Fall Escape to Otter Tail County

Oct 13, 2025Bike Trails, Biking, Hiking Trails, Kayaking, Minnesota Miles Blog, State Parks, Trails

Otter Tail County in western Minnesota holds a special kind of charm in the fall. The air turns crisp, the trees glow red and gold, and the suddenly quiet lakes seem to pause just before winter sets in. We decided that this was the perfect time for a weekend getaway. Our destination was East Silent Lake Resort, a family-run retreat with more than a century of history.

A paved road runs through a forest with tall trees featuring green and yellow autumn leaves. Fallen leaves cover the ground on both sides of the road, and sunlight filters through the branches.

Friday: Settling In

The drive itself felt like an invitation to slow down. We turned off the Otter Trail Scenic Byway and followed the road to the resort that wound through the woods surrounding the lake. Trees arched overhead, their leaves painted in fiery shades of orange and yellow. It immediately set the mood for our trip, a little preview of the days to come.

At the resort, we were greeted by Margaret Leonard, one of the Leonard family members who had carried the resort’s tradition forward. East Silent had been in existence for 110 years, and the family pride showed. Margaret welcomed us warmly and showed us to our quarters, making us feel more like family than guests.

Two modern, green-painted houses with large windows sit on a neatly kept lawn. The patio in the foreground features outdoor furniture and a red umbrella. Trees with autumn leaves are in the background under a clear blue sky.

Our accommodations were in the Glacial Lakes guest house. The unit was spacious, with a wide living room and kitchen that opened onto a patio overlooking a green lawn that sloped gently toward the lake. Four of these houses lined our little “street,” and each looked designed for relaxation. This was exactly what we needed.

Outdoor wooden patio with colorful chairs and tables overlooking a sandy beach and calm lake; dock and boats are visible in the distance, surrounded by green trees on a sunny day.

Two baskets lined with green checkered paper each holding a burger and a serving of curly fries sit on a black outdoor mesh table, with a clear drinking glass in the background.

That evening we drove down the road to Bell’s Resort Bar and Grill, a casual lakeside spot with a patio, beach, and tiki bar. The décor leaned playful, with beach-themed signs tacked to the walls. One read, “How to get a beach body: Have a body, go to the beach.” Who knew it was that easy?
The season’s transition was in the air. A nearby maple glowed yellow with fall color, yet the air still carried the warmth of late summer. It was that in-between time when the crowds had gone but the weather still invited you outside. We sat on the patio overlooking the beach and relaxed, finally.

The menu leaned hearty. Jen ordered the Eye Opener, a bacon cheeseburger topped with an egg, aioli, and a crispy onion ring. I chose the Captain’s Burger, piled high with barbecue sauce and its own golden onion ring, served with a glorious heap of curly fries. We ate slowly, watching the ripples on the lake and listening to the rustling leaves. Change was in the air, but for now, summer was hanging on.

A small pink diner with a turquoise roof, outdoor seating, colorful chairs, and an American flag. Cars are parked in the background, and the area is bright and sunny with green grass and trees.

A woman at a small shop counter hands money to a smiling cashier. The counter displays bread and food items, while shelves in the background are stocked with snacks and groceries. The shop has a cozy, rustic feel with wooden beams.

On the way back to the resort, we stopped at duCharme’s Corner Store, a small family business that had been around for decades. Yvette duCharme, who now runs it, explained that her father had started the store but had passed away three years earlier. “We just try to keep it plugging along,” she said with a smile. The shop was one of those old-timey country stores that stock a little of everything, from snacks to hardware, with the added surprise of homemade pizza and ribs smoked out back. We treated ourselves to ice cream cones before heading in for the night.

A person in a blue hoodie sits on a dock in a folding chair, facing a calm lake at sunset. Another empty chair and fishing gear are nearby. Trees line the opposite shore under a colorful sky.

Back at East Silent, we strolled down to the dock with fishing poles in hand. The lake stretched calm and reflective, disturbed only by the occasional ripple. We caught a couple of respectable sunfish while the sun set behind the woods. The trees lit up in bright reds and shimmering golds as the last light slipped away and it became too dark to see the bobbers. When full night arrived, it was truly dark, the kind of country darkness where only stars shine overhead. We slept with the windows open, lulled by rustling leaves and the faint hoot of owls. Sleep came easily.

