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Nature|Parks & Gardens

Gorgeous Views Of A Popular Northern Minnesota Lake Await At Diamond Point Park In Bemidji

Diamond Point Park in Bemidji, Minnesota, offers beautiful views of Lake Bemidji along with playgrounds, picnic areas, and trails.

Published Oct 14, 2021

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

We all know that Minnesota is home to dozens of gorgeous state parks - 66, to be exact. Each of these parks is well worth visiting, but they often outshine smaller local parks. That's why today, we'd like to introduce a northern Minnesota park with views every bit as gorgeous as any state park. Read on below to learn about Diamond Point Park, where you'll find great playgrounds, picnic areas, and paths - along with some truly spectacular views of Lake Bemidji. Check it out:

Diamond Point Park is a lovely park in Bemidji, Minnesota. It's full of fun things to do, making it a great location for a family gathering, a wedding, or just a fun day outside.

A park scene with trees, grass, and a pathway, featuring people sitting in the distance under the sunlight.
Jeremiah TS Liend/Google

There are plenty of things to do at Diamond Point Park. Trails through the park lead to beautiful scenery, picnic areas, and more. There's a great playground that kids will love, complete with slides, swings, and even a climbing wall.

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A playground featuring a green slide, a large rock formation, and wood chip ground cover surrounded by trees.
Owen Curtiss/Google

A large, sheltered pavilion has plenty of seating for large picnics - up to 80 people! Other picnic tables throughout the park are great for smaller groups.

A wooden pavilion with a peaked roof, surrounded by grass and trees, near a lake on a cloudy day.
Owen Curtiss/Google

The playground, paths, and picnic areas are nice. But the real draw of Diamond Point Park is its location on Lake Bemidji. Any walk throughout the park is not complete until you set your eyes on the lake's beautiful waters.

A serene lakeside scene with trees, a grassy shore, and a cloudy blue sky reflecting on the water.
K Kosin/Google

It's one of the prettiest places in Bemidji, and it's well worth paying a visit if you're in the area. Watch boats go by, catch glimpses of wildlife, and simply enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

A bare tree branch extends over a calm blue lake under a clear sky, with a boat in the distance.
Michelle Tatham/Google

There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view.

Three wooden chairs facing a calm lake, with a boat nearby and trees casting shadows on the grass.
Karla Rick/Google

There are even viewing areas where you can use binoculars to look farther out into the water and at the distant shoreline. Next time you're in Bemidji, try spending an afternoon at Diamond Point Park. There's plenty to do for people of all ages!

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A serene lakeside view with rocks, trees, and a small table in the foreground, under a clear blue sky.
Sami Q/Google

Have you ever been to Diamond Point Park? Do you have any other favorite spots in the Bemidji that we should know about? Feel free to let us know by filling out our nomination form.

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Nature|Hiking

The Natural Wonder in Minnesota That Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

Inspiration Point, in the west-central part of the state, is a lesser known natural wonder in Minnesota - a true hidden gem.

Published Oct 25, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Following the sun's arc across the Land of 10,000 Lakes, most folks will notice pretty quickly that the soaring river bluffs and deep, wooded valleys in the east gradually give way to gently rolling prairies and shimmering glacial lakes in the west. This means that any place with a little elevation above the landscape in this part of Minnesota will have quite a bit of prominence. One such spot is Inspiration Peak, which you can access from its namesake wayside. It's not nearly as well known as other viewpoints in the state, and in my opinion, that's what makes it such a hidden gem natural wonder in Minnesota.

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A scenic view of rolling green hills under a cloudy sky, with a winding path leading through the grass.
Karin R/AllTrails

You'll find Inspiration Peak just west of Urbank, in Otter Tail County. It's part of a unique area called the Leaf Hills that was formed by a glacial moraine. Though it hasn't been accorded full park status, it is a designated state wayside - so that's something, anyway. Nobel Prize-winning author and Minnesota native Sinclair Lewis famously waxed lyrical about the hill, which was called Leaf Mountain by early pioneers. After folks got word of Lewis' love for the spot, it was renamed Inspiration Peak and more folks started visiting.

The peak rises about 200 feet above the surrounding terrain affording views of dozens of lakes over miles of plains and forest. The hike to the top is a moderate, half-mile loop. You'll feel it a bit on the way up, but the view is definitely worth the effort.

A panoramic view of vibrant autumn foliage with a clear blue sky and distant hills under soft clouds.
Aubrey Couture/AllTrails

Inspiration Peak is a natural wonder that just doesn't get the same love as so many of the other incredible natural places in Minnesota, which is why I think it's a hidden gem that's worthy of being singled out. What's more, with its location in Otter Tail County, it's a natural wonder within a natural wonder - Otter Tail County is home to more lakes than any other county in the entire country - 1,048 - and that's pretty wondrous! Inspiration Peak is the best place to go to see a few of those lakes from a single viewpoint.

So, you may go to visit Inspiration Peak State Wayside, but you'll want to take some time to explore the whole county, which is home to two state parks - Maplewood and Glendalough - and adjacent to two more: Buffalo River and Lake Carlos. The charming community of Battle Lake and this enchanting lakefront cabin would make a perfect base camp for your adventures.

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Nature|Hiking

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Minnesota That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Dunton Locks County Park, in Detroit Lakes, is one of our favorite small-town parks in Minnesota

Published Oct 10, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we are lucky to have many, many, charming small towns. And these towns often have at least one park. And because we Minnesotans love our green spaces, many communities can boast two or more. Parks range from grassy squares with a tree or two, a picnic table, and perhaps some playground equipment to recreation-oriented parks full of fields and facilities to elaborate, forested preserves with rushing creeks and hiking trails - and everything in between.

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Some small towns, like Isle and Luverne, even have state parks right at their doorsteps. Others are home to wonderful city or county parks. Detroit Lakes falls into the latter category, boasting a huge, lakefront city park with a beach and plenty of amenities, as well as the incredible Dunton Locks County Park, which is one of my favorite small-town parks in Minnesota.

A serene view of a river flowing into a lake, surrounded by trees and a wooden dock in the distance.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

You'll find Dunton Locks County Park on the western edge of Detroit Lakes, spanning 53 acres along the shores of Muskrat and Sallie Lakes.

A wooden bridge leads into a lush green path, with a person walking in the distance.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

With several miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderately challenging, the park is ideal for hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing (in winter, of course). There's even a section of the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail in the park. It's also rumored to be home to one of Thomas Dambo's famous trolls.

A large wooden figure with a friendly expression stands among trees, waving in a lush green forest.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

In warmer months, fishing, paddling, and camping are popular activities at Dunton Lakes. There are also picnic shelters and other amenities for the family to enjoy. The park is open year-round, and it's lovely landscape is stunning in all seasons - yes, even during winter. I promise.

A snowy forest path surrounded by trees blanketed in fresh snow, creating a serene winter landscape.
Tim Stellmach/Only In Your State

Next time you're in the Detroit Lakes area - whether chasing trolls or just visiting Lake Country - be sure to save some time to explore Dunton Locks County Park... you'll be glad you did. Check out AllTrails Plus for some additional hiking suggestions at the park. And if you'll need a place to stay, you won't find a better location than Best Western Premiere: The Lodge on Lake Detroit. As its name implies, it's right on the lake, and it's one of our favorite resorts in the area.

Have you visited Dunton Locks County park in Detroit Lakes? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about your favorite small-town parks in Minnesota.

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