Pelican Rapids

Pelican Rapids is a beautiful and culturally diverse town of 2,400 people in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Spread over 2.7 sq miles, it can be accessed through US Route 59 and MN State Highway 108 approximately 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis and 50 miles east of Moorhead. Drop a leaf in the Pelican River, however, and it could travel all the way to Hudson Bay! With culture having such a large impact on the area, Pelican Rapids is rich with art scenes including the “flock” of pelican statues that scatter the town.

There is an array of housing options throughout Pelican Rapids from affordable single family homes in town to what can only be described as luxurious mansions on one of the many gorgeous lakes surrounding the area.

It is considered the gateway to Maplewood State Park, a must-see when you are in the area. As Minnesota Department of Natural Resources describes, the 9,000 acres of maple trees turn majestic colors in the fall too beautiful to describe.  Many lakes and ponds offer water lovers places to swim on sandy beaches, fish, boat, and simply relax. You can drive along the scenic route to observe the host of wildlife with 150 bird species and 50 species of mammals or explore the extensive trail system by hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in the winter months.  If you are up for a challenge, sign up for the Running Wild 7K Trail Run.  You won’t look at those hills the same way again!  If you’re looking for flatter ground, there are 12 golf courses within a 35-mile radius of town that may be right up your alley!

Pelican Rapids is School District #548 and has the Viking Elementary School and Pelican Rapids High School. They strive to have students learn not only skills to help in school but also in life!  In fact, their history books even tell of a local monument of the “Minnesota Woman,” the oldest human skeleton on this continent believed to be 10,000 years old and in important link in the archaeological timetable of North America.

Pelican Rapids has a thriving business life as well. Nearly half of jobs are in manufacturing with others in retail trade and healthcare.  Some of the largest employers are Lake Region Electric Cooperative and West Central Turkeys, who alone provides over 700 people with jobs in the community.