Things to Do in Pelican Rapids, MN

Pelican Rapids, MN is known for being a charming small town where one goes to get away from the stress of day to day life. During your visit, you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to relax and recuperate.

We’ve listed a few ideas of what you can do while staying here in Pelican Rapids.

Maplewood State Park

• Address: 39721 Park Entrance Road, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Daily: 8 AM - 10 PM
• Distance from us: ~9 miles

Maplewood State Park offers plenty of ways for families and individuals to relax in the great outdoors. The park is a favorite destination for fishermen, hikers, and horseback riders, but you’ll find that there is something for everyone here.

Here are just a few ideas for activities at Maplewood State Park:

• Take a hike along one of the many paths in the extensive trail system
• Drive a scenic drive to observe deer, beavers, and many other wildlife species
• Go Birding
• Go for a swim at the sandy beach along Lake Lida
• Admire the brilliant fall foliage during the autumn
• Have a picnic at one of the spacious picnic areas.

No matter which activity you choose, you are sure to have a great time. Just make sure you bring the proper permits for your activities before you come, as the Ranger Station is not always open.

Paddle the Pelican River

Pelican Rapids is in the heart of Lake Country, so it would be a shame to not go out on the water at least once during your stay. Luckily, there is a way to do that without having to go far from town.

A favorite activity for those visiting Pelican Rapids is to paddle the Pelican River. The river is typically gentle, allowing you to focus on taking in the gorgeous scenery as you travel north or south. 

Pelican Paddle Company

• Address: 21 N Broadway Pelican Rapids, MN
• Hours: Daily 7 AM - 7 PM
• Distance from us: 0.6 mile

If you don’t have your own equipment, don’t fret. The Pelican Paddle Company has plenty of kayaking equipment at affordable rates. What’s more, they also can provide information on additional paddling routes nearby as well as provide transportation to many of these points.

Thea's Pumpkin Patch

• Address: 19982 Appaloosa Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
• Hours: Mon - Fri: 1 - 6 PM; Sat - Sun 10 AM - 6 PM
• Distance from us: ~ 5 miles

Here in Lakes Country, we love the autumn season. Not only do we get to experience the majestic fall colors in the area, but many seasonal events and activities appear, granting fun for all ages. One of the best places to go in the fall is Thea’s Pumpkin Patch.

As the name suggests, a big draw for visitors is the 8 acre pumpkin patch where the owners grow pumpkins and gourds for sale, but that is far from the only attraction here. Thea’s boasts an 11-acre corn maze that offers fun clues throughout to help guide you through. 

Other activities include:

• Barrel cart rides
• Hay rides
• Yard mini golf
• Animal yard
• Pumpkin and face painting
• And so much more!

Full concessions are also available when you visit. Thea’s Pumpkin Patch is known for their apple cider donuts, but their other flavors are delicious as well.

Shopping

Mercantile on Main

• 29 N Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Hours: See website

Owned by 14 local women artists, The Mercantile on Main is arguably the premiere shopping experience in Pelican Rapids, as you’ll find everything from artwork to jewelry to home decor.

Style Lust Shop

• 32 N Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Mon - Sat: 8AM-7PM; Sun: 10AM-4PM

Style Lust Shop is a women-owned clothing store that is committed to helping women to both (re)discover themselves and feel better about themselves and their image.

Karen's Korner Boutique

• 22438 Old 59 Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Open Daily, 9 AM - 4 PM

This boutique offers a plethora of home decor items alongside designer clothing. Karen’s Korner is particularly well known for their large selection of quality sweatshirts.

The Shop at Dunvilla

• 48201 US-59, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Contact for hours

This store is located in a 140 year old log cabin, granting a unique homey feel. The Shop at Dunvilla offers a wide assortment of lake-themed gifts, clothing, and more.

Pass It On

• 26 W Mill, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Hours Vary, See Google Business Page

If you are looking for the best deals on clothing, you’ll want to stop by this thrift store. It’s run by volunteers and has a reputation for great customer service.

La Mariposa Market

• 27 N Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Open Daily, 12 - 9 PM

Friendly local market offering a variety of hard-to-find authentic Mexican and Hispanic food and groceries.

Pelican Market

• Near Big John's Pelican Pizza
• Fridays, 3 - 6 PM; June 23rd - October

The Pelican Rapids Farmers Market is one of the best places to go to experience local culture. Here, you’ll find farm fresh meats and produce, artisanal soaps, baked goods, and more!

Pelican Drug

• 11 N Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Mon-Fri: 8AM-5:30PM; Sat: 9AM-1PM

Jewelry, greeting cards, trendy apparel, toys and games, unique gifts. Photo machine, & UPS drop-off.