A person wearing a helmet rides a bicycle along the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail, passing through grassy fields and trees with early autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.

A cyclist wearing a helmet and sunglasses rides along the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail, surrounded by fields and gentle hills under a clear blue sky.

Saturday: Trails, Towns, and Music

Morning broke gently over East Silent Lake. We brewed coffee and settled into overstuffed recliners in our living room, watching the sun rise across the still water. Golden light shimmered across the lake’s surface, promising another perfect autumn day.

Two cyclists ride along the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail in front of a red barn with a cupola, surrounded by grassy fields and trees under a clear blue sky.

We had big plans for the morning and got ready to bike the Heart of the Lakes Trail all the way to Pelican Rapids. After a short ride on the road, we picked up the trail. Unlike many of Minnesota’s paved routes, the Heart of the Lakes Trail is not a rail-to-trail conversion. Instead of a flat corridor, the path follows the natural contours of the landscape. We pedaled up and down rolling hills, coasting through shaded woods, then climbing back up to open views

A person wearing a pink shirt and helmet rides a bicycle along the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail. In the background, a white church with a steeple stands among tall pine trees under a clear blue sky.

The early chill nipped at us on the downhills, but the air soon warmed as the sun climbed higher. The trail threaded through classic lake country scenery, and we caught glimpses of water through stands of birch and oak, fields dotted with farmsteads, and a winding band of blacktop that kept the ride engaging.

Two people ride bicycles on the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail, winding through a scenic, tree-filled landscape with autumn foliage in Maplewood State Park under a clear blue sky.

Two people ride bikes on a paved trail through a scenic area with green grass and trees showing early autumn colors under a clear blue sky along the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail at Maplewood State Park.

A person wearing a pink helmet and sunglasses rides a bicycle on the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail, surrounded by grassy fields dotted with yellow wildflowers under a clear blue sky. Trees and houses are visible in the background.

A person wearing a pink helmet and floral shorts rides a bicycle on the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail beside a pond, with green trees and a blue sky in the background.

Soon we entered Maplewood State Park, one of Minnesota’s crown jewels for fall color. Here the trail shifted character, meandering deeper into the park’s rolling hills. Maples blazed scarlet and orange in places, and the oaks had begun their slow turn to bronze. The park’s trail center buzzed with activity. Families unloaded bikes, hikers laced boots, and an enterprising ice cream vendor sold sweet treats to those taking a break. We joined the line, deciding that ice cream in the morning was completely justified when paired with a bike ride.

On the far side of the park, the trail merged with the Otter Trail Scenic Byway. The views opened into sweeping hills, scattered farms, and, of course, more lakes. Each bend revealed a postcard scene that made the miles pass quickly.

A person in a pink shirt holds up a pink drink with a black straw in front of their face at a table beside a SoBo sign on a wood and gray wall. A menu and phone are on the table.

By lunchtime we rolled into Pelican Rapids, a small town with a big personality. Our first stop was South Broadway Hydration, a colorful little shop that specialized in creative refresher drinks. Jen ordered one called Pink Starburst, while I chose Jolly Rancher. Both were fruity, sweet, and exactly the boost we needed.

Casual restaurant interior with wooden tables and black chairs, wall art, and several hanging lights. A person sits alone at a table on the left, and the counter area with staff and TVs is visible in the background.

At Big John’s Pelican Pizza, a person in a pink shirt lifts a cheesy slice from a whole pizza on a metal tray, next to a calzone with dipping sauce—all served on a wooden table.

For lunch we ducked into Big John’s Pelican Pizza, a locally loved spot with lake-themed décor, where names of nearby lakes had been turned into crafty wall art. Jen ordered a calzone filled with pepperoni, black olives, and mushrooms, while I kept it classic with a small pepperoni pizza.

A large white Pelican Pete statue stands by the river and bridge in Pelican Rapids, MN, surrounded by yellow coneflower blooms and green grass, with buildings and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

We strolled down to the river to greet Pelican Pete, the towering pelican statue who’s served as the town mascot since 1957. At fifteen feet tall, Pete was impossible to miss, perching proudly on the banks of the Pelican River and smiling for every photo. We never miss an opportunity to see a quirky roadside attraction. It’s pure Americana, and the icing on the cake of every travel day.

