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Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

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Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
City
The City of Detroit Lakes
The City of Detroit Lakes
Location in Minnesota
Location in Minnesota
CountryUnited States
StateMinnesota
CountyBecker
Government
 • MayorLarry Buboltz
Area
 • Total12.3 sq mi (31.9 km2)
 • Land7.5 sq mi (19.4 km2)
 • Water4.8 sq mi (12.5 km2)
Elevation
1,368 ft (417 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total7,348
 • Density980.4/sq mi (378.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
56501, 56502
Area code218
FIPS code27-15832Template:GR
GNIS feature ID0642777Template:GR
Websitewww.ci.detroit-lakes.mn.us

Detroit Lakes is a city in Becker County, Minnesota, United States. The city's post office was officially registered as Detroit City (1871-1906) and Detroit (1906-26) before adopting its present name by a vote of its citizens on September 7, 1926 due to increasing postal confusion with the city of Detroit, Michigan. The early settlement had a station of the Northern Pacific Railroad in section 27, and exported wheat, furs, butter, and snakeroot. An area in section 34, near the Pelican River, was then absorbed by the city. It was initially named Tyler Town when settled in 1871.

The population of the city of Detroit Lakes was 7,348 at the 2000 census. From 1990 to 2000, the city experienced approximately 10.75% population growth. It is the county seat of Becker CountyTemplate:GR.

U.S. Routes 10 and 59, and Minnesota State Highway 34 are three of the main routes in the city.

The city is referred to in the author John Steinbeck's book, Travels with Charley, as he and his dog Charley drove through the upper Midwest.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.3 square miles (31.9 km²), of which, 7.5 square miles (19.4 km²) of it is land and 4.8 square miles (12.5 km²) of it (39.25%) is water.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 7,348 people, 3,319 households, and 1,845 families residing in the city. The population density was 980.4 people per square mile (378.3/km²). There were 3,782 housing units at an average density of 504.6/sq mi (194.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.98% White, 0.42% African American, 4.50% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.

There were 3,319 households out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. 40.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city the population was spread out with 22.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,264, and the median income for a family was $42,267. Males had a median income of $28,939 versus $21,439 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,509. About 9.9% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The City of Detroit Lakes is the county seat and a service center for Becker County and the surrounding region. The county courthouse and law enforcement center are located in the City. District headquarters for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the State Patrol are also located here.

A 9-member City Council serves the city, with the mayor (currently Larry Buboltz) serving as the 10th voting member. There are four election wards, with two council members serving each of the three primary wards with three serving the "at large" area. The Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the City Administration Building on Roosevelt Avenue in Detroit Lakes. [1]

14 boards and commissions are in operation, including the Park Board, Library Board, Public Utilities Commission, Planning Commission, Police Civil Service Commission, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Airport Commission, and the Tourism Bureau. [1]

Education

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

The Detroit Lakes campus of the Minnesota State Community and Technical College system is one of four campus locations (others are in Moorhead, Fergus Falls, and Wadena). Each campus has a unique personality, history, and mix of program offerings. The Detroit Lakes campus, located on Highway 34 East, enrolls approximately 650 students in 25 different degree programs. MSCTC degree and certification programs unique to the Detroit Lakes campus include Administrative Management Technology, Architectural Technology, Auto Body Collision Technology, Business Management Ownership, Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Network Security, Marine Engine Technology, PowerSports Technology, and Sales & Marketing. The college grants AAS, AS, diploma, certificate, and AFA degrees. [2]

Regional 4-year Colleges and Universities

North Dakota State University, Fargo, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Concordia College, Moorhead, are all a short commute from Detroit Lakes; just over 45 miles (72 km) away in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. These four-year colleges and universities also offer extension courses at the Detroit Lakes campus of Minnesota State Community & Technical College.[3]

Public School System

  • Rossman Elementary School
  • Roosevelt Elementary School
  • Detroit Lakes Middle School (6th-8th grades)
  • Detroit Lakes High School (9th-12th grades)
  • Lakes Area Learning Center Alternative High School (9th-12th grades)


