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is a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and the county seat of Becker County. The city's population was estimated at 8,030 in 2007 by the United States Census Bureau. Its unofficial population during summer months is much higher due to seasonal residents and tourists, climbing to an estimated 30,000. From 1990 to 2000, the city experienced approximately 11% population growth.
U.S. Routes 10 and 59, and Minnesota State Highway 34 serve as the primary arterial 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 300,000 is Minneapolis-St.Paul, which is approximately 205 miles southeast of Detroit Lakes.
Detroit Lakes is a regional summer and winter recreation destination, attracting large amounts of tourists and seasonal residents each year. Its economy is fueled by seasonal population increases, with tourism being the area's chief industry along with agriculture.
The city of Detroit Lakes was founded by Colonel George Johnston in 1871. The city grew quickly with the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1877, an election finally decided that Detroit Lakes, then known as Detroit, was to become the county seat. Detroit won the election by a ninety percent majority. The nearby cities of Frazee, Lake Park, and Audubon were also in the running for the county seat. By 1884, Detroit Lakes had many businesses, including the Hotel Minnesota, the Lakes Hotel, a bank, a newspaper, and an opera house. The first county courthouse was built in Detroit Lakes that year also.