
Glenn C Formo ·
Marvin L Formo ·
Gene W Formo ·
Omer M Johansen ·
Joseph M Christenson ·
David T . . . — — Map (db m261487) WM
On County Highway 39 at Back Lake Road, on the right when traveling north on County Highway 39.
This settlement consisting of a saw mill and general store, although never platted, was named the county seat of Otter Tail Co. by legislative act Feb. 28, 1870. Steps for the erection of county buildings were taken by the county commissioners . . . — — Map (db m261238) HM
On State Highway 108 at 1st Avenue North (County Highway 35), on the right when traveling east on State Highway 108.
Dent is said to be named after Northwestern Dent Corn, the profusely-flourishing grain raised by the Indians of this area. The town was platted in 1903; a year later, the population had grown to 169 residents.
Water and . . . — — Map (db m260377) HM
On State Highway 108 east of 1st Avenue North (County Highway 35), on the right when traveling east.
All Gave Some, Some Gave All
Dedicated to all past, present and future veterans, who have or will serve their country.
Messages hidden in the structure:
Diagonal bricks : The Air Force flying
Upright bricks : Soldiers and sailors . . . — — Map (db m262342) WM
On South Cascade Street north of East Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
In their early years bridges provided essential, though often unsteady, links between southern and northern Fergus Falls.
The first bridges were made of logs such as the 1871 Cascade Street bridge. A log pier filled with rock sat in the . . . — — Map (db m260725) HM
Near South Court Street north of West Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Federal Building
The north half of the Federal Building was built in 1903-04 using brick, stone and concrete. Renaissance Revival in style, it features a high basement of cut stone, raised brick corners, and a mix of flat, . . . — — Map (db m260784) HM
Near South Cascade Street north of East Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Many early industries in Fergus Falls grew up along the banks of the Otter Tail River as the water was harnessed for power. The services offered by these businesses made the city a central trading location. Among these was the Fergus Falls Woolen . . . — — Map (db m260723) HM
On Summit Avenue East east of Friberg Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Lake Alice Has Become an Important Focal Point for the People of Fergus Falls
Lake Alice
(2 blocks west & 1 block north of this spot)
Lake Alice has been a leading attraction for residents since Fergus Falls was first . . . — — Map (db m260128) HM
On South Union Avenue at West Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South Union Avenue.
Surveyor, Versatile Businessman, who founded Fergus Falls A.D. 1870, who promoted its Interests, took part in its early Activities & Controvercies, and whose Faith in "The Coming City" lent an Impetus which endures. — — Map (db m260865) HM
On North Whitford Street at East Summit Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Whitford Street.
Joseph Whitford founded the Fergus Falls town site in 1857. Born of Scotch-Irish parents near Montreal, Canada, he came to Minnesota with his brother John. In 1856, Little Falls businessman James Fergus outfitted Joe and sent him to locate a . . . — — Map (db m260880) HM
On Orwell Road east of County Highway 15, on the left when traveling east.
Flood Control Creates a Scenic Home for Fish & Wildlife
Flood Control
Orwell Dam and Lake are part of a federal flood control and water supply project on the Otter Tail River in west central Minnesota. Orwell Dam is also . . . — — Map (db m260665) HM
Near 4th Avenue north of West Lincoln Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Damage estimates list $4.5 million in property losses. That would translate into $120 million in today's dollars.
Day of Death & Destruction
The term "cyclone" does not mean "tornado" in the strictest sense. In 1919, the . . . — — Map (db m260089) HM
On South Cascade Street south of East Lincoln Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Frontiersman Joe Whitford first set foot on this spot in the winter of 1856 because a businessman named James Fergus had employed him to establish a townsite. Indians had told Whitford about a good site with "big swift water"on the Otter Tail . . . — — Map (db m260093) HM
Near South Court Street north of West Washington Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
The Otter Tail River has long played a vital role in the development of Fergus Falls, supporting flour mills, saw mills and power plants. Early maps of the area identify the river as the Red River. Ojibwe Indians called the river "Otter Tail" as far . . . — — Map (db m260857) HM
On South Sherman Street near East Lincoln Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
"A Last Moment for Friends"
Dedicated to the memory of the veterans from Ottertail County who gave their lives in
W.W. I ·
W.W. II ·
Korea ·
Viet Nam ·
OEF / OIF
in the service of their country
Donated by: . . . — — Map (db m262164) WM
Near South Court Street north of West Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
One of the most enduring legends in Otter Tail County is that Fergus Falls stole the county seat from Otter Tail City, a once thriving town on the eastern shore of Otter Tail Lake.