The Detroit Lakes Public School system enrolls approximately 2,500 students in grades K-12 residing in the city of Detroit Lakes and surrounding communities. Included in the district are five separate schools, including Detroit Lakes High School, Lakes Area Learning Center (an alternative high school), Detroit Lakes Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary School, and Rossman Elementary School. [4]

Detroit Lakes High School

Detroit Lakes High School is a self-proclaimed "vibrant, forward-looking learning community" that enrolls approximately 840 students in grades 9-12. It is highly competitive in academics, athletics, and the arts. The school offers courses in 13 curricular areas, including 10 Advanced Placement courses recognized by the College Board for college credit. Its music and theater arts departments are respected throughout the state of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. The various Detroit Lakes "Lakers" athletic programs compete statewide in Minnesota State High School League sponsored athletics.

Private Schools

Holy Rosary Catholic School offers K-8 education along with a full-day preschool, charging progressive income-based tuition rates. It was established in 1916 by Holy Rosary Catholic Church and originally serviced by the Benedictine Sisters of Scholastica of Duluth, Minnesota. From 1919-2000, sisters from Mt. Saint Benedict in Crookston, Minnesota served as faculty. Today, all administrative and faculty positions are held by laity, most of which are Roman Catholic. The school has an average annual enrollment of 130 students, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. The school is fully accredited by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Non-Public Schools Accreditation Association. [5]

Libraries

Built in 1913 with a $10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the Detroit Lakes Public Library is a branch of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library Network. Originally 4,142 square feet (384.8 m2) on two floors, the library was designed by the architectural firm of Claude and Stark of Madison, Wisconsin. The building today is on the National Register of Historic Places. Most notably, the building features a Louis Sullivan exterior frieze, lead and stained glass windows and doors, and a completely open and unobstructed interior. The building is also noted for its orange clay-tiled hip roof that is very uncharacteristic of regional construction. In 1985, due to space issues, the city hired Jeffrey Scherer of the architectural firm of Meyer, Scherer, and Rockcastle to design an addition to the original Carnegie building. [6]

Museums

In 1882, the citizens of Becker County recognized the need for preservation of the history of their community by creating the Pioneer Settlers Union. The group, composed of numerous founding residents, worked to preserve the history of their burgeoning community as it was happening. In 1924, this organization was renamed the Becker County Historical Society. Today, the Historical Society operates the Becker County Museum, located in Detroit Lakes across from the Community & Cultural Center. The Museum features a variety of displays and exhibts that couple regional artifacts with historically accurate re-creation pieces. Depicted themes include Native American culture, early pioneer settlement, environmental history, and the documentation of Detroit Lakes community expansion. The most famous exhibit, however, is the preserved and encased body of "Old Three Legs," the three-legged wolf that has become "local legend and lore." [7]

Architecture

National Registry of Historic Places

The City of Detroit Lakes is home to a handful of notable works of architecture and engineering. Numerous area buildings have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Detroit Lakes Carnegie Library of the prairie school architectural style, by architects Claude and Starck and significant of the period from 1900-1924, was added to the register in 1976. The Graystone Hotel, significant of the periods 1900-1924 and 1925-1949, was added in 1999. The Northern Pacific Passenger Depot, also known as the Burlington Northern Depot, significant of the periods 1900-1924 and 1925-1949, was added in 1988. The Homer E. Sargent House on Lake Avenue, currently a privately-owned domestic dwelling of the Queen Anne architectural style and significant of the periods 1875-1899 and 1900-1924, was added to the register in 1988. The Edgewater Beach Cottages, also known as Stovewood Cottages, by architects George Jewell and Frederick Wright and significant of the period 1925-1949, were added in 1989. Fairyland Cottages Historic District on W. Lake Shore Drive, significant of the period 1925-1949, were added to the national registry in 1989. Finally, the Holmes Block (also known as the Opera House Block), including downtown commercial buildings occupying addresses 710-718 Washington Avenue, are significant of various historical periods ranging from 1875 to 1974. The downtown block was added to the registry in 2001. [8]

