Detroit Lake is one of approximately 14,380 lakes in Minnesota. Boosters in that state can be forgiven for the 10,000 number. After all the ancient Greek word mega literally means ten thousand, but it figuratively meant a lot.  Compare that usage to young Americans today.

Detroit Lake is wholly contained within the town limits of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Notice the plural because the residents make a distinction between a big lake and a little one, although the little one is a part of the big one. In this post I will use singular and plural as I surmise local people would.

In June 2023 Carol and I were privileged to spend a week at the Breezy Shores Resort on Detroit Lake. Part of my heart remains there.

Detroit Lake North Shore

An old trading trail between central Canada and Minneapolis ran by this spot.

Note: Detroit, Michigan is more than 900 miles (1445 kilometers) east of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The only connection between the two cities is their shared name, which is derived from the French word for strait.

The Author in at the Fargo Air Museum in Fargo, North Dakota

By 2019 I had been in  49 of the 50 American states. All that remained was North Dakota, a state not easy to get to from Utah. Knowing my goal Carol kept conniving to get me to North Dakota. Twice due to COVID restrictions, we had to cancel trips to Manitoba from where we could drop down to North Dakota for a day trip. Another possible base was eastern Montana, but, as much as we love the western and central regions of that state, we decided against it. We had been to South Dakota a couple of times, but it was still a long way from the interesting areas of that Dakota to the northern one. Previously, I had had some speaking engagements in Minneapolis, but that city is a long way from North Dakota. Finally, last New Year’s weekend, Carol discovered Breezy Shores Resort in northwest Minnesota. Only one open week remained for the upcoming summer, and we jumped on it. We could fly to Fargo, rent a car, and drive 50 miles (80 kilometers) east to Detroit Lakes where we could spend the week.

Carol picked this spot in the Fargo Air Museum to take my photo. It was on the day we drove back to Fargo to knock around that very charming city. Carol knowingly borrowed the “50” on the banner to commemorate my fifty states.

BTW I learned during my first hour in Detroit Lakes to not talk about the reason for the trip. As people listened politely, I could see two two thoughts on their faces: First, “Only a crazy person would want to go to North Dakota,” and second, “We’ve been there – big whoop.” That said, I found the people of northeastern Minnesota unfailingly generous if not easily impressed. I admire them. Same goes for North Dakotans.

Detroit Lake from Our Back Porch

The mood of the lake changed constantly. Our condo was on the lake right out the kitchen door. Our bedroom upstairs also overlooked the lake. Thank goodness for the French doors from the kitchen to the beach and from the bedroom to a balcony.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke

Looking east across Detroit Lake. Although the Canadian border is only 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of Detroit Lakes, this smoke had traveled some thousands of miles south from eastern Canada, then continued down the eastern US, then west across the Midwest, and then north to Minnesota. From where we were on the Minnesota and North Dakota border, the smoke was only an occasional nuisance. But, a few days later when we flew to Minneapolis on our way home, we found thick smoke covering that city.

Canada Geese Families on Detroit Lake

Canada geese are ubiquitous where I live in northern Utah. Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed observing these birds. The adults around Detroit Lake are slightly larger than their Utah cousins.

Rainy Morning on Detroit Lake

This was going to be a hiking day, but it became a soaking rain day. The hike for today actually began at the lake. We set out, but after fifteen minutes a squall arrived and soaked us to the skin. Here in Utah rain, even heavy rain, starts slowly. Not in Minnesota. Actually, not in Mississippi either, but that is a story for another time.

Rainy Evening on Detroit Lake

Same day as the previous picture. We stayed in and watched a movie. Okay, the movie was “We’re the Millers.” What can I say? I love to laugh. Then I cooked dinner. What a great day!

Spotted Sandpiper (Acititis macularius) on Detroit Lake

It is always a thrill to observe a species new to me.

Our Dock on Detroit Lake

We shared this dock with a family in the adjoining condo. They fished almost constantly from the structure. As arguably cliché as this scene is, I love it.

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 0n Detroit Lake

Another new species for me. I believe this male was feeding chicks and the mother.  I often see the larger species, great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) in Las Vegas parking lots. The common grackle is rare in the western USA.

Thank you,

Michael DeCaria

Making visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen – Robert Bresson