Editing Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{short description|City in Minnesota, United States}}
{{redirect|Detroit Lakes|the Amtrak Station|Detroit Lakes (Amtrak station)|Detroit Lake|Detroit Lake (Minnesota)}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|nickname                 = "DL"
|motto                    = 
<!-- Images --------------->
|image_skyline            = Washingtonavenue.jpg
|imagesize                = 275px
|image_caption            = Downtown Detroit Lakes along Washington Avenue
|image_flag               = 
|image_seal               = Cityofdl.png
<!-- Maps ----------------->
|image_map                = Becker_County_Minnesota_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Detroit_Lakes_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             = 
<!-- Location ------------->
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Minnesota]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Minnesota|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Becker County, Minnesota|Becker]]
<!-- Government ----------->
|government_footnotes     = <ref name="CityCouncil">{{cite web|title=Meet Our Mayor and Council |url=https://cityofdetroitlakes.com/mayor |publisher=City of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota |accessdate=January 17, 2025}}</ref>
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Matt Brenk
|leader_title1            = [[Alderman]] (Councilmembers)
|leader_name1             = Shaun Carlson<br />Ron Zeman<br />Mike Stearns<br />Wendy Spry<br />Aaron Dallmann<br />Matt Boeke
|leader_title2            = [[At-large]]
|leader_name2             = Craig Caulfield<br />Jaimie Deraney<br />Jackie Buboltz
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1871
|established_title1       = Incorporated (village)
|established_date1        = 1880
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated (city)]]
|established_date2        = 1900
<!-- Area ----------------->
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2024">{{cite web|title=2024 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2024_Gazetteer/2024_gaz_place_27.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 23, 2024}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 45.221
|area_land_km2            = 30.668
|area_water_km2           = 14.554
|area_total_sq_mi         = 17.460
|area_land_sq_mi          = 11.841
|area_water_sq_mi         = 5.619
<!-- Population ----------->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 9981
|pop_est_as_of            = 2023
|pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2023"/>
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_total         = 9869
|population_density_km2   = 327.79
|population_density_sq_mi = 848.99
|population_urban         = 10234
|population_metro         = 35283
<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset               = −6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = −5
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_m              = 418
|elevation_ft             = 1371
|coordinates              = {{coord|46|49|02|N|95|50|43|W|region:US-MN_type:city|display=inline}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]s
|postal_code              = 56501, 56502
|area_code                = [[Area code 218|218]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 27-15832
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 0642777<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|0642777}}</ref>
|blank2_name              = [[Sales tax]]
|blank2_info              = 7.375%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avalara.com/taxrates/en/state-rates/minnesota/cities/detroit-lakes.html|title=Detroit Lakes (MN) sales tax rate|access-date=April 28, 2024}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://cityofdetroitlakes.com/|cityofdetroitlakes.com}}
|footnotes                = 
}}

'''Detroit Lakes''' is a [[city]] and the [[county seat]] of [[Becker County, Minnesota|Becker County]], Minnesota, United States. The population was 9,869 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Detroit_Lakes_city,_Minnesota?g=160XX00US2715832 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=April 28, 2024}}</ref> Its unofficial population during summer months is much higher, estimated by citizens to peak at 13,000 midsummers, due to seasonal residents and tourists.

U.S. Highways [[U.S. Route 10 in Minnesota|10]] and [[U.S. Route 59#Minnesota|59]], and [[Minnesota State Highway 34]] serve as the primary routes through the city. Detroit Lakes is located 45 miles east of the [[Fargo–Moorhead]] ND-MN statistical metropolitan area. The nearest major metropolitan area with a population over 1 million is [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul]], which is approximately 205 miles southeast of Detroit Lakes.

Detroit Lakes is a regional summer and winter recreation destination, attracting large numbers of tourists and seasonal residents each year. Its economy is fueled by seasonal population increases, with tourism being the area's chief industry.

==History==
The city of Detroit Lakes was founded by Colonel George Johnston in 1871. The city's current name has been extant since 1927, to avoid confusion with [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]. Beforehand, it was simply called Detroit. The name was given by a French missionary. Détroit is French and translates to strait or narrows, referring to the sand bar separating [[Detroit Lake (Minnesota)|Big Detroit lake from Little Detroit lake]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=MNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURES INVENTORY|date=August 5, 2020|title=City Name|url=http://151.111.142.5/roadsides/historic/files/iforms/BK-DLC-157.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316121437/http://151.111.142.5/roadsides/historic/files/iforms/BK-DLC-157.pdf |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The sand bar was dredged and partially submerged to make the Pelican River watershed navigable by steamboat in the late 19th century.

