Prairie Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota

Prairie Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota

This lake has 8 Layers or 15 Layers for HD Version

Prairie Lake is a 1,016-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake in northwestern Otter Tail County with the charming city of Pelican Rapids abutting the south shoreline, featuring a maximum depth of 22 feet with 79 percent of the lake 15 feet or less in depth, an average depth creating excellent fish habitat, and approximately eight miles of shoreline with the north and east shores extensively developed with homes and cottages. Part of the Otter Tail River Watershed, the lake receives the Pelican River inlet along the northeast shoreline while the outlet flows along the south shoreline through a dam that was modified into a natural-looking rock arch rapids in March 2020, restoring historic fish passage for 29 species of fish and reconnecting over 21 miles of river within the watershed. This significant project led by the Pelican Group of Lakes Improvement District and supported by the Prairie Lake Association improved safety around the lake outlet, provided an environmentally friendly permanent fix to the aging dam, and benefited walleye, northern pike, and other species that can now migrate freely through the Pelican River system. The lake's fertile waters with historical Secchi disk readings ranging from 4 to 12.5 feet support healthy populations of Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and various panfish species creating exceptional fishing opportunities year-round. With a DNR-owned public boat access off State Highway 59 along the southeast shoreline and the immediate watershed composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots, the lake is perfect for fishing, boating, water skiing, kayaking, swimming, and ice fishing while the active Prairie Lake Association works to preserve water quality and manage invasive species for future generations

Located adjacent to Pelican Rapids, a bustling city of 2,500 known as the gateway to beautiful Maplewood State Park and home to the world's largest pelican statue "Pelican Pete" plus a flock of 38 different pelican statues scattered throughout the area, Prairie Lake sits in the heart of Otter Tail County which boasts 1,048 lakes—more than any other county in the United States. Pelican Rapids was named for the rapids in the Pelican River that flows through town, and the area gained international recognition when the remains of "Minnesota Girl" (now called Glacial Minnesota Woman) were discovered near the city in 1931, dated at approximately 11,000 BC making them some of the oldest Native American remains found in North America. The surrounding region offers exceptional outdoor recreation including nearby Maplewood State Park just eight miles east on Highway 108 with 9,250 acres featuring eight major lakes, 25 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, plus camping facilities and stunning views from Hallaway Hill overlooking South Lida Lake. Visitors can explore the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail with 275 bird species in the Minnesota zone including stops at Maplewood State Park, paddle the gentle Pelican River with equipment from Pelican Paddle Company, bike or hike the 32-mile Heart of the Lakes Trail connecting Perham and Pelican Rapids through Maplewood State Park, visit Thea's Pumpkin Patch with 8 acres in autumn, golf at historic Birchwood Golf Course founded in 1930 (one of Minnesota's 100 oldest courses), and enjoy unique downtown shopping and dining including Brew Ales & Eats with famous Gouda pickles, Blarney Stone Pub serving incredible creamed cabbage, and the Pelican Rapids Farmers Market featuring farm-fresh produce and artisanal goods. The area hosts the annual International Friendship Festival celebrating the community's wonderful cultural diversity, provides access to over 100 miles of snowmobile trails, and serves as the perfect base for exploring Otter Tail County's legendary 1,048 lakes, charming small towns like Fergus Falls, Battle Lake, and Perham, plus endless year-round recreation where rolling prairie lands meet pristine Minnesota lake country

This beautifully handcrafted laser-cut wooden topographical map of Prairie Lake would make a charming addition to your Pelican Rapids lake home, Otter Tail County cabin, or office, celebrating your connection to this historic fertile lake at the heart of the city with the world's largest pelican. The artistic design features a natural wood top layer that perfectly frames the lake's 1,016-acre basin with approximately eight miles of shoreline including the extensively developed north and east shores, the Pelican River inlet flowing from the northeast, and the outlet along the south shore featuring the innovative 2020 rock arch rapids that restored fish passage and reconnected 21 miles of river habitat. The water depths are represented through a gentle gradient flowing from light blue in the shallow areas where 79 percent of the lake remains 15 feet or less to slightly deeper blue at the 22-foot maximum depth, while every bay, the DNR public boat access off Highway 59, distinctive features, and the dam/rapids location are precisely laser-etched into the multi-layered wood construction. This three-dimensional piece of wall art beautifully captures the fertile character, fish passage restoration heritage, and community spirit of this beloved northwestern Otter Tail County lake where Pelican Rapids residents and visitors enjoy exceptional fishing, boating, and year-round recreation in the county with more lakes than anywhere else in America near the ancient discovery site of 11,000-year-old Glacial Minnesota Woman

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"

HD Extra Large: 20"x30" - 15 Layers

HD XX Large: 24"x36" - 15 Layers

HD Gigantic 30"x45" - 15 Layers

The difference between standard and HD maps is the number of layers. Standard maps have 1 land layer and 7 water layers. " The HD lake maps have 1 land layer and 14 water layers. So twice the detail. The HD Maps are limited to Extra Large, " XX Large, and Gigantic sizes only. On the smaller sizes the depth change of the wood is too extreme and you end up losing detail."