Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Detroit Lakes is a city and the county seat of Becker County, Minnesota. The population was 9,869 at the 2020 census. Its unofficial population during summer months is much higher, estimated by citizens to peak at 13,000 midsummers, due to seasonal residents and tourists.
Detroit Lakes | |
|---|---|
Downtown Detroit Lakes along Washington Avenue | |
|
Seal | |
| Nickname: "DL" | |
| Coordinates: 46°48′48″N 95°50′41″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Becker |
| Founded | 1871 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Matt Brenk |
| Area | |
| • Total | 17.37 sq mi (44.98 km2) |
| • Land | 11.75 sq mi (30.43 km2) |
| • Water | 5.62 sq mi (14.55 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,368 ft (417 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 9,869 |
| • Estimate (2022) | 10,011 |
| • Density | 840.13/sq mi (324.37/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes | 56501, 56502 |
| Area code | 218 |
| FIPS code | 27-15832 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0642777 |
| Website | cityofdetroitlakes.com |
U.S. Highways 10 and 59, and Minnesota State Highway 34 serve as the primary routes through the city. Detroit Lakes is located 45 miles east of the Fargo–Moorhead ND-MN statistical metropolitan area. The nearest major metropolitan area with a population over 1 million is Minneapolis–Saint Paul, which is approximately 205 miles southeast of Detroit Lakes.
Detroit Lakes is a regional summer and winter recreation destination, attracting large numbers of tourists and seasonal residents each year. Its economy is fueled by seasonal population increases, with tourism being the area's chief industry.