Detroit Lakes was a resting place on the [[Red River Trails|Red River Oxcart Trails]]. The Ojibwe name for Detroit Lakes is "Gaiajawangag", meaning a lake with a crossing in a sandy place.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ignatius|first=Ashley|date=August 5, 2020|title=Open Rivers - ISSUE FIFTEEN : FALL 2019 / PRIMARY SOURCES|url=https://editions.lib.umn.edu/openrivers/article/a-lake-with-a-crossing/}}</ref>

The city grew quickly with the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1877, an election finally decided that Detroit Lakes, then still known as Detroit, was to become the county seat. Detroit won the election by a ninety percent majority. The nearby cities of [[Frazee, Minnesota|Frazee]], [[Lake Park, Minnesota|Lake Park]], and [[Audubon, Minnesota|Audubon]] were also in the running for the county seat. By 1884, Detroit Lakes had many businesses, including the Hotel Minnesota, the Lakes Hotel, a bank, a newspaper, and an opera house. The first county courthouse was built in Detroit Lakes that year also. Some of the city's historic buildings still stand, such as the 1908 railroad station and the historic Holmes Theater. The Becker County Museum, located near the Holmes Theater in Detroit Lakes, has information and exhibits on the history of the city and the surrounding area.

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|17.460|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|11.841|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|5.619|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2024"/> See also [[Detroit Lake (Minnesota)]].

==Climate==
{{Weather box
| location = Detroit Lakes, Minnesota (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1895–present)
| single line = y
| Jan record high F = 55
| Feb record high F = 59
| Mar record high F = 77
| Apr record high F = 95
| May record high F = 97
| Jun record high F = 100
| Jul record high F = 110
| Aug record high F = 105
| Sep record high F = 100
| Oct record high F = 91
| Nov record high F = 75
| Dec record high F = 60
| year record high F = 110
| Jan high F = 17.2
| Feb high F = 22.7
| Mar high F = 35.5
| Apr high F = 52.0
| May high F = 66.4
| Jun high F = 75.5
| Jul high F = 79.2
| Aug high F = 77.7
| Sep high F = 69.5
| Oct high F = 53.1
| Nov high F = 36.7
| Dec high F = 22.4
| year high F = 50.7
| Jan mean F = 6.8
| Feb mean F = 11.5
| Mar mean F = 25.4
| Apr mean F = 40.6
| May mean F = 54.4
| Jun mean F = 64.3
| Jul mean F = 68.3
| Aug mean F = 66.5
| Sep mean F = 57.9
| Oct mean F = 43.3
| Nov mean F = 27.9
| Dec mean F = 14.0
| year mean F = 40.1
| Jan low F = −3.6
| Feb low F = 0.2
| Mar low F = 15.4
| Apr low F = 29.1
| May low F = 42.4
| Jun low F = 53.1
| Jul low F = 57.5
| Aug low F = 55.3
| Sep low F = 46.3
| Oct low F = 33.5
| Nov low F = 19.2
| Dec low F = 5.6
| year low F = 29.5
| Jan record low F = −44
| Feb record low F = −45
| Mar record low F = −35
| Apr record low F = −12
| May record low F = 15
| Jun record low F = 28
| Jul record low F = 33
| Aug record low F = 31
| Sep record low F = 15
| Oct record low F = −10
| Nov record low F = −32
| Dec record low F = −48
| year record low F = -48
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 0.82
| Feb precipitation inch = 0.66
| Mar precipitation inch = 0.96
| Apr precipitation inch = 2.03
| May precipitation inch = 3.73
| Jun precipitation inch = 4.90
| Jul precipitation inch = 4.35
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.26
| Sep precipitation inch = 3.55
| Oct precipitation inch = 2.84
| Nov precipitation inch = 1.37
| Dec precipitation inch = 0.98
| year precipitation inch = 29.45
| Jan snow inch = 
| Feb snow inch = 
| Mar snow inch = 
| Apr snow inch = 
| May snow inch = 
| Jun snow inch = 
| Jul snow inch = 
| Aug snow inch = 
| Sep snow inch = 
| Oct snow inch = 
| Nov snow inch = 
| Dec snow inch = 
| year snow inch = 
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 6.2
| Feb precipitation days = 7.2
| Mar precipitation days = 7.1
| Apr precipitation days = 7.8
| May precipitation days = 11.9
| Jun precipitation days = 13.1
| Jul precipitation days = 10.9
| Aug precipitation days = 9.2
| Sep precipitation days = 10.2
| Oct precipitation days = 9.6
| Nov precipitation days = 7.2
| Dec precipitation days = 9.4
| year precipitation days = 109.8
| unit snow days = 
| Jan snow days = 
| Feb snow days = 
| Mar snow days = 
| Apr snow days = 
| May snow days = 
| Jun snow days = 
| Jul snow days = 
| Aug snow days = 
| Sep snow days = 
| Oct snow days = 
| Nov snow days = 
| Dec snow days = 
| year snow days = 
| source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name= nws >{{cite web|url=https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=fgf |title=NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00212142&format=pdf |title=Station: Detroit Lakes 1 NNE, MN |work=U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
| source = 
| Jan avg record low F = -24.6
| Feb avg record low F = -19.4
| Mar avg record low F = -13.7
| Apr avg record low F = 13.5
| May avg record low F = 30.2
| Jun avg record low F = 42.3
| Jul avg record low F = 47.1
| Aug avg record low F = 41.5
| Sep avg record low F = 31.9
| Oct avg record low F = 18.4
| Nov avg record low F = -6.5
| Dec avg record low F = -18.2
| Jan avg record high F = 39.4
| Feb avg record high F = 37.6
| Mar avg record high F = 51.0
| Apr avg record high F = 72.1
| May avg record high F = 80.4
| Jun avg record high F = 85.5
| Jul avg record high F = 95.7
| Aug avg record high F = 90.8
| Sep avg record high F = 77.1
| Oct avg record high F = 71.7
| Nov avg record high F = 55.9
| Dec avg record high F = 35.4
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1880= 554
|1890= 1510
|1900= 2060
|1910= 2807
|1920= 3426
|1930= 3675
|1940= 5015
|1950= 5787
|1960= 5633
|1970= 5797
|1980= 7106
|1990= 6635
|2000= 7348
|2010= 8569
|2020= 9869
|estyear=2023
|estimate=9981
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=October 23, 2024|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 23, 2024}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref><br />2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
}}