On March 18, 1858, the Minnesota Territorial Legislature . . . — — Map (db m260854) HM
Near South Cascade Street north of East Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
The decision of James Fergus not to invest in Fergus Falls coupled with the Civil War and Dakota Conflict, stymied any development for much of the 1860s. Not until after the Civil War did Assistant U.S. Government surveyor George B. Wright see the . . . — — Map (db m260782) HM
On East Lincoln Avenue west of South Sherman Street, on the left when traveling west.
The River Walk was constructed in 1987-88 through the cooperative efforts of the City of Fergus Falls, the Riverfront Association, Otter Tail Power Company, and the Fergus Falls Heritage Preservation Commission. The path stretches from Veteran's . . . — — Map (db m260722) HM
Near South Court Street north of West Washington Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
The heat was oppressive during the week of June 16, 1919. People opened their windows hoping to get some air while many slept on their porches instead of sweltering inside. Sunday, June 22, dawned as sticky and hot as the previous day.
By . . . — — Map (db m260860) HM
Near South Cascade Street north of East Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
During the 19th century the river was the lifeline of Fergus Falls.
Before the railroad arrived, the river was a source of transportation as well as power. Flat boats traveled down stream as far north as Winnipeg with flour, wool . . . — — Map (db m260779) HM
On County Highway 1 east of Clear Beach Road, on the right when traveling east.
Erected 1895 by Charter Members
August Sandberg, Lars A. Hanson, John Hall, all buried here. First service Christmas Eve 1895. Communion was served. Candles lighted the tree. Hymns were sung to accompaniment of guitar and mandolin a . . . — — Map (db m260943) HM
Near State Highway 210 0.3 miles east of South Cascade Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
Located at the gateway to the Prairie Pothole Region, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center (PWLC) is the first residential environmental education facility operated by the U.S. Fish and . . . — — Map (db m260570) HM
Near County Road 120 west of County Highway 33, on the left when traveling east.
What Is A Continental Divide?
A continental divide or watershed is a naturally occurring ridge on the continent that forces the separation of river systems. As rivers, streams and creeks separate, they are collected into many . . . — — Map (db m260558) HM
On Centennial 84 Drive (County Highway 84) west of Main Avenue (County Highway 67), on the right when traveling east.
Dedicated to
Anton Cichy and all New York Mills area residents who so nobly served and sacrificed for their country by serving in the United States military. We the citizens want to thank everyone who sacrificed time, life and limb for the . . . — — Map (db m261321) WM
On Centennial 84 Drive (County Highway 84) east of Walker Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This marker is erected on the height of land which divides North America into vast drainage areas. The land on your left drains to the Gulf of Mexico and the land on your right drains to Hudson Bay. For one and one-half centuries this divide also . . . — — Map (db m261319) HM
On Centennial 84 Drive (County Highway 84) east of Walker Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
In Respected Memory of the Finnish pioneers who settled in this region in 1874 and later years, and whose courage, perseverance and faith was instrumental in opening New York Mills and vicinity to agricultural development.
Erected by their . . . — — Map (db m261315) HM
On Centennial 84 Drive (County Highway 84) east of Walker Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
"Come to Minnesota! Mill hands and timber cutters needed! Large forested area promises prosperity! Homesteads available!"
The rousing newspaper ads in Michigan, New York and other eastern areas lured many settlers to Minnesota during the . . . — — Map (db m260427) HM
On State Highway 78, on the right when traveling north.
Near this spot James Craigie of Aberdeen, Scotland, who came to Ottertail County about 1868 built the first grist mill in the county in 1870. The mill stones and wheel were imported from Scotland.
Craigie and his wife were drowned in . . . — — Map (db m207661) HM
On First Street east of South Maple Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
In 1900 the Ottertail School House was built on this property. Delbert Thalmann purchased the school and property in 1968, dismantled the school, and used the wood to build an addition to his barn. Out of generosity, he gave the land back to the . . . — — Map (db m261408) HM
On Bay View Road just west of Otter Tail Scenic Byway (State Highway 78/108), on the left when traveling west.
This tablet commemorates Otter Tail City, the first County Seat of Otter Tail County, 1858 to 1872. This site was chosen for the erection of the court house and jail. Dedicated by the Otter Tail County Historical Society on June 25, 1933. — — Map (db m233574) HM
On State Highway 78 at Bay View Road on State Highway 78.
