Otter Tail County claims over 1,000 lakes within its borders, and five of those are entirely within the Fergus Falls city limits. The county is one of the most popular lake-country destinations in Minnesota for fishing, boating, and summer cabin stays, though it draws far less attention than the more famous lake districts further east and north.
Walleye is the principal sport fish and draws serious anglers from across the Midwest. Bass, northern pike, and panfish are also common. Most lakes have public boat launches and some have supervised swimming beaches. Canoe and kayak rentals are available in town. The rolling terrain between the lakes — a landscape shaped by glacial moraines — makes good cycling country when the weather allows.