As of the 2023 [[American Community Survey]], there are 4,485 estimated households in Detroit Lakes with an average of 2.15 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $62,123. Approximately 10.2% of the city's population lives at or below the [[Poverty in the United States|poverty line]]. Detroit Lakes has an estimated 60.1% employment rate, with 32.4% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 93.5% holding a high school diploma.<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/detroitlakescityminnesota/PST045224|access-date=January 17, 2025|website=www.census.gov|language=en}}</ref>

The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (98.1%), Spanish (0.9%), Indo-European (0.6%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.1%), and Other (0.3%).

The median age in the city was 41.5 years.

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Detroit Lakes, Minnesota – racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
! Race / ethnicity <small>(''NH = non-Hispanic'')</small>
! Pop. 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US2715832&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=October 23, 2024}}</ref>
! Pop. 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2715832&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=October 23, 2024}}</ref>
! {{partial|Pop. 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2715832&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=October 23, 2024}}</ref>
! % 2000
! % 2010
! {{partial|% 2020}}
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
| 6,723
| 7,701
| style='background: #ffffe6; |8,331
| 91.49%
| 89.87%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |84.42%
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
| 29
| 57
| style='background: #ffffe6; |124
| 0.39%
| 0.67%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |1.26%
|-
| [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
| 325
| 359
| style='background: #ffffe6; |393
| 4.42%
| 4.19%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |3.98%
|-
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
| 39
| 67
| style='background: #ffffe6; |98
| 0.53%
| 0.78%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |0.99%
|-
| [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
| 1
| 5
| style='background: #ffffe6; |4
| 0.01%
| 0.06%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |0.04%
|-
| [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
| 9
| 10
| style='background: #ffffe6; |34
| 0.12%
| 0.12%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |0.34%
|-
| [[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or multiracial]] (NH)
| 134
| 230
| style='background: #ffffe6; |646
| 1.82%
| 2.68%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |6.55%
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
| 88
| 140
| style='background: #ffffe6; |239
| 1.20%
| 1.63%
| style='background: #ffffe6; |2.42%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''7,348'''
|'''8,569'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''9,869'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 9,869 people, 4,462 households, and 2,400 families residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Detroit%20Lakes%20city,%20Minnesota%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=April 28, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> The [[population density]] was {{convert|887.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 5,205 housing units at an average density of {{convert|468.2|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 85.19% [[White (U.S. census)|White]], 1.26% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 4.16% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.03% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.09% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.86% from some other races and 7.41% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] people of any race were 2.42% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How many people live in Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota |url=https://data.usatoday.com/census/total-population/total-population-change/detroit-lakes-city-minnesota/160-2715832/ |access-date=April 28, 2024 |publisher=USA Today}}</ref> 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18, 6.5% were under 5 years of age, and 24.7% were 65 and older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]], there were 8,569 people, 3,864 households, and 2,093 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|838.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 4,535 housing units at an average density of {{convert|443.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 90.57% [[White (U.S. census)|White]], 0.72% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 4.38% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.78% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.06% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.57% from some other races and 2.92% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] people of any race were 1.63% of the population.

There were 3,864 households, of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.8% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 41.6 years. 22% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 24.6% were from 45 to 64; and 21.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 7,348 people, 3,319 households, and 1,845 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|980.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 3,782 housing units at an average density of {{convert|504.6|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.98% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 4.50% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.53% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian American]], 0.42% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.59% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.96% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] people of any race were 1.20% of the population.

There were 3,319 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. 40.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,264, and the median income for a family was $42,267. Males had a median income of $28,939 versus $21,439 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $18,509. About 9.9% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the [[Poverty threshold|poverty line]], including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.

==Government==
Detroit Lakes is the county seat of [[Becker County, Minnesota|Becker County]], with the county courthouse and law enforcement center. District headquarters for the [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]] and the [[Minnesota State Patrol]] are also located in the city.

A nine-member City Council serves the city, with the mayor voting in case of a tie. There are three wards, with two council members serving each of the three primary wards and three serving the "at large" area.<ref name="CityCouncil"/>

There are 14 city boards and commissions, including the Park Board, Library Board, Public Utilities Commission, Planning Commission, Police Civil Service Commission, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Airport Commission, and the Tourism Bureau.<ref>{{cite web|title=Government |url=https://cityofdetroitlakes.com/government |publisher=City of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota |accessdate=January 17, 2025}}</ref>

Detroit Lakes is located in [[Minnesota's 7th congressional district]], represented by [[Michelle Fischbach]]. The city is in Minnesota Senate District 4 after 2012 redistricting, represented by Rob Kupec (DFL),<ref>{{cite web|title=Index - Election Results |url=https://electionresults.sos.mn.gov/Results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=StateSenate&districtCode=4}}</ref> and Minnesota House District 4B, represented by Jim Joy (GOP).<ref>{{cite web|title=Index - Election Results |url=https://electionresults.sos.mn.gov/Results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=StateRepresentative&districtCode=4B}}</ref>

==Education==
===Higher education===
The Detroit Lakes campus of the [[Minnesota State Community and Technical College]] system is one of four campus locations (others are in Moorhead, Fergus Falls, and Wadena). The Detroit Lakes campus, located on [[Minnesota State Highway 34|Minnesota Highway 34]], enrolls approximately 650 students in 25 different degree programs. The college offers both classroom and online distance education programs and grants AAS, AS, diploma, certificate, and AFA degrees.<ref name="MSCTC">{{cite web|title=MSCTC General Information |url=http://www.minnesota.edu/campuses/detroit_lakes/= |publisher=Minnesota State College System}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

===K–12===
* Rossman Elementary School (K–5)
* Roosevelt Elementary School (K–5)
* Detroit Lakes Middle School (6–8)
* [[Detroit Lakes High School]] (9–12)
* Lakes Area Learning Center Alternative High School (ALC) (9–12)
* Holy Rosary Catholic School (K–8) ''(Private)''
* Faith Christian School (K–8) ''(Private)''
* Adventist Christian School (K–8) ''(Private)''

[[File:Carnegie Library, the Detroit Lakes Public Library was built in 1913 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.jpg|thumb|Carnegie Library, the Detroit Lakes Public Library was built in 1913 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.]]

===Carnegie Library===
Built in 1913 with a $10,000 grant from the [[Andrew Carnegie]] Foundation, the Detroit Lakes Public Library is a branch of the [[Lake Agassiz Regional Library]] Network (LARL). Originally {{convert|4142|sqft|m2}} on two floors, the library was designed by the architectural firm of [[Claude and Starck]] of [[Madison, Wisconsin]]. The building today is on the National Register of Historic Places. Most notably, the building features a [[Louis Sullivan]] exterior frieze, lead and stained glass windows and doors, and a completely open and unobstructed interior. The building, designed in the [[Prairie School]] architectural style popularized by such architects as [[Louis Sullivan]] and [[Frank Lloyd Wright]], is also noted for its orange clay-tiled hip roof that defies regional construction convention. In 1985, due to space issues, the original Carnegie building was expanded.<ref name="larl">{{cite web|title=Lake Agassiz Regional Library Branch Info |publisher=Lake Agassiz Regional Library Network |url=http://www.larl.org/branch/detroit_lakes_about.html |access-date=May 6, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070416040454/http://www.larl.org/branch/detroit_lakes_about.html |archive-date=April 16, 2007}}</ref>