Otter Tail City in the 1850s was an important post on the fur trade route from St. Paul and Crow Wing to the Red River Valley. It was once the county seat, and had the U.S. Land Office for the district. When the county seat was established at . . . — — Map (db m207665) HM
On Otter Tail Scenic Byway (State Highway 78/108) at Bay View Road, on the right when traveling south on Otter Tail Scenic Byway.
A Snapshot of Ottertail City Trading Post - Otter Tail City was originally settled by trappers that traded with the natives of the area. Donald McDonald located a trading post on the east side of Otter Tail Lake because of its . . . — — Map (db m233573) HM
On Middle Leaf Road at Minnesota Highway 108, on the right when traveling east on Middle Leaf Road.
Trading post on the Red River Trail in 1857, and U. S. Postoffice from 1857 to 1860. The settlement was broken up by the Sioux Outbreak of 1862
Dedicated by the Otter Tail County Historical Society June 26, 1938 — — Map (db m261237) HM
On State Highway 78 south of Otter Road, on the right when traveling north.
Marking the Past
This wayside honors the Craigie Flour Mill, the first flour and grist mill in Otter Tail County, built by James Craigie, a Scottish immigrant. Craigie built the mill near this spot in 1870 along Balmoral Creek, which still . . . — — Map (db m261311) HM
On State Highway 78 0.4 miles west of 430th Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Fur-bearing animals were plentiful when French fur trappers came to Otter Tail County in the early 1700's.
Cashless Commerce
Native Americans were skillful hunters and trappers of bear, beaver, bobcat, lynx, buffalo, . . . — — Map (db m260429) HM
On State Highway 78 south of Otter Road, on the right when traveling north.
Mills and the Advancing Frontier
For centuries this region has been the homeland of the Dakota and Ojibwe people. The late 1700s brought French and British fur traders and, by the late 1800s, Euro-American settlement had pushed the tribes . . . — — Map (db m261312) HM
Near North Broadway (U.S. 59) south of 1st Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling north.
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 — — Map (db m261114) HM
Near North Broadway (U.S. 59) south of 1st Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling north.
A Great Idea
This suspension bridge project was developed by the local Rotary Club and in 1968 the Club approached the Park Board of the Village of Pelican Rapids. The Rotary Club offered to lead the fund raising effort. Their goal was to . . . — — Map (db m261111) HM
On County Highway 9 north of U.S. 59, on the right when traveling north.
Used by flour and grist mills for grinding all kinds of grains. Taken from the old Spring Creek grist mill built by P. S. Peabody about 1872 and later operated by Frank LaCross. Use of mill stones was discontinued about 1881. The mill was in Sec. 2, . . . — — Map (db m261167) HM
Minnesota woman - the skeleton of a girl about fifteen years of age -- was discovered at this point in 1931 by a highway repair crew. Although the skeleton has not been dated exactly, based on the site geology scientists believe it to be perhaps . . . — — Map (db m278735) HM
On East Mill (State Highway 108) east of North Broadway (U.S. 59), on the right when traveling west.
Driving the total length of the byway, the traveler will pass through 21 townships, all of which have their own unique stories surrounding the early frontier.
What's In a Name?
Many of the township names (Dane Prairie, . . . — — Map (db m260288) HM
On North Broadway (U.S. 59) north of County Highway 9, on the left when traveling north.
Pelican Rapids Village
First settler: Harrison Harris, 1869
Village platted 1872
Village incorporated May 16, 1882
First church organized: Congregational, May 10, 1882
First school district organized, No. 10, Nov. 17, 1871
First . . . — — Map (db m261161) HM
On County Highway 9 north of U.S. 59, on the right when traveling north.
Dakota and Ojibwe Homeland
Archaeologists have documented human activity within Minnesota to at least 11,000 years ago. By the 1600s, when the first French explorers reached present-day Minnesota, the two main groups of people now occupying . . . — — Map (db m261165) HM
Near East Mill (State Highway 108) west of 1st Street Southeast, on the right when traveling west.
Most Photographed Site
The "world's largest pelican" is no doubt the most photographed object in Pelican Rapids and continues to draw attention at the base of the Mill Pond Dam along the Pelican River in downtown Pelican Rapids.
The . . . — — Map (db m261102) HM
Near County Highway 3 east of Skunk Hill Road, on the right when traveling east.
Churches Were the Center of Social life as Well as Spiritual Life.
Churches Dot the Countryside
In early days, churches were the heart of the settlers' community, with congregations made up of friends and family. Both . . . — — Map (db m260282) HM
On Park Entrance Road 0.9 miles south of Minnesota Highway 108, on the right when traveling south.