Business & Industry

A variety of health care services, retail stores, and service businesses are available to area residents. Detroit Lakes has 13 hotels/motels with a total of 321 units. Numerous resorts in the area provide many additional units. The city's downtown offers a 135,000-square-foot (12,500 m2) shopping center, including a large indoor shopping venue, Washington Square Mall. The downtown is compact and features a wide variety of goods and services. Area businesses include three large clothing department stores (JCPenney, Norby's, and Glik's), various gift and specialty shops, insurance and financial services, five major banks, a regional chain grocery store (Central Market), numerous chain and unique restaurants, three national chain discount centers (Wal-Mart Supercenter, Big Kmart, and Pamida), a recently-built Menards home and garden center, a historic performing arts theater, a five-theater cinema, and a number of various businesses servicing tourism, ranging from sporting goods retailers to amusement parks and river tubing companies. Detroit Lakes is also home to many leading manufacturers and industrial businesses. Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

Arts & Entertainment

Historic Holmes Theater

The Historic Holmes Theater, located in the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center, is a recently renovated art deco theater that hosts year-round music, drama and dance performances. With seating for nearly 1,000, the theatre features a wide variety of professional touring shows (including Arlo Guthrie, the New York Theatre Ballet, and the Guthrie Theater), local theater groups (Playhouse 412, Fargo/Moorhead Jazz Arts Group, Wadena Madhatters) and events (wedding receptions, business meetings, and Detroit Lakes' Annual Festival of the Birds). [9]

Religion

Christian Churches

Detroit Lakes is home to a diverse array of Christian churches. Numerous Lutheran churches of various synod affiliations are in the area, including Zion Lutheran Church (LCMS), Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), Hope Lutheran Church (AFLC), First Lutheran Church (ELCA), Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA), Bakke Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lund Lutheran Church (ELCA), Richwood Lutheran Church (ELCA), and Mount Olive and Faith Free independent Lutheran churches. Two Roman Catholic parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston service the area, including Holy Rosary Catholic Community with a parish and parochial school both located downtown on Lake and Washington Avenues, and Saint Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church on County Highway 20. The city is also home to neighboring churches Saint Luke's Episcopal Church of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota and the United Methodist Church, both located just off Highway 10 East on Corbett Road. The historic Congregational Church, affiliated with the United Church of Christ, anchors the corner of Lake Avenue and Holmes Street downtown. Two Baptist churches service the area; Berean and First Baptist churches. Other area Christian churches include Community Alliance Church, Christian Fellowship Church, Assemblies of God, Lake Region Mennonite Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church, and Lakes Area Vineyard Church. [10]

Minnesota Amateur League Baseball

Detroit Lakes Angels

The Detroit Lakes Angels are a recently resurrected Minnesota Amateur Baseball League team that has membership, along with 5 other area teams, in the Hi-10 Conference. The team is composed of "seasoned baseball veterans and young prospects," with the team ranging in age from 18-35. Many players have college-level baseball experience. May 5, 2007 marked the first time the Angels took the field at Washington Ballpark in downtown Detroit Lakes since 1998, as they played host to the Fargo Mets. [11]

Washington Ballpark

Situated on 8.1 acres on Washington Avenue, near the mile-long city beach, Washington Ballpark is an historic stadium facility constructed in the 1920s. The park is currently owned and operated by the City of Detroit Lakes Parks Department. The park plays host to the Detroit Lakes Angels of the Minnesota Amateur Baseball League, as well as Little League Baseball, American Legion Baseball, and the Detroit Lakes High School baseball teams. The park was recently improved with a new concessions building. [12]

Broadcast Media

Radio

Television

  • TV3: Lakes Area Television (News)


TV3 is a "commercial supported cable access television station" that broadcasts out of Detroit Lakes for the regional Arvig Communication Cable System (ACS). According to its website, the cable network airs programs that are "produced locally and feature the people, places, and events of the lakes area." The network claims to be a "fully functioning digital video production studio" that employs "a staff of of creative professionals to produce top quality video products." The network's website further states that it "offers programming for the entire family."

