Battle Lake , Minnesota

We are thinking of spending some time in the Battle Lake area early this October. My husband%26#39;s family vacationed on Battle Lake years ago, and we have always been curious about it. We have spent very little time in Minnesota at all and will be in the Twin Cities for a conference, so this is our chance.

Any advice about early October weather, activities for nature lovers, comfortable %26amp; quiet, well-appointed accommodations, places with really good food made with local ingredients, preferably by local businesspeople as opposed to chain restaurants? We don%26#39;t mind a drive within the area to appealing sites and eateries.

If Battle Lake is not the place where we should spend our time, what about other lakes in the region or within striking distance of Minneapolis/St Paul?

Many thanks for your insights.

Battle Lake , Minnesota

It will likely be full color in early October, but can be cool so dress warmly. Fishing should still be good up there. It is beautiful to drive up 94 and across to Battle Lake on 78.

There is a good restaurant with homestyle barbeque on Ottertail Lake.

Around the Twin Cites and in the Twin Cites are hundreds of lakes. In fact, in Otter Tail County alone, there are one thousand lakes - the most of any county in the nation. Stillwater, and Wayzata are especially beautiful.

Penny from Shoreview, MN

Battle Lake , Minnesota

October is one of the best times to visit the cities. The colors often peak mid- to late-October, making the trails, drives and hikes an amazing experience. You could easily spend time in the cities and fill up your agenda. My recommendation is if you%26#39;d like the urban green experience, spend your time in the city. If you want to get away from it all, head out of town.

The cities have tons of lakes and trails (paved %26amp; unpaved)...

Chain of Lakes - they%26#39;re all connected by trails %26amp; roads, with rentals %26amp; eating establishments

Theodore Wirth Park - in the city with great golfing, trails, bog %26amp; flower sanctuary

Mississippi River - River Road Parkway (east %26amp; west, in the city), Minnehaha Park, St Anthony Main (both sides of the river)

And all the city parks - http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/

Some of the locally sustainable restaurants that I%26#39;m aware of (it%26#39;s my new thing now):

Craftsman (one of my favorites!)

Jay%26#39;s Cafe

Heartland

Muffuletta

Corner Table

French Meadow

Signature Cafe

112 eatery - don%26#39;t know if it%26#39;s LS, but it is incredible %26amp; locally owned, affordable too

And here%26#39;s a recent article on this - http://www.twincities.com/ci_8946012

...Along with lots to see just outside of town:

St Croix River - Interstate Park, Taylors Falls, Stillwater, Afton (town %26amp; state park)

Mississippi River - Great River Road Scenic Highway to Red Wing, Stockholm (WI), Lake City

IF you did decide to head toward Battle Lake, I CAN tell you the Alexandria area is nice with lots to do. It%26#39;s on the way... we spent a long weekend there camping/fishing at Lake Carlos State Park, tasting at Carlos Creek Winery (the best tasting we%26#39;ve had in the area) and antiquing in Alexandria. I have a friend who loves fishing at BL, but it doesn%26#39;t sound like they do much else there.

Whew - with all that... maybe think about your options and narrow it down to get some lodging recommendations?

Battle Lake can be lovely that time of year and there are tons of lakes there too. Stub%26#39;s has great food and their fish was wonderful...owned by a local last I was there a few years back. Madsens is nearby I think too. There are tons of resorts in that area, just google it.

I know in Detroit Lakes they have a lovely new lodge right on Big Detroit: http://www.thelodgeonlakedetroit.com/

There are also several other resorts in the area too. But that is a good hour or so away from Battle Lake. If you%26#39;d like a quieter, less populated area, Battle Lake or Detroit Lakes is a good one.