Family Recreation
PACC Community Center
The Perham Area Community Center is a 140,000 sq ft destination with a pool with waterslides, gym, indoor walking track, skating rink, Adventureland indoor playground, therapy pool, and group fitness classes.
Things To Do in Perham
Your complete guide to things to do in Perham, Minnesota all year long.
Lakes & Fishing
Paddle routes, fishing structure, and public access points make the Perham area lakes easy to enjoy in every season.
Big Pine Lake
4,730 acres
Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie
Little Pine Lake
2,080 acres
Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie
Dead Lake
7,545 acres
Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill
Golf
Perham Lakeside Golf Club
Est. 1946, this 27-hole course features the Maple, Oak, and Pine nines in the heart of Minnesota lake country. The clubhouse includes Lakeside Tap restaurant and an event center seating 400.
Trails
Heart of the Lakes Trail
6.2 miles of paved trail in Perham for biking, walking, and jogging.
Snowmobile Trails
Access 140+ miles of snowmobile trails across Otter Tail County each winter.
Parks
Paul Miller Park
Premier park on Little Pine Lake with swimming beach, dock, boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic areas with grills, playgrounds, and a reservable covered shelter.
Swimming beach on Little Pine Lake with lifeguard stand • public boat ramp • fishing dock • picnic areas with grills
Arvig Park
Multi-sport park with softball and soccer fields, volleyball courts, pickleball, Little League fields, playground, restrooms, bike paths, and a Frisbee golf course.
Softball and soccer fields • volleyball courts • 4 pickleball courts • playground with tire swings
Kowabunga Skate and Bike Park
Concrete skate park featuring quarter pipe, ramps, rails, and fun box. Open to skateboarders and BMX riders.
Quarter Pipe • Ramps • Rails • Fun Box
Turtle Race Park
Home of the famous Perham International Turtle Races held every Wednesday in summer. Features benches and a central gathering area.
Grassy park area with benches near City Hall
Events & Festivals
Spring
Lakes Area Home & Cabin Show
Annual home and cabin show featuring local builders, contractors, and home improvement exhibitors.
Perham
Celebrate Aging Expo
Community expo highlighting services, resources, and activities for seniors in the Perham area.
Perham
Lenten Fish Fry
Traditional Lenten fish fry hosted by local churches and organizations during the Lenten season.
Various Perham locations
Summer
International Turtle Races
Perham's most iconic tradition — turtle races every Wednesday from June through August, 10am to noon at Turtle Race Park. Free, family-friendly fun that's been a Perham staple for decades.
Wednesdays, June–August, 10am–12pm • Turtle Race Park, Perham
Turtle Fest
Perham's big summer festival celebrating the town's turtle racing heritage with live music, food vendors, games, and community activities.
Downtown Perham
Pioneer Fest
Annual celebration of Perham's pioneer heritage with historical demