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| Fergus Falls (city) | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2000-2010 Change | |
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| Actual | Percent | ||||||
| Population | 12,443 | 12,519 | 12,362 | 13,471 | 13,138 | -333 | -2.47 |
| Land Area (sq. mile) | 6.80 | 8.51 | 9.74 | 13.06 | 13.06 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Density (persons per sq. mile) | 1,829.85 | 1,471.09 | 1,269.20 | 1,031.49 | 1,005.97 | -25.52 | -2.48 |
| Housing Units | 4,134 | 4,927 | 5,385 | 5,909 | 6,342 | +433 | +7.33 |
| Households | -- | 4,686 | 5,080 | 5,633 | 5,814 | +181 | +3.21 |
| Persons Per Household | -- | 2.44 | 2.29 | 2.25 | 2.26 | +0.01 | +0.44 |
Fergus Falls is a city in and the county seat of Otter Tail County, Minnesota. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.37 square miles (39.81 km2), of which 14.11 square miles (36.54 km2) is land and 1.26 square miles (3.26 km2) is water. Interstate 94 / U.S. Route 52 / U.S. Route 59 and Minnesota State Highway 210 (co-signed) and County Highways 1, 82 and 88 are the main routes in Fergus Falls. The elevation is 1,181 ft (360 m) above sea level.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
As of the census of 2010, there were 13,138 people, 5,814 households, and 3,262 families residing in the city. The population density was 931.1 inhabitants per square mile (359.5/km2). There were 6,342 housing units at an average density of 449.5 per square mile (173.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.5% White, 1.1% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.
There were 5,814 households of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.0% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.9% were non-families. 38.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.84.
The median age in the city was 43.4 years. 21.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 22.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.
Visit The
Minnesota History Shop! |
FERGUS FALLS, platted in August 1870, on a site that had been selected and named in 1857, was incorporated as a village February 29, 1872, and as a city March 3, 1881. Within the city limits, along a course of about three miles, the Otter Tail River descends nearly 70 feet, having originally comprised here a nearly continuous series of rapids, flowing over boulders of the glacial drift. The county seat was first located in 1868 at Otter Tail City and was removed to Fergus Falls in the later part of 1872. The township of this name, which included the north half of the present city area, was organized June 29, 1870.
The first permanent settler was Ernest Buse, who came in 1865 and became the first mayor; George Burdick Wright of Minneapolis, who came in 1867 and built a dam in 1870 and a sawmill and flour mill in 1871, was instrumental in the development of the community. The site was platted in August 1870 by George Wright. The post office began in 1870, with H. N. Hannigson (Henreich Hanigsen) as first postmaster.
James Fergus, for whom the township and city were named, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, October 8, 1813. "At the age of nineteen he came to America with the idea of improving his fortune. He located in Canada at first, where he spent three years and learned the trade of millwright. . . . In 1854 he removed to Little Falls, Minnesota, and, in company with C. A. Tuttle, built a dam across the Mississippi and platted a village. Here he remained for two or three years. During the townsite speculation fever, in the winter of 1856 and 1857, Joseph Whitford, a blacksmith and steamboat engineer, a natural frontiersman, possessed of uncommon courage, energy and prudence, proposed to go out and take up a townsite at what was known as Graham's Point, on the Red [Otter Tail] river. Mr. Fergus furnished the necessary outfit for this expedition. Procuring a dog train and a half-breed guide, Whitford went to Graham's Point and staked out a town. On their way back, at Red river, an Indian family told them of a better place for a town twenty miles distant. Leaving his half-breed to recruit, Whitford took an Indian as a guide and went to the place designated and staked off what is now Fergus Falls, the name being given by the exploring party in honor of the man who had furnished the outfit for the expedition. Mr. Fergus himself never visited the place.
"In 1862 Mr. Fergus drove his own team from Little Falls, Minnesota, to Bannock, Montana territory. He became quite prominent in territorial affairs and was influential in the organization of the new county of Madison in that territory, and held many positions of trust and responsibility. He served two terms in the Montana legislature, and was a member of the constitutional convention of 1887" (History of Otter Tail County, 1916, pp. 479, 480). Fergus County in Montana was named in his honor. He died near Lewistown in that county, June 25, 1902.
Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
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Fergus Falls City Hall 112 W Washington Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 332-5400 Fax: (218) 332-5449
Regular Business Hours: City Council Meetings:
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| Title | Term Ends | Name and Address | Phone | |
| Mayor | 12/31/2024 |
Ben Schierer 320 W Vernon Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 332-5445 |
| City Administrator | appointed |
Andrew Bremseth 112 W Washington Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 332-5403 |
| Finance Manager | appointed | William Sonmor 112 W Washington Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 332-5407 |
| Council Member - First Ward | 12/31/2022 |
Krista Hagberg 622 E Gustavus Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 332-0332 |
| Council Member - First Ward | 12/31/2024 |
Jim Fish 3514 Pebble Shores Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 205-4327 |
| Council Member - Second Ward | 12/31/2022 |
Scott Kvamme 702 E Lakeside Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 739-5813 |
| Council Member - Second Ward | 12/31/2024 |
Tom Rufer 507 E Beech Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 394-7663 |
| Council Member - Third Ward | 12/31/2022 |
Justin Arneson 1024 Circle Lane Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 531-9564 |
| Council Member - Third Ward | 12/31/2024 |
Brent Thompson 1008 W Lincoln Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 640-6066 |
| Council Member - Fourth Ward | 12/31/2022 |
Karoline Gustafson 706 W Summit Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 531-9148 |
| Council Member - Fourth Ward | 12/31/2024 |
Anthony Hicks 510 W Cavour Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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(218) 731-5121 |
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US Post Office 1011 Western Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-4714 Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS
Regular Business Hours:   |
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| Utility Type | Utility Name | Utility Phone |
| Electricity | Otter Tail Power Co | (218) 736-6947 |
| Natural Gas | Great Plains Natural Gas Co | (218) 736-6935 |
| Wastewater | City of Fergus Falls | (218) 332-5400 |
| Water | City of Fergus Falls | (218) 332-5400 |
| Telephone | CenturyLink | (800) 244-1111 |
| Cable TV | Charter Communications | (800) 581-0081 |
| Employer | Products/Services | Employees |
| Lake Region Hospital | General Medical & Surgical Hospitals | 610 |
| Otter Tail County | Other General Government Suppt. | 397 |
| Otter Tail Power Company | Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation | 362 |
| Fergus Falls Public Schools | Elementary & Secondary Schools | 306 |
| Fergus Falls Medical Group PA | Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists | 281 |
| Pioneer Home Inc | Nursing Care Facilities | 249 |
| Northern Contours | Wood Window & Door Mfg. | 242 |
| LB Homes | Nursing Care Facilities | 206 |
| ShoreMaster Inc | All Other Misc. Fabricated Metal Prod. Mfg. | 149 |
| Quality Circuits Inc | Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Mfg. | 145 |
| Minnesota Veterans Home | Nursing Care Facilities | 140 |
| City of Fergus Falls | Other General Government Suppt. | 132 |
| Lakeland Mental Health Center | Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Abuse Centers | 126 |
| Minnesota State Community/Technical College | Colleges, Universities, & Prof. Schools | 123 |
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View Larger Map |
Minnesota State
Highway Map of the Fergus Falls Minnesota area
| See the Visit Fergus Falls calendar for detailed information on events in the Fergus Falls area | |
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Phelps Mill
Festival The Phelps Mill Festival, held yearly on the second weekend in July, brings together both artists and artisans in a display of various high quality works. Adding to the intrigue of the peaceful setting of the Park is the participation of guest performers appearing on stage and around the grounds. American and ethnic foods, served by nonprofit groups from around Otter Tail County, compliment the festive atmosphere. |
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Check Out
The Minnesota
History Shop! Good Goods and
Great Gifts! |
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Otter Tail County Historical
Museum 1110 West Lincoln Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-6038 Web: www.otchs.org The Otter Tail County Historical Museum is recognized as one of the best local history museums in Minnesota. From authentically recreated dioramas and period rooms to creative hands-on activities, the museum is a unique cultural and educational resource in Otter Tail County. |
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Otter Trail Scenic Byway This 150 mile "loop" features an area rich in tradition and beauty from more than 1,000 lakes and wildlife-filled wetlands to 19th century flour mills and spectacular roadside scenery. A scenic byway is designated for its cultural, historical or natural significance. One of Minnesota¹s 20 byways the Otter Trail Scenic Byway includes 23 sites, several with interpretive signs and many with trails, picnic facilities and opportunities to view wildlife. |
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| Phelps Mill
A unique, very picturesque spot in the country is Phelps Mill. Old Phelps Mill played a proud role in the development of agricultural history in Otter Tail County in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. |
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Prairie Wetlands
