Fergus Falls, MN

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Fergus Falls, is located in the West Central Minnesota lakes country, near the Red River Valley. We are approximately 180 miles northwest of Minneapolis, 25 miles east of the North Dakota border of Breckenridge and Wahpeton and 55 miles from Fargo/Moorhead area.

Fergus Falls has five exits off of I-94. Rich rolling farmland, wooded hills and over 1,000 lakes combine to make both agriculture and tourism valued industries in Otter Tail County.

The history of Fergus Falls began in 1857 when Joe Whitford was sent by his employer, James Fergus, to locate a site for a new community. Along the way he encountered an Indian family who told him of a location where there was a big falls or rapids. After locating the rapids, Whitford staked out a town site at the big falls and named it Fergus Falls in honor of his employer.

In 1870, George B. Wright purchased the town site for just over $100.00 with a vision of creating Fergus Falls as a regional trade center. He built a dam on the river to power a sawmill. From that time on, the building in Fergus Falls was limited only by the ability of the mill to furnish lumber. On March 1, 1872, Fergus Falls was chartered as an official village of the State of Minnesota and the County Seat of Otter Tail County.

Fergus Falls is now a community of approximately 13,000 people and we offer many opportunities with the arts, sporting events and the natural beauty of our trails and prairie. With acres of available industrial, commercial and residential property and the support of economic development services, the City of Fergus Falls is prepared to meet the needs of developing and expanding businesses.

Many honors have been bestowed on our community including being recognized as a “Tree City USA” since 1978, making us not only the first, but the longest standing “Tree City” in Minnesota. We have received recognition from the Governor’s office as a Fit City as well. The 22 parks covering over 600 acres of maintained park land around the city provide many opportunities for our residents and visitors to enjoy.

Fergus Falls has a scenic five-block walking path along the Otter Tail River near our downtown area. Five lakes lie within the city limits and over 1,000 lakes are less than one hour’s driving time away. The clear lakes in Otter Tail County provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and water sports.