Glaciation created the park's rolling typography, lakes & wetland basins.
Ice Leaves Its Mark
Maplewood State Park lies on a series of hills near the eastern edge of the Red River Valley. These hills, part of the . . . — — Map (db m260375) HM
On West Main Street (Otter Tail Scenic Byway) (County Road 80) just west of 2nd Avenue Southwest, on the left when traveling east.
This tablet is placed here to commemorate the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway at Perham September 30, 1871. The first railroad to enter Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Dedicated by the Otter Tail County Historical Society June 28, . . . — — Map (db m233683) HM
On West Main Street (Otter Tail Scenic Byway) (County Road 80) just west of 2nd Avenue Southwest, on the left when traveling east.
Josiah Perham The city is named after Josiah Perham, who became the first president of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1864. Perham was a wealthy man, but lost all his money and property in an attempt to build a railroad from Lake . . . — — Map (db m233623) HM
On County Highway 45 south of County Highway 74, on the right when traveling north.
The Township was Named After the State of Maine by the First Settlers
"Maine" The Name
Organized on September 5, 1871, Maine Township received its name at the request of Roswell Adley, one of the first settlers who came . . . — — Map (db m260200) HM
On County Highway 45 0.5 miles west of 288th Street, on the left when traveling north.
Grinding of wheat into flour began in 1889. Idle since 1931. Purchased by Ottertail County in 1965 when restoration and park development began. — — Map (db m261022) HM
On County Highway 45 0.5 miles west of 288th Street, on the left when traveling north.
The Town's Identity & Economy Grew From the Success of the Historic Mill
Phelps Mill
Phelps Mill, originally called Maine Roller Mills, was built in 1889 by William E. Thomas and Ezra P. Adams on 37 acres along the Otter . . . — — Map (db m260179) HM
Near County Highway 45 0.5 miles west of 288th Street, on the left when traveling north.
In September 2002, a water turbine was found by members of the Friends of Phelps Mill in the rubble of the 1876 Parkdale Mill in Tumuli Township. Built as a flour and grist mill, Parkdale was one of many mills in the late 19th century that made . . . — — Map (db m261029) HM
On County Highway 45 0.5 miles west of 288th Street, on the left when traveling north.
The history of milling in rural Minnesota is embodied in the story of Phelps Mill. By the late 1800's flour was in such demand that nearly 1,000 mills were operating throughout the state. Farmers and millers were suppliers for a world market. . . . — — Map (db m260938) HM
Near County Highway 45 0.5 miles west of 288th Street, on the left when traveling north.
When Phelps Mill first opened in December 1889, it was powered by one water turbine. The turbine is in contrast to a water wheel which is a tall vertical wheel mounted on the outside of a mill. A second turbine was added in 1895 when an addition was . . . — — Map (db m261028) HM
On County Highway 45 0.6 miles west of 288th Street, on the left when traveling north.
William O. Douglas, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from April 17, 1939, to November 12, 1975 was born at the Maine Presbyterian Church manse one and one-half miles north of Phelps on October 16, 1898.
Justice Douglas was . . . — — Map (db m260934) HM
On County Highway 1 east of County Highway 35, on the right when traveling east.
From the Earliest Days, Education Has Been of Prime Importance for Residents of Otter Tail County
History Of Rural Schools
In 1869, Clitherall, Minnesota won the distinction of becoming Otter Tail County School District . . . — — Map (db m260172) HM
On County Highway 35 0.2 miles north of 230th Street, on the right when traveling south.
The original Sverdrup Lutheran Church was built in 1908 on this location
A Bit of History
1876, On March sixth, seven men of Lutheran heritage decided to act on their conviction that their faith needed the strengthening help of an . . . — — Map (db m261019) HM
Ice Age Glaciers Leave Their Mark on the Land
Geological History
The last two million years or so Minnesota has seen the formation and disappearance of the glaciers of the Great Ice Age. The last of the major glacial . . . — — Map (db m260553) HM
Rising 400 feet above the surrounding countryside, Inspiration Peak and the glacial deposits known as Leaf Hills are the highest points in Central Minnesota.
Inspiring view: Area trees, such as oak and aspen, add fall color to the . . . — — Map (db m261405) HM
On State Highway 210 at Soule Avenue, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 210.
This Towns Remarkable Roadside Sculptures are Impossible to Miss
History of Vining
The village of Vining is in the northeastern part of Nidaros township on the branch line of the Northern Pacific Railroad running between . . . — — Map (db m260551) HM