Learning Center 602 State Highway 210 East Fergus Falls, MN 56537- 4217 Phone: (218) 998-4480 Located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center is the first residential environmental education center operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and focuses on the understanding of prairies and wetlands. The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center sits on the Townsend Waterfowl Production Area, a 330 acre tract just outside Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The site includes both native unbroken and restored prairie, over twenty wetlands and an oak savannah. Over 180 species of birds have been identified at the Center, as well as a wide variety of native prairie grasses and forbs |
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Central Lakes
Trail Get out and enjoy the beautiful gem known as the Central Lakes Trail! It begins at the southeast edge of Fergus Falls and is available for all to enjoy. This 14 foot wide, 55 mile long, nearly level, paved trail is a superb asset for residents of the region as well as visitors. It is one of the nicest paved trail corridors in the state. You will likely feel like you are in a narrow park that just keeps going on and on. The trail is open to non-motorized visitors with the exception of snowmobiles during the winter season. It is great for walking, running, bicycling, in-line skating, roller skiing, wheelchairs, etc. No fees are charged! |
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Pebble Lake Golf
Course 1918 Pebble Lake Golf Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-7404 Web: www.playpebblelake.com Pebble Lake Golf Club has been a lakes area favorite since opening in 1941. We offer 18 holes of championship golf with rolling terrain, tree lined fairways and some of the best and fastest greens around. The layout offers challenges, yet playability for golfers of all skill levels. |
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| Lake Name | Size (acres) |
Lake info | Lake Map | Rec Map | Topo Map |
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Alice |
31 |
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| Chautauqua | 229 |
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| Dayton Hollow Reservoir | 227 |
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| Devils | 348 |
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| Fish | 1,078 |
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| Hoot | 161 |
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| Horseshoe | n/a |
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| Iverson | 54 |
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| Jewett | 737 |
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| Larson | 45 |
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| Long | 767 |
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| One Mile | 36 |
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| Opperman | 84 |
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| Orwell | 608 |
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| Pebble | 169 |
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| Spring | 47 |
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| Swan | 689 |
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| Wall | 683 |
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| Wright | 66 |
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Fergus Falls VA Outpatient Clinic - Veterans Home 1821 North Park Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-1400 Fax: (218) 739-1401 |
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| Lake Region
Healthcare 712 S Cascade Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-8000 |
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Lake Region Healthcare Clinic 615 S Cascade Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-8000 |
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| Lakeland Mental
Health Center 21081 County Road 1 615 S Cascade Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-6987 |
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Fergus Falls
Public Schools 1519 Pebble Lake Road Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 998-0544 Fax: (218) 998-3952 Web: www.fergusfalls.k12.mn.us |
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Fergus Falls High School 502 Friberg Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 998-0544 Fax: (218) 998-3947 Grades:
9-12 |
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Fergus Falls Middle School 601 Randolph Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 998-0544 Fax: (218) 998-3947 Grades:
6-8 |
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Adams Elementary School 301 W. Bancroft Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 998-0544 Fax: (218) 998-3961 Grades:
1-2 |
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Cleveland
Elementary School 919 Northern Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 998-0544 Fax: (218) 998-3945 Grades:
3-5 |
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McKinley
Elementary School 724 W. Laurel Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 998-0544 Fax: (218) 998-0547 Grades:
PK & K |
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Augustana
Lutheran Church 308 E Douglas Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-7724 Fax: (218) 736-5308 Web: www.augustanalutheran.org
Pastor: Rev. Paul Hadland |
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Bethel Lutheran Church 702 W Alcott Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-5654 Fax: (218) 739-0369 Web: www.bethellbc.org
Pastor: Rev. David Foss |
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Bethlehem Lutheran
Church 102 W Junius Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-5614 Fax: (218) 736-5615 Web: www.bethlehemff.org
Pastor: Rev. Paul H. Nelson |
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Church of the Nazarene 1319 N Cleveland Avenue · Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-2764 · Fax: (218) 739-9374 Web: www.ffnaz.org Pastor: Steve Hoffman |
