Founded
1872
About Perham
Heart of Lake Country. Explore local events, lakeside living, and a thriving small-town community.
Community Overview
In 1871, Josiah Perham had a vision of taking a railroad from Lake Superior to the Pacific coast. Once the Northern Pacific Railroad entered Otter Tail County in September 1871, settlers followed. The original townsite was laid out in June 1872 with the first wooden buildings. The village was platted March 6, 1873 and officially named Perham in March 1877. It was incorporated by the 22nd Session of the State Legislature on February 14, 1881.
Incorporated
February 14, 1881
County
Otter Tail County
Named After
Josiah Perham, first president of the Northern Pacific Railroad
Historic City Hall
Built in 1906, designed by Minneapolis architect Fremont D. Orff. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Originally served as council chambers, fire station, jail, and community gathering space. Renovated in 1993 to house city administrative offices.
Downtown & Location
Perham's downtown district is a walkable core of shops, services, and local gathering spots surrounded by lake-country neighborhoods and quick access to regional highways.
Brewing Heritage
Peter Schroeder built a brewery near the Otter Tail River in 1876. In the mid-1880s, brewmaster Andrew Fellerer—trained at Pabst Brewing Company in Milwaukee—joined Schroeder and created WonderBrew, a celebrated lager whose label proclaimed it "The Beer that Makes Milwaukee Jealous" until a Milwaukee company sued. The brewery operated until 1915 under various names. In 2023, a restored oak vat from the original Northern Pacific Brewery was installed at Disgruntled Brewing, where Andrew Fellerer's great-grandson Doug Huebsch is one of the owners.
Community Stats
Population
3,708
2024 estimate
Median Age
35
Area
3.6 sq mi
Population Growth
0.9-1.5% annually
Racial Composition
80.8%
White (Non-Hispanic)
14.6%
Hispanic
2.5%
Two or More Races
2.0%
Black / African American
0.1%
Asian
Economics & Cost of Living
Median Household Income
$47,088
Avg Household Income
$62,100
Median Property Value
$186,000
Median Rent
$813/mo
Homeownership Rate
54.5%
Avg Commute
12.5 minutes
Global Reach
Products made in Perham are exported to over 20 countries worldwide.
Housing Incentives
The city offers housing incentives for qualified buyers, including the SHRIMP Grant (up to $5,000) and TIF assistance (up to $15,000).
Economic Development
Contact Nick Murdock, Perham Economic Development Director
(218) 346-9798 · nmurdock@cityofperham.com
Major Employers
Arvig
Telecommunications
900
employees
KLN Family Brands / Tuffy's Pet Foods
Pet food & candy manufacturing
750
employees
Shearer's Foods
Snack food manufacturing
225
employees
Perham-Dent Public Schools
Education
210
employees
Perham Health
Healthcare
150
employees
Kit Masters
Manufacturing
125
employees
Kenny's Candies
Candy manufacturing
121
employees
Bongard's Creameries
Dairy processing
115
employees
Industrial Finishing Services
Manufacturing services
80
employees
Education
Perham-Dent Public School District
1,687 students across 4 schools. Student-teacher ratio: 15.82:1. Niche grade: A-.
- • Heart of the Lake Elementary
- • Prairie Wind Middle School
- • Perham High School
- • Perham Early Childhood Program
Superintendent: Mitch Anderson
https://perhamschools.org →Healthcare
Perham Health
- • Perham Health Hospital (25-bed acute care, opened 2012)
- • Perham Health Clinic
- • Perham Health New York Mills Clinic
- • Perham Health Ottertail Clinic
- • Perham Living (96-bed skilled nursing)
- • Nelson Therapy Center
- • Pharmacy
Specialties: Cardiology, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Orthopedics, Oncology, Behavioral Health, Surgery, Dermatology.
https://www.perhamhealth.org →Recreation
Community Center (PACC)
Perham Area Community Center (PACC) — 140,000 sq ft with pool, water slide, therapy pool, weight rooms, cardio area, gyms, indoor track, roller skating rink, Adventure Land, sauna
Golf
Perham Lakeside Golf Club — Est. 1946. 27-hole championship course (Maple, Oak, Pine). Clubhouse with Lakeside Tap restaurant and event center seating 400 guests. Architect: Joel Goldstrand.
Trails
Heart of the Lakes Trail — 27-mile paved trail from Perham to Pelican Rapids (Perham Segment: 6.2 miles). Biking, walking, jogging. Memorial Trailhead at CSAH 34/410th Ave has water fountain, bike repair station, and phone charging. Mostly flat former rail bed. Passes lakes including Rusch, Little McDonald, Paul, and Ceynowa. Snowmobiling allowed on certain segments in winter. Maplewood Segment (3.8 miles through Maplewood State Park) under construction.
Lakes & Winter Trails
1,048 lakes in Otter Tail County. 140+ miles in Otter Tail County of snowmobile trails.
PACC Programs
Aquatics
Open swim, lap swim, hot tub, sauna, swimming lessons, therapy pool, water fitness
Fitness
Group fitness classes, dance fitness, yoga, personal training
Programs & Activities
Adventureland, after school program, birthday parties, leagues, roller skating, summer recreation
Additional Facility
Also operates a facility in New York Mills
City Services
Contact
(218) 346-4455
https://www.ci.perham.mn.us →
Public Safety
Perham Police Department
Perham Fire & Rescue
Library & Airport
Perham Public Library (perhamlibrary.org)
Perham Municipal Airport
Why Perham?
Perham combines small-town charm, business momentum, and direct access to Minnesota lake-country living. Explore moving resources, local businesses, places to stay, or get involved in the community.
Otter Tail County ranked #6 on Boating Magazine's "10 Best Places to Live and Boat" list.
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