==Architecture==
===National Register of Historic Places===
[[Image:Historic Detroit Lakes Amtrak Depot in winter.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Historic Detroit Lakes [[Amtrak]] Depot in winter]]
Numerous works of architecture and engineering in Detroit Lakes have been added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. The Detroit Lakes Carnegie Library of the [[Prairie School]] architectural style, by architects [[Claude and Starck]] and significant of the period from 1900 to 1924, was added to the Register in 1976. The Graystone Hotel, significant of the periods 1900–1924 and 1925–1949, was added in 1999. [[Detroit Lakes (Amtrak station)|The Amtrak Depot]], formerly the Northern Pacific Passenger Depot and later the Burlington Northern Depot, significant of the periods 1900–1924 and 1925–1949, now primarily serving as a small shop and eatery, was added in 1988. The Homer E. Sargent House on Lake Avenue, currently a privately owned domestic dwelling of the [[Queen Anne architecture in the United States|Queen Anne architectural style]] and significant of the periods 1875–1899 and 1900–1924, was added to the Register in 1988. The Edgewater Beach Cottages, also known as [https://web.archive.org/web/20111127030020/http://www.daycreek.com/dc/html/Edgewater.htm Stovewood Cottages], by architects George Jewell and Frederick Wright and significant of the period 1925–1949, were added in 1989. Fairyland Cottages Historic District on W. Lake Shore Drive, significant of the period 1925–1949, were added to the National Register in 1989. Finally, the Holmes Block (also known as the Opera House Block), including downtown commercial buildings occupying addresses 710–718 Washington Avenue, are significant of various historical periods ranging from 1875 to 1974. The downtown block was added to the National Register in 2001.<ref name="Architecture">{{cite web|title=Architecturally Significant Places |publisher=National Register of Historic Places |url=http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/MN/Becker/state.html |access-date=March 22, 2008}}</ref>

==Economy==
The city's economy is largely driven by summer tourism and seasonal population increases. A variety of health care services, retail stores, and service businesses are available to area residents and tourists. Detroit Lakes is home to approximately 15 chain and independent hotels. Numerous resorts in the area provide many additional units. The city's downtown offers a {{convert|135000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} shopping center, including Washington Square Mall. Most newer chain retail businesses, including discount and home centers, restaurants, and strip malls, are located along Highways 10 and 59. The city is also home to a number of businesses servicing tourism ranging from sporting goods retailers to amusement parks and river tubing companies. With two industrial parks in the city's outskirts, it is also home to many manufacturing and industrial businesses.

===Top employers===
According to the City's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web|title=City of Detroit Lakes 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report|url=https://cityofdetroitlakes.com/vertical/Sites/%7BF991A069-E23D-412C-8132-49318B273050%7D/uploads/2023_Detroit_Lakes_ACFR_-_Final.pdf|page=169|date=January 17, 2025}}</ref> the largest employers in the city are:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! Type of Business
! # of Employees
! Percentage
|-
| 1
| [[Essentia Health]]/St. Mary's Hospital
| Health Care
| 918
| 4.7%
|-
| 2
| [[Detroit Lakes High School|Detroit Lakes Public Schools]] ISD #22
| Education
| 650
| 3.3%
|-
| 3
| Lakeshirts Screen Printing
| Shirt Screen Printing
| 506
| 2.6%
|-
| 4
| BTD Manufacturing
| Metal Stamping
| 502
| 2.6%
|-
| 5
| [[Becker County, Minnesota|Becker County]]
| Government
| 372
| 1.9%
|-
| 6
| [[Walmart]]
| Retail Store
| 362
| 1.9%
|-
| 7
| [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]]
| Highway Maintenance
| 270
| 1.4%
|-
| 8
| [[Menards]]
| Retail Store
| 161
| 0.8%
|-
| 9
| [[Sanford Health]]
| Health Care
| 160
| 0.8%
|-
| 10
| Ecumen
| Nursing Home & Assisted Living
| 150
| 0.8%
|-
| 11
| Central Market
| Grocery Store
| 150
| 0.8%
|-
|—
|'''Total employers'''
|—
|'''4,201'''
|'''21.6%'''
|}

==Recreation==
In and around Detroit Lakes are several lakes used for fishing, boating, wake sports, sailing, [[jet-skiing]], swimming, and freshwater scuba diving. Most prominent and heavily used is [[Detroit Lake (Minnesota)|Detroit Lake]], which features the mile-long city beach. The beach annually hosts the city's [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] celebration and fireworks display.  In and around Detroit Lakes are 14 golf courses. The area also features an amusement park, a paintball arena, two river tubing companies, and a horseback riding ranch. The city also hosts the annual Becker County Fair. The Shrine Circus performs in Detroit Lakes each year at the Kent Freeman Arena. In the winter off-season, the area remains a popular recreation destination for ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and downhill skiing and snowboarding at the newly renovated Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. The city is one of perhaps three in the Nation that has a park dedicated to the Grand Army of the Republic (rededicated on April 15, 2015).