A small brick and brown metal storefront with a sign reading Mercantile on Main. A wooden bench sits outside the window, and American flags are visible on the street. The sky is clear and blue.

A yellow baby onesie with Worlds Largest Pelican, Pelican Rapids, Minn. printed on it hangs among gray sweatshirts with the same design.

Before leaving town, we visited Mercantile on Main, and we weren’t disappointed. The long, narrow store was filled to the brim with gift items of all kinds, and you’d be hard-pressed not to find something if you’re out gift shopping. Bright yellow onesie for a toddler that reads “World’s Largest Pelican”? Check.

A gravestone sits on a grassy hill in front of a white church with a tall steeple. To the right, a colorful playground with swings and a slide is visible under a clear blue sky.

A person in a pink helmet and shirt stands by a bicycle along the Heart of the Lakes Bike Trail, looking at an orange cart filled with pumpkins. Large pumpkins dot the grass, with a red barn, trees, and a parked truck nearby.

On the ride home, we made two more stops along the Heart of the Lakes Trail. The first was Central Lutheran Church, one of 19 interpretive sites along the byway that parallels the trail on this segment. Our motto on trips is “always read the plaque,” and here the plaque included a phone number for a narrated history lesson. We stood in the shade of the historic church, listening to stories of its role in the community.

Our second stop was at Gordy’s Gardens, a roadside farm stand, where the last of the season’s tomatoes sat alongside a mountain of pumpkins. We rested here for a while, taking in a beautiful day.

A person in a red kayak paddles on a calm lake near a forested shoreline with green and yellow trees under a clear blue sky.

A person is paddling a red kayak along a tree-lined shoreline on a sunny day, with calm water reflecting the green and yellow foliage.

A person is paddling a kayak on a calm lake at sunset, with sunlight reflecting on the water and trees lining the shore.

A person wearing a life jacket and hat paddles a red kayak on a calm lake, with trees and houses along the distant shoreline under a clear blue sky. A water bottle is secured on the kayak.

Back at East Silent, the couches looked inviting, but the sun glimmering on the water proved irresistible. We carried kayaks down to the shoreline and set out across the lake with fishing rods balanced across our laps. The weather was perfect for paddling, with just a hint of breeze and the trees blazing on all sides.

The fish played coy, but we managed to pull in several sunfish and a couple of small bass. We celebrated each with a laugh and a kayak high-five, an artful balancing act on the water.

A lively bar with people sitting at tables and the bar counter, chatting and eating. The walls are decorated with animal mounts, framed photos, and memorabilia. The ceiling has bird figures, and neon signs add colorful lighting.

Dinner that night was at Billy’s Corner Bar in nearby Vergas, a true small-town classic. The place buzzed with energy, and The Cropdusters played a rollicking set that spilled out into the street. Their music had a country-rock-bluegrass vibe that kept the crowd clapping along.

A band performs live on a small indoor stage under blue lighting, with musicians playing guitar, bass, drums, and singing. Music equipment is set up around them and an audience area is partially visible.

Two baskets on a table: one with a sandwich on thick bread and a side of fries, the other with a hoagie-style sandwich topped with meat and mushrooms, plus a cup of sauce. A person sits nearby wearing a floral shirt.

The bar felt like a time capsule. Dollar bills fluttered from the high ceiling, tacked up by generations of patrons. Animal mounts kept watch from the walls, while Schlitz and Pabst Blue Ribbon wagon-wheel chandeliers glowed overhead. Behind the wooden bar, bottles gleamed in the light and sparkled in the mirror back, while a very busy bartender kept popping longnecks for the thirsty crowd in record time.

Jen ordered a Philly sandwich, while I tackled the Clubhouse, which starts as a BLT but is also piled high with ham and turkey. We left stuffed and happy. On the way back to the resort, a crescent moon rose over the dark hills, its reflection shimmering in the lakes. We had crammed a lot into one day and were out cold by 10 p.m.

A rustic café with wooden tables and chairs is decorated with large, colorful HAPPY BIRTHDAY balloons. People are dining inside, and a counter with menus and items for sale is visible on the right.

Two plates of breakfast sit on a wooden table: one with eggs covered in gravy, hash browns, and toast, and the other with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast. Two mugs of coffee and a metal syrup pitcher are also present.

