Check out our Events Calendar! And the following!
Looking for things to do?
BOWLING
Whether you are a pro or a beginner, the bowling alley at The Cactus has the perfect indoor activity for families of all ages to fight off those windy, rainy, wintery days.
CAMPING
If you are up for something a little more rustic and a little more adventurous, pitch a tent or pull a camper into the great outdoors! Stay up all night sharing stories around a bonfire or gazing at the stars. Adventure awaits! Click here to learn more.
FARMER’S MARKET
Buy local, and buy fresh. What more could you ask for? Vendors of locally made or produced goods gather each Wednesday and Friday during the summer for a local farmer’s market. Located down in NP Park (next to the Post Office), you can bring the kids to play on the turtle slide while you do your shopping. It’s a perfect activity for the whole family!
FISHING
The 1,100+ lakes in Otter Tail County bring thousands of fishers to the area every year to angle for walleye, crappie, bass, northern, and sunfish. Fishing isn’t just for summer. It’s just as good in the winter! Ice fishing is the way to go in the colder months. Head out on the ice and try your hand at spearing or jigging. There is a fishing hole waiting for you! Check out Gene’s Sport Shop downtown for all your bait and gear needs!
MUSEUMS
Every day, there is a history that surrounds us. Every building, location and person has their own story. Here are a few of the organizations that are helping share the stories of our area: History Museum of East Ottertail County, ITOW Veterans Museum, Perham Pioneer Grounds and the Cultural Center in New York Mills. They are open for tours and visits – a perfect educational activity for any age!
PARKS & RECREATION
The parks in our area are home to a number of different activities. From a skate park to a memorial, there is a spot waiting just for you. Relax or play – the choice is yours! Click here to learn more.
PERHAM TROLLEY
The Perham Express has been retired, so it is only right that we continue our legacy with the Perham Trolley. The new Trolley took to the road in July of 2016! Hundreds of visitors are taken on a historic tour of Perham on our Trolley. Rides are available every Wednesday during Turtle Races. Click here for more information.
SUNSETS
Catch the picturesque sunset as it disappears behind the beautiful vegetation among our many lakes. For you early risers, the sunrise is just as magnificent.
SWIMMING
Is there anything more refreshing than taking a dip in the water on a hot day? Or in the middle of winter? Take a jump in one of our many lakes or head on over to the Perham Area Community Center to dive into the pool!
TURTLE RACES
Every Wednesday during the summer, a crowd gathers around a paved ring to race turtles. Seems silly, but it’s been a way of life since the summer of 1978! Click here to learn more.
WATER ACTIVITIES
We are the closest thing you can get to an island without being classified as one. Whether you want to sit in the sand and enjoy the beach or cruise around the lake, our many lakes offer numerous water activities for everyone in the family. Click here for more information.
WAVES OF DISCOVERY
Installed in 2014 and measuring 70 feet long, The Waves of Discovery Mural is art to experience and explore. It was created with a medium of carved concrete with elements of agates, fossils, fused glass, and mosaics. Designed to encourage interaction among viewers, the 4,000 pound mural features over 50 items hidden among the panels of the mural to seek and find. To learn more, click here.
Plan your day ideas below:
You’ve come to the right place. Those who live and work here know that Perham is a great place to play. With our luscious landscaping and beautiful lakes, our area brings many different activities to the table. There are many different types of attractions in the area that offer leisure, adventure, or amusement. Our many parks and lakes provide natural entertainment, while our businesses provide cultural value, historical significance, and most of all – fun! Whether indoors or out, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
BIKE TRAILS
Perham has three interconnected bike trails covering the whole city, available for bikers or walkers. Take a cruise on the Brave Like Gabe Recreational Trail, Wellness Trail, and Wildflower Trail. It’s not about how fast you go, it’s about enjoying the ride. Perham Map with biking trails. Otter Tail County Map with trails.
GOLFING
Hit the links in the lakes area at one of our local courses. Whether you are looking for a challenge or a chuckle, these golf courses are the perfect activity during your lakes country getaway.
LIBRARY
Whether you are looking for a juicy murder mystery or a book about your newest vacation destination, the Perham Area Public Library has you covered. Click here for more information.
MOVIES
At the Comet Theatre, you can run alongside animated wildlife, cheer for superheroes and weep for characters who left us, all over great buttered popcorn and cold drinks. Sometimes movie-goers file out the door still laughing over onscreen antics, but occasionally, they depart in silence, forever changed by their time in the theater seat. Click here to check out what’s on the big screen!
SKIING
On the water, downhill, or cross country, skiing is a great outdoor activity during the summer and winter seasons. Just minutes from many lakes, trails, and Detroit Mountain, your next skiing adventure is just waiting for you. For all your ski rental needs, head on over to MN Tru North!
SNOWMOBILING
With hundreds of groomed trails throughout the area, there is always something to explore. Stop in along the way at a local bar or restaurant for food and beverages. Make tracks in the Perham area!