Featured locally-produced programming on TV3 include The Easy Gourmet, Tastefully Home, The Museum Road Show, A Fashion Minute, Backyard Birding, Talkin Trash, Aim For It Fitness, Travel Time, Rules of Golf, Business Profile, Campus Corner, Sound Opinions, I Love the Library, The Detroit Lakes Community Calendar, and local community news programs for the neighboring communities of Frazee, Vergas, and Perham.

ACS provides cable television service to Detroit Lakes area residents. National network affiliate networks from Fargo, North Dakota, are delivered to Detroit Lakes residents by ACS. This includes ABC (WDAY), CBS (KXJB), NBC (KVLY), FOX (KVRR), and Prairie Public Television (KFME), which is a local affiliate of PBS. These Fargo-based networks are also delivered to area subscribers of the leading satellite television providers, and can be transmitted via analog and digital antenna receivers.

Print

  • Detroit Lakes Tribune
  • Becker County Record
  • Lake Area Press


Forum Communications Company of Fargo, North Dakota, owns and operates the Detroit Lakes Newspapers. Three weekly newspapers are delivered to area residents by Detroit Lakes Newspapers, including the Becker County Record, the Detroit Lakes Tribune, and the Lake Area Press. The Lake Area Press and Becker County Record are delivered free of charge to area residents and businesses, and are thus dependent upon advertising for profit. The Detroit Lakes Tribune offers subscription and newsstand purchase options.

Transportation

Passenger Rail

The Detroit Lakes Passenger Amtrak Station is a historic brick/stone structure constructed in 1908. The building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1988. It is located at the intersection of Highway 10 and Washington Avenue in downtown Detroit Lakes. The station is served by the Empire Builder passenger train on its route from Seattle, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois. [13]

Air

With a 4,500-foot (1,400 m) runway, the Detroit Lakes Airport accommodates small planes and helicopters. Located 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Detroit Lakes on Highway 10, the airport features a sod strip and float plane docking area on Long Lake in addition to the 4,500-foot (1,400 m) paved runway. W.O. Enterprises, Inc. manages the airport. [14]

Transit

Lakes Taxi and DL Taxi Services offer mileage-based taxi service to residents and tourists year round. Becker County Transit is a shuttle bus service with limited year round service hours. [15]

Notable natives

References

  1. ^ a b information/main.htm "Community Information for the City of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota". {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help) Cite error: The named reference "city page" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  2. ^ 2006-11-14 "MSCTC General Information". Minnesota State College System. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  3. ^ [www.detroitlakes.com "Detroit Lakes, Minnesota"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  4. ^ "Detroit Lakes Public Schools Info". Detroit Lakes Public Schools. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  5. ^ "Holy Rosary Catholic Community". Holy Rosary Catholic Community. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  6. ^ "Lake Agassiz Regional Library Branch Info". Lake Agassiz Regional Library Network. Retrieved 2007-05-06. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  7. ^ "Becker County Historical Society". Becker County Historical Society. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
  8. ^ "Architecturally Significant Places". National Registry of Historic Places. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
  9. ^ "Historic Holmes Theater". Art Circle of the Lakes. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  10. ^ "Area Churches". Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
  11. ^ "Detroit Lakes Angels Resurrected". Forum Communications. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  12. ^ "Detroit Lakes City Official Website". Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  13. ^ "Train Web". Amtrak. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  14. ^ "Detroit Lakes Airport". City of Detroit Lakes. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
  15. ^ "Visit Detroit Lakes". Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2007-11-13.

46°49′02″N 95°50′43″W / 46.81722°N 95.84528°W / 46.81722; -95.84528

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