Otter Tail Lake

A Convenient Escape

Otter Tail Lake is in the center of Otter Tail County. The county is home to 1,048 lakes, which is more than any other county in the United States.

The small town of Ottertail is on its eastern shore; it offers charming little restaurants and boutiques along with hardware stores, grocery outlets, a bank, and the community park.

Perham is just a few miles north, where you will find several schools, Perham Health Hospital, hotels, and many more city establishments. Hector International Airport in Fargo is approximately 80 miles northeast of Ottertail.

The Largest Lake in the County

With 13,725 acres of surface area, Otter Tail Lake is the largest lake in the county. Its waters have an average depth of 15 feet and claim 22 miles of shoreline.

Explorers discovered the lake in 1750 and named it “Lac de la Queue de la Outer” (Lake of the Otter Tail) after the Ottertail-shaped sandbar on its northeastern shore.

Now the sandbar is the social center of the weekends; people gather to drink, swim and listen to music.

Lake Activities

The wide-open waters are perfect for powerboating, jet skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and many other activities. Its steady winds also attract sailors and windsurfers.

As a sand-bottom lake, it is well-liked by swimmers. A large public beach is on its west shore. On Saturdays, you can often hear live music coming from Beach Bums Bar & Eatery.

Anglers know Otter Tail Lake as a prime fishery for walleye and yellow perch. Ice fishing is one of its most exciting winter activities.

Golfing and Dining Nearby

Thumper Pond Resort Golf Course and Balmoral Golf Course are located just off the shores of the lake.

Zorbaz is situated on the lakeshore, while other restaurants like The Otter, Burger Shack & Shakes, and The Woodshed Bar & Grill are nearby.

Excellent Lake Property

Purchase a home on Otter Tail Lake to start living a life full of fun and relaxation.