==Culture==
===Historic Holmes Theatre===
[[Image:Main entrance to the Historic Holmes Theater in winter.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Main entrance to the Historic Holmes Theatre in winter]]
The Historic Holmes Theatre, a physical and organizational branch of the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center complex, is a recently renovated [[Art Deco]] theatre that hosts year-round music, drama and dance performances. With seating for nearly 1,000, the theatre features a wide variety of professional national and international touring shows (including [[Arlo Guthrie]], the Chinese Golden Acrobats, the New York Theatre Ballet, and the [[Guthrie Theater]]), local performing groups (Playhouse 412, Fargo/Moorhead Jazz Arts Group, Wadena Madhatters) and events (wedding receptions, business meetings, and Detroit Lakes' Annual Festival of the Birds).<ref name="holmes">{{cite web|title=Historic Holmes Theater|publisher=Art Circle of the Lakes|url=http://artcircleofthelakes.org/html/historic_holmes.html|access-date=November 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026143211/http://artcircleofthelakes.org/html/historic_holmes.html|archive-date=October 26, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Music Festivals===
Each August since 1983, the city has hosted [[WE Fest]], a prominent camping and country music festival. Campgrounds packed with tents surround a large stage, and the three-day concert attracts around 50,000 music-lovers each summer. In 2007, the attendance reached a record high of 83,000 people over the weekend at the themed "Heavin in '07" concert. The music festival is held annually at the Soo Pass Ranch on [[U.S. Highway 59|Highway 59]] south of Detroit Lakes.

Formerly held in July each year at the Soo Pass Ranch venue, the [[10,000 Lakes Festival]] was put on hiatus as of December 18, 2009. According to 10KLF.com the festival could not grow to financial success.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.10klf.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030162954/http://www.10klf.com/ |archive-date=October 30, 2007 |title=Big Game Capital}}</ref>

===Community & Cultural Center===
A recently built Community & Cultural Center serves Detroit Lakes, incorporating a new fitness center with the completely renovated brick building that once was the Holmes School. The fitness and aquatic area features an 8-lane Olympic regulation pool, an indoor track, a fieldhouse featuring 2 basketball courts, a weight room, cardio fitness center, racquetball courts, and a golf driving/putting range. The old 1931 school building houses the renovated 837-seat Historic Holmes Theatre featuring orchestra and balcony level seating, and conference rooms. When completed in 2001, a building of {{convert|105000|sqft|m2}} was the result of $9.5 million in expenses.<ref name="dlcc">{{cite web|title = Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center Information| publisher = www.dlcc.org| url = http://www.dlccc.org/aboutus.htm| access-date=May 6, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070209140727/http://www.dlccc.org/aboutus.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=February 9, 2007}}</ref>

==Religion==
There are several [[Christianity|Christian]] churches in and around the city of Detroit Lakes. In greatest number are Lutheran churches of varied [[synods]]. In addition to Holy Rosary Church ([[Roman Catholic]]), the city contains one of each of the following denominational churches: [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]], [[United Methodist]], [[Assemblies of God]], [[United Church of Christ]], [[Mennonite]], [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]], Community Alliance Church [[Christian & Missionary Alliance]], [[Vineyard Church]]. There is also an interdenominational [http://www.cfcdl.org Christian Fellowship Church]. At present, no religious denominations outside of Christianity have places of worship in Detroit Lakes.