Rapid Nutrition

• 103 S Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Mon-Fri: 7AM-6PM; Sat: 9AM-3PM

Rapid Nutrition is excited to be serving Pelican Rapids the Best meal replacement shakes. Energizing teas, iced coffee, smiles and good vibes.

Flower Shops

Brown Eyed Susans

• 10 S Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Mon-Fri: 9:30AM-5:30PM; Sat: 10AM-4PM

Brown Eyed Susans focuses on speedy deliveries of quality flowers as well as giving world-class customer service with every transaction.

Garden Pleasures

• 19319 380th St, Erhard, MN
• Mon: 9AM-5PM; Tues-Fri: 10AM-5PM; Sat: 10AM-4PM; Closed Sun

Garden Pleasures is a store dedicated to all things gardening. Not only will you find premium flowers here but also other types of plants should your partner prefer something untraditional.

Petals From The Heart

• 121 S Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri: 9AM-5:30PM; Weds: 9AM-5PM; Closed Sun

This local flower shop offers designer bouquets for just about every occasion. They also offer same-day delivery as well as other gifts such as cards and plush stuffed animals.

Riverview Place

• 21 N Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• M, Tu, W, F: 10AM-5PM; Th: 10AM-6PM; Sat: 9Am-5PM; Sun: 11AM-6PM

This establishment isn’t just a professional flower shop, they also offer a wide variety of gifts as well as delicious hot dogs and ice cream which you can enjoy in their outdoor seating area.

True Blue Flower Co.

• 35191 Co Hwy 4, Frazee, MN
• Contact store for hours

True Blue Flower Co. is a cut flower farm that not only offers professional floral services but also hosts workshops teaching you how to grow flowers, make bouquets, etc.

Natural Pleasures Floral

• 34172 Camp Cherith Rd, Frazee, MN
• Visit website or call to contact

Owned by a florist with more than 25 years of experience, Natural Pleasures Floral specializes in crafting particularly photogenic floral bouquets and other arrangements.

Antique Shops

Antiques and Everything

• 210468 Appaloosa Rd, Pelican Rapids
• Fri-Sun: 10AM-4 PM; Closed Mon-Thurs

Antiques and Everything offers a unique selection of antiques, furniture, flea market finds, local artwork, and so much more!

Raven Design

• 107 S Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Thurs-Fri: 12-6PM; Sat:12-5PM; Closed Sun-Tues

Raven Design offers professional photography and videography services and also offers a wide variety of personalized gifts on top of their antique selection.

Mercantile on Main

• 29 N Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Hours: See website

Owned by 14 local women artists, The Mercantile on Main is arguably the premiere shopping experience in Pelican Rapids, as you’ll find everything from artwork to jewelry to home decor.

Sulaine's Antique Mall

• 603 US-10, Detroit Lakes, MN
• Mon-Sat: 10AM-5:30PM; Sun: 11AM-5PM

With over 14,000 square feet of display area and more than 70 dealers, Sulaine’s Antique Mall offers the ultimate location for an antique shopping trip.

Buggy Wheel Antiques

• 18353 US-10, Audubon, MN
• Weds-Sat: 10AM-4PM; Sun 12-4PM

Raven Design offers professional photography and videography services and also offers a wide variety of personalized gifts on top of their antique selection.

Golf

Wildflower Golf Course

• 19790 Co Hwy 20, Detroit Lakes, MN
• Mon-Thurs: 7AM-9PM; Fri-Sun: 6:30AM-9:30PM

By far the largest golf course in the area, Wildflower Golf Course is a par 72, 18-hole course that offers a practice range second to none, and guests love the multitude of amenities provided.

Lida Greens Golf Course

• 22950 MN-108, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Daily: 8 AM - 7 PM

Lida Greens offers a fourteen hole executive course in an idyllic setting, complete with a picturesque view of Lake Lida. There is a pro shop on the grounds filled with the latest golfing gear as well as a snack bar. 

Birchwood Golf Course

• 19711 430th St, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Daily: 7 AM - 8 PM

Founded in 1930, Birchwood Golf Course is one of the 100 oldest golf courses in Minnesota. The course is on the shorter side as golf courses are concerned, but the design is excellent and the grounds are well maintained.

Explore the Outdoors

Heart of the Lakes Trail

The Heart of the Lakes Trail offers some of the most picturesque views in all of Otter Tail County. This multi-use trail is planned to be 32 miles long, and runs through Pelican Rapids.

CHill Guide Service

• (218) 443-3813

One of the best fishing guides in Otter Tail County. Cody Hill has fished this area for over thirty years. His mission is to “help you produce more bites and hopefully catch more fish” by not only showing how, but why doing what he shows you can help.

Local Parks

Pelican Rapids is home to a number of beautiful parks that allow for both fun activities and quiet contemplation.

• Veteran's Memorial Park
  
• Sherin Park
  
• E.L. Peterson Park