Attractions and Places To See in Douglas County - Top 8
Best attractions and places to see in Douglas County include a variety of outdoor and historical sites. This region features 8 distinct places to explore, ranging from state park trails to significant historical landmarks. Visitors can find opportunities for hiking and cycling, alongside cultural points of interest. The area offers diverse experiences for those interested in both natural landscapes and local history.
Best attractions and places to see in Douglas County
- The most popular attractions is Trailhead of the Lake…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
The "Trump Tower" of Evansville
Highlight • Structure
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Trailhead of the Lake Carlos State Park Hiking Club Trail
Highlight • Trail
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Probable location of the Kensington Runestone
Highlight • Historical Site
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Evansville historical buildings
Highlight • Historical Site
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Trailheads of Central Lakes and the Lake Wobegon
Highlight • Trail
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Osagi Park
Highlight • Rest Area
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Big Ole statue
Highlight • Monument
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Brandon Auditorium built by the CCC
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
They really built up this county park, it has a small museum with air conditioning, running water bathrooms, a big meeting room, etc. Lots of miles of hiking/skiing trails. A big sledding hill. I was really impressed and hope someday to get back an explore more of it. They just need a campground!
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This is in the middle of the town of Osakis. The meeting of the Centrail Lakes bike trail and the Lake Wobegon bike trail. That was the end of the biking for me for the trip, but I'll be back to do the Lake Wobegon at some point.
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This is Big Ole. When I was trying to find another place to start the Central Lake bike trails, I saw on the map Big Ole Park, which I thought was funny, because I was reading it as Big Ol' Park, but it Ole, like Sven and Ole jokes. Anyway, here he is, happy to pose with you for pictures.
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A City Hall / Auditorium built by the WPA. Quite a unique structure. A lot of rock went into this. Feels almost like it should be in a state park.
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Nice little neighborhood of historic buildings, maybe two blocks from the Central Lakes bike trail. Worth a quick cruise over. Some different historic building techniques like this root cellar and the house dug into the side of a hill.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has developed a Hiking Club program that features a trail in each of its 68 state parks and recreational areas (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/clubs.html). Sometimes the trailhead for these hikes can be tricky to find, so here is the trailhead for the Lake Carlos State Park Hiking Club trail. There is a marker with a password somewhere along the length of the trail, but I am not going to reveal that. You have to find it yourself!
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Little park with shelters, playground, and nice lakeside views. There are flush toilets, but when I was there they were leaking, so the floor was quite wet.
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I took these pictures of this grain elevator while on the trail because it appeared to have been converted into a domicile. Can you imagine my surprise when I got home and this interesting story titled "Taking the elevator up to ‘Trump Tower’ living" published in the November 14, 2015 issue of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "A mere $184,900 buys you the very essence of rural life in a Minnesota farm town: the grain elevator in Evansville, pop. 550 or so. The 63-foot-tall elevator has been converted into a five-floor house with central air and sweeping views of the hardware store, a lumber yard, the gas station, Gee-O’s Lounge and Mac’s Diner. “It’s the Trump Tower of Evansville,” said Richard Lundeen, the Edina Realty agent selling one of Minnesota’s more extreme properties". There is so much to learn on a komoot adventure!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I find in Douglas County?
Douglas County offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focused on trails and parks. You can explore hiking trails, such as the one accessible from the Trailhead of the Lake Carlos State Park Hiking Club Trail, which is part of the Minnesota DNR's program. Cycling is also popular, with trailheads like the Trailheads of Central Lakes and the Lake Wobegon offering access to extensive bike paths.
Are there historical sites to visit in Douglas County?
Yes, Douglas County is rich in history. A notable site is the Probable location of the Kensington Runestone, which features a small museum and trails. You can also explore Evansville historical buildings, a neighborhood showcasing unique historic building techniques, and the Brandon Auditorium built by the CCC, a significant man-made monument.
What are some family-friendly attractions in Douglas County?
Many attractions in Douglas County are suitable for families. Osagi Park provides a playground, shelters, and lakeside views. The Probable location of the Kensington Runestone offers a museum and trails for all ages, including a sledding hill for winter fun. The Trailhead of the Lake Carlos State Park Hiking Club Trail is also considered family-friendly.
Are there any parks with facilities in Douglas County?
Yes, Osagi Park is a great option, offering shelters, a playground, and lakeside views. It also has flush toilets available for visitors. The area around the Probable location of the Kensington Runestone also features a park with a small museum and running water bathrooms.
Where can I find good viewpoints or scenic spots in Douglas County?
For scenic views, Osagi Park offers nice lakeside vistas. While not explicitly a viewpoint, the various trails throughout the county, such as those accessed from the Trailhead of the Lake Carlos State Park Hiking Club Trail, provide opportunities to experience the natural landscapes.
What unique man-made monuments can I see in Douglas County?
Douglas County features several interesting man-made monuments. You can visit the Big Ole statue, a prominent local landmark. Additionally, the Brandon Auditorium built by the CCC is a historical structure, and the "Trump Tower" of Evansville is another unique man-made sight.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Douglas County?
The Brandon Auditorium built by the CCC is noted as being wheelchair accessible, providing an inclusive historical site experience.
What are the best seasons for outdoor activities in Douglas County?
While specific weather data isn't provided, generally, spring, summer, and fall are ideal for hiking and cycling on trails like those at Lake Carlos State Park or the Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon trails. Winter offers opportunities for activities like skiing and sledding, particularly at the park surrounding the Probable location of the Kensington Runestone.
Can I find long-distance cycling trails in Douglas County?
Yes, Douglas County is home to significant cycling infrastructure. The Trailheads of Central Lakes and the Lake Wobegon in Osakis mark the meeting point of two major bike trails, offering extensive routes for cyclists.
What is the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hiking Club Trail in Lake Carlos State Park?
The Trailhead of the Lake Carlos State Park Hiking Club Trail provides access to a specific route that is part of the Minnesota DNR's Hiking Club program. This program features a unique trail in each of its state parks, encouraging visitors to explore different natural areas.
What can I expect at the Probable location of the Kensington Runestone?
Beyond its historical significance, the Probable location of the Kensington Runestone offers a well-developed county park. It includes a small museum, modern bathrooms, extensive hiking and skiing trails, and even a large sledding hill, making it a versatile destination.
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