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Federated Church 224 N Union Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-3227 Fax: (218) 739-9656 Web: www.federatedff.org
Pastor: Rev. Douglas Dent |
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First Baptist Church 629 E Channing Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-3391 Fax: (218) 739-3392 Web: www.joyatfbc.org
Pastor: Rev. Ned Eerdmans |
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| First Lutheran Church Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 515 Western Avenue N Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-6926
Pastor: n/a |
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Life Church 901 County Highway 116 Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-3886 Web: www.fflife.us Pastor: Patrick Herzog |
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St. James
Episcopal Church 321 South Lakeside Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-6736 Fax: (218) 736-3600 Web: www.stjamesepiscopal.net
Pastor: n/a |
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Trinity Lutheran
Church and School |
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Woodland Baptist
Church 220 Skogmo Blvd. Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-4776 Web: www.woodlandbaptistff.org
Pastor: Rob Kelley |
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Fergus Falls
Daily Journal 914 E. Channing Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-7511 Fax: (218) 736-5919 Web: www.fergusfallsjournal.com |
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Lakes
Radio-KBRF/KZCR/KJJK PO Box 495 Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0495 Phone: (218) 736-7596 Fax: (218) 736-2836 Web: www.lakesradiobargainline.com |
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Wild Country Radio 128 West Junius Fergus Falls, MN 56537 (218) 739-9999 Fax: (218) 847-7657 Web: www.wild1041.com |
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Americas Best Value Inn Fergus Falls 610 Western Avenue Fergus Falls, MN, 56537 Phone: (218) 739-3311 Fax: (218) 739-4742 Web: www.americasbestvalueinn.com Our hotel offers unbeatable service, an attentive 24-hour front desk staff, and competitive rates. Our smoke-free hotel features an on-site guest laundry facility and free daily continental breakfast. Free wireless high-speed Internet access is available in our guest rooms and common areas. Our comfortable guest rooms offer a coffeemaker, hairdryer, cable TV with HBO, desk with lamp, table with chairs, and free local calls. |
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AmericInn
Lodge & Suites 526 Western Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-3900 Toll Free: (866) 736-5452 Fax: (218) 736-0742 Web: www.americinnfergusfalls.com Relax and recharge at the AmericInn Fergus Falls hotel. Enjoy freshly baked cookies daily and 24 hour coffee with flavored syrups. Monday through Thursday join us from 5pm - 7pm for our Guest Reception and enjoy free appetizers and refreshments. Relax in our pool recreation area with indoor pool, hot tub & sauna. Recharge in the morning with our AmericInn Perk hot breakfast. Enjoy a quiet night's rest knowing you are staying at the quietest hotel in the industry with our AmericInn SoundGuard™ construction. We're also a pet friendly hotel in Fergus Falls - just remember to call ahead for reservations with a pet. |
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Best Western The Falls Inn & Suites 925 Western Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-2211 Toll Free: (800) 293-2216 Web: www.bestwestern.com/thefallsinnandsuites Guests staying at this Fergus Falls hotel will enjoy guest rooms or suites that are tastefully decorated, feature cable satellite television with HBO® and free high-speed Internet access and some with balconies, kitchenettes or a whirlpool. A complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning. Dining for lunch or dinner could not be easier or more convenient with the hotel's Z103 Bar and Grill. After a long day, guests are welcome to take a refreshing dip in this hotel's large indoor swimming pool or work out in the fully equipped exercise facility. |
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Comfort Inn 425 Western Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-5787 Fax: (218) 736-2640 Web: www.comfortinn.com
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| Jewel
Motel 1602 Pebble Lake Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-5430 |
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| Motel 7 616 Frontier Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 736-2554 |
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Super 8
Motel 2454 College Way Fergus Falls, MN Phone: (218) 739-3261 Toll Free: (800) 800-8000 Web: www.super8.com
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Swan Lake Resort 17463 County Highway 29 Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Toll Free: (800) 697-4626 Web: www.swanlkresort.com We have five cabins and each is a bit different so that we can try to fit your needs as much as possible. We make sure that they are spotlessly clean and make every effort to keep them as well stocked and comfortable as possible. It's amenities such as microwaves, firm mattresses, TV/DVD's, lots of soft, hot water and decks or porches overlooking the lake that make cabins memorable. |
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Elks Point Campground Located off I-94 in West Central Minnesota, in the heart of the lakes country. Open May 1st to Sept 30th. 25 acres of fun and relaxation on beautiful Wall Lake, 7 miles east of Fergus Falls, MN on Hwy 210. Lakeside camping (some directly on the lakeshore) on oak-shaded grounds with water & electrical hookups, dump station, fire pits, picnic tables ,flush toilets, showers, docks, swimming beach, boat landing, great fishing & small playground. |
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