==Local media==

===Radio===
'''FM'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="text-align:center;" colspan="5"|'''[[FM radio]] stations'''
|-
!Frequency
!Call sign
!Name
!Format
!Owner
|-
|88.1 FM||[[KAWD]] (LPFM)||LPFM||[[Religious]]||Christian Media, Inc,
|-
|89.1 FM||[[KNNZ]]||89.1 Ken's FM||[[Adult Contemporary]]||[[Pioneer Public Broadcasting Company, Inc]]
|-
|89.9 FM||[[KKWE]]||Niijii Radio||[[Variety (radio)|Variety]]||[[White Earth Land Recovery Project]]
|-
|90.3 FM||[[KCCD]]||MPR||Public Radio||Minnesota Public Radio
|-
|91.1 FM||[[KCCM]]||MPR||[[Classical music|Classical]]||[[Minnesota Public Radio]]
|-
|93.1 FM||K226CA [[KDLM-AM]]||KDLM||[[Adult Contemporary]]||[[Leighton Broadcasting]]
|-
|94.5 FM||[[KDLB]]||Bob FM||[[Country music|Country]]||Radio Fargo-Moorhead, Inc.
|-
|95.1 FM||[[KBVB]]||Bob FM||[[Country music|Country]]||Radio Fargo-Moorhead, Inc.
|-
|96.5 FM||[[KJJK-FM|KJJK]]||Kj Country 96.5 FM||[[Country music|Country]]||Leighton Radio Holdings, Inc.
|-
|97.5 FM||[[KDKK]]||Star Station - Music of Life||[[Nostalgia]]||[[Ec Broadcasting]]
|-
|98.7 FM||[[KLTA]]||Big 98.7||Hot [[Adult Contemporary]]||Radio Fargo-Moorhead, Inc.
|-
|99.5 FM||[[KPRW]]||The Lakes 99.5||Hot [[Adult Contemporary]]||[[Leighton Radio Holdings, Inc.]]
|-
|99.9 FM||[[KVOX-FM|KVOX]]||Froggy 99.9||[[Country music|Country]]||[[Midwest Communications, Inc.]]
|-
|102.3 FM||[[KRCQ]]||Real Country 102||[[Country music|Country]]||[[Leighton Enterprises, Inc.]]
|-
|103.3 FM||[[KZCR]]||Z 103.3||[[Classic Rock]]||[[Leighton Radio Holdings, Inc.]]
|-
|104.1 FM||[[KBOT]]||Wave 104.1||[[Adult Contemporary]]||[[Leighton Enterprises, Inc.]]
|-
|105.1 FM||[[KQWB-FM|KQWB]]||Q105.1 Rocks||[[Rock music|Rock]]||Radio Fargo-Moorhead, Inc.
|-
|105.9 FM||[[KKWS]]||Superstation K106||[[Country music|Country]]||[[HBI Radio Brainerd/Wadena, LLC]]
|-
|106.5 FM||[[KRJB]]||Your Sports Channel||Sports||[[R&J Broadcasting, Inc.]]
|-
|106.9 FM||[[KEGK]]||106.9 The Eagle||[[Classic Hits]]||Radio Wahpeton Breckenridge, LLC
|-
|107.9 FM||[[KPFX]]||The Fox||[[Classic Rock]]||Radio Fargo-Moorhead, Inc.
|-
|}

===Television===
* TV3: Lakes Area Television ([[News]]/Local Programming)<br />TV3 is a "commercial supported [[Public-access television]] [[cable TV]] station" that broadcasts out of Detroit Lakes for the regional Arvig Communication Cable System.

===Newspaper===
The [[Forum Communications Company]] of [[Fargo, North Dakota]], owns and operates the ''[[Detroit Lakes Tribune]]'' (twice weekly publication) and also provides the regional daily newspaper, ''[[The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead]]'', with coverage spanning the [[Fargo–Moorhead]] metropolitan area and much of northwest [[Minnesota]] and northeast [[North Dakota]].<ref name=MNA2>{{cite web|url=http://mna.org/assets/2019-MNA-Directory-August.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126175248/http://mna.org/assets/2019-MNA-Directory-August.pdf |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |url-status=live|title=Minnesota Newspaper Directory|website=Minnesota Newspaper Association|access-date=January 25, 2020}}</ref>
*''[[The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead]]'' (daily)
*The ''[[Detroit Lakes Tribune]]'' (published Saturdays)<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2024 |title=Detroit Lakes Tribune leaning into digital products as it goes to once a week print publication |url=https://www.dl-online.com/news/local/detroit-lakes-tribune-leaning-into-digital-products-as-it-goes-to-once-a-week-print-publication |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=Detroit Lakes Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
*''White Earth - Anishinaabeg Today''

==Transportation==
* [[Amtrak]] [[Empire Builder]] (stops daily at [[Detroit Lakes (Amtrak station)|Detroit Lakes' Amtrak station]])
* [[Jefferson Lines]] Intercity Bus Line
* [[Detroit Lakes Airport]]

==In popular culture==
Detroit Lakes is referred to in the author [[John Steinbeck]]'s book, [[Travels With Charley: In Search of America|''Travels with Charley'']], depicting his 1960 road trip across the United States with his dog, Charley. In the novel, Steinbeck purports to have passed through and stayed the night near Detroit Lakes.

A postcard depicting the Fairyland Cottages in Detroit Lakes appear in the opening credits of the 1983 movie ''[[National Lampoon's Vacation]]'', though the cabins no longer stand as they were destroyed in May 2008 by the Detroit Lakes Fire Department, in a training exercise.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dl-online.com/content/fairyland-cottages-destroyed-controlled-fire-tuesday |title=Fairyland Cottages destroyed in controlled fire Tuesday |date=May 1, 2008}}</ref> It is now home to a condominium complex.