Sunday: Karen’s Birthday and Hiking

The next morning, we headed to the Cornfield Café in Pelican Rapids, tucked inside the Lakeland General Store. It was a quirky mix: a gas station, convenience store, hardware store, and café under one roof. Just beyond the cozy booths sat displays of chainsaws and grills. At the entrance, a giant inflatable Happy Birthday sign hung for Karen, the café’s owner, who was working even on her special day.

Jen ordered “The Favorite,” a traditional bacon-and-eggs plate with the addition of a pancake. I tried the Country Benedict, a creative twist that swapped the usual ham and hollandaise for a sausage patty and sausage gravy. Karen herself brought our breakfasts. When we asked why she worked on her birthday, she laughed and said, “Because so many people show up to my party.” At a nearby table, a group of motorcyclists chatted with a server about the best fall color drives. She had plenty of suggestions, confirming that Otter Tail County was indeed the place to be.

A person enjoys hiking along a grassy path through a field bordered by trees with autumn foliage in shades of green, yellow, and orange in Maplewood State Park under a clear blue sky.

Close-up of two yellow wildflowers in focus, with a blurred background showing someone hiking along a grassy trail in Maplewood State Park, legs visible from the knees down.

A person wearing a blue shirt and backpack enjoys hiking along a sunlit, leaf-covered trail in the lush green forest of Maplewood State Park. Sunlight filters through the tall trees, creating dappled light on the ground.

A person with long gray hair, wearing a mesh cap, blue shirt, and red backpack, stands in tall grass at Maplewood State Park, hiking while gazing toward a distant green hill under a clear blue sky.

With breakfast and shopping complete, we returned to Maplewood State Park for a day of hiking. The weather was even warmer than the day before. It was the kind of golden fall day that begged for time outside.

Maplewood’s landscape is famously diverse, shifting from dense forests to rolling prairie in the span of a few steps. We started at the trail center and set out toward the park’s northwestern corner, skirting Hallaway Hill, the park’s second-highest point. Our legs still carried the ache from the previous day’s nearly forty-mile bike ride, so we decided not to climb the hill. Instead, we followed the trail south along Lake Lida, enjoying the constant change of scenery. Some trees still held their green leaves, while others blazed in flaming autumn hues.

A person with a blue backpack enjoys hiking alone on a dirt trail through the lush, green forest of Maplewood State Park, sunlight filtering through the trees.

A person wearing a blue shirt, red backpack, and cap enjoys hiking along a narrow dirt trail in the lush, green forest of Maplewood State Park, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

A person wearing a blue shirt and orange backpack enjoys hiking along a sunlit dirt trail through Maplewood State Park’s lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dappled sunlight.

A group of yellowish-brown mushrooms grows on the side of a moss-covered fallen log surrounded by dry leaves in Maplewood State Park. Sunlight filters through, illuminating the log and ground along a peaceful hiking trail.

On a whim, we turned onto the Ironwood Trail. The path climbed steeply through dense forest, then dropped into a shaded ravine where the air felt cooler. Emerging on the far side, we reconnected with the paved trail we had biked the day before. From there, we followed it back to the trail center, satisfied with a loop that gave us a full taste of the park’s beauty.

Over these last few days, Otter Tail County had shown us its best fall menu. We had pedaled past sweeping hills, paddled through reflections of blazing trees, tasted burgers and calzones, chatted with shop owners and café hosts, and found quiet moments under star-filled skies.

As we drove back home, we agreed: not only had we had a wonderful weekend escape, it was also a reminder of how refreshing it feels to breathe deep and let the colors of the season guide your way. They say autumn is a time to slow down. In Otter Tail County, you can—if you want to.

Two people sit smiling on a giant, colorful Adirondack chair outdoors, each holding ice cream cones. Cars and trees are in the background on a sunny day.

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About me

A person wearing a yellow helmet, sunglasses, and warm winter clothing smiles while outside in a snowy Minnesota landscape. They are pointing at something, perhaps one of the scenic mountain bike trails nearby, as the sun shines brightly overhead.

I’m Jan, the publisher of Minnesota Trails Magazine. I’m looking for that one trail, the next ride, a new discovery and other reasons to never sit still in Minnesota.

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