A fictional version of Detroit Lakes' courthouse and rural countryside is featured in [[Ali Selim]]'s 2006 independent film ''[[Sweet Land]]'', a love story revolving around a German immigrant's settlement in rural [[Becker County, Minnesota]] in the aftermath of [[World War I]]. The scene was filmed in [[Montevideo, Minnesota|Montevideo]], Minnesota.

The late [[Ed Schultz]], former [[MSNBC]] [[News presenter|anchor]] of the ''[[The Ed Show]]'', often taped or broadcast his show live from a studio in Detroit Lakes.

The 2016 [[Netflix]] documentary, ''[[The Seventh Fire]]'', exposing gang culture on American Indian Reservations, was filmed on location in Detroit Lakes, surrounding towns, and the nearby [[White Earth Indian Reservation]].

A popular [[YouTube]] channel named [[CBOYSTV]] films and is headquartered at nearby Cormorant Lake (8 Miles East of [[Detroit Lake (Minnesota)|Detroit Lake]]). CBoysTV is an American comedy and motorsports channel consisting of 5 guys. Their channel has amassed over 1 million subscribers.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/with-throttles-wide-open-small-town-cboys-achieve-youtube-stardom/600016309/ |title=With throttles wide open, small-town 'CBoys' achieve YouTube stardom |website=[[Star Tribune]]|date=January 29, 2021}}</ref>

==Notable people==
*[[Tillie Anderson]], prominent in bicycle racing in the 1890s, spent summers at a lakeside cabin, died there in 1965
*[[Dick Beardsley]], marathon runner, motivational speaker and author, third-fastest American-born male marathon runner, [[Grandma's Marathon]] record holder, [[Boston Marathon]] silver medalist (1982), founder of Dick Beardsley Running Company, formerly resided in Detroit Lakes
*[[Jason Blake (ice hockey)|Jason Blake]], retired [[National Hockey League|NHL]] player, resides in Detroit Lakes
*[[James Evans (Minnesota politician)|James Evans]], Minnesota state legislator, resided in Detroit Lakes
*[[Mary Evelyn Fredenburg]], nurse missionary in Nigeria, born in Detroit Lakes in 1923
*[[Phil Hansen (American football)|Phil Hansen]], retired NFL player, [[Buffalo Bills]] defensive end 1991–2001, three-time [[Super Bowl]] participant, resides in Detroit Lakes
*[[Jessica Lange]], Oscar-winning actress, briefly resided in Detroit Lakes, where she attended her junior year of high school (ca. 1966)
*[[Collin Peterson]], former [[United States Congressman|Congressman]], chair of [[House Agriculture Committee]], [[Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party]], 7th Congressional District of Minnesota, resides in Detroit Lakes
*[[Dennis Poppenhagen]], Minnesota state legislator and businessman, resides in Detroit Lakes
*[[Dave Reichert]], former [[United States Congressman|Congressman]], [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], 8th Congressional District of Washington, was born in Detroit Lakes
*[[Ed Schultz]], former syndicated talk radio host, cable news anchor of ''[[The Ed Show]]'' on [[MSNBC]], seasonally resided in Detroit Lakes until his death in 2018
*Caroline Smith, musician, singer/songwriter for [[Indie Rock]] band [[Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps]], grew up in Detroit Lakes
*[[Adam Thielen]], wide receiver for the [[Carolina Panthers]] of the [[National Football League]], was born and grew up in Detroit Lakes
*[[Loren P. Thompson]], Minnesota state legislator, resided in Detroit Lakes from 2009 until his death
*[[Harriet Hilreth Weeks]], Minnesota state legislator, resided in Detroit Lakes

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Detroit Lakes, Minnesota}}
* [https://cityofdetroitlakes.com/ City of Detroit Lakes – official website]
* [https://visitdetroitlakes.com/ Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau and Regional Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://www.detroitlakes.com/ Detroit Lakes]
* [https://wefest.com/ WE FEST Country Music Festival]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071030162954/http://www.10klf.com/ 10,000 Lakes Festival (old website)] [[10,000 Lakes Festival]]
* [https://www.minnesota.edu/ Minnesota State Community & Technical College]
* [https://larl.org/locations/detroitlakes/ Detroit Lakes Public Library]
* [https://www.lakesnwoods.com/DetroitLakes.htm Detroit Lakes Community Guide]
* [https://www.lakesnwoods.com/DetroitLakesGallery.htm Detroit Lakes Photo Gallery]
* [https://www.outsideonline.com/2314716/seamstress-conquered-bike-racing-1890s This Seamstress Conquered Bike Racing in the 1890s] [[Outside (magazine)]]

{{Becker County, Minnesota}}
{{Minnesota county seats}}

{{Coord|46|49|02|N|95|50|43|W|type:city_region:US-MN|display=title}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Becker County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Cities in Minnesota]]
[[Category:County seats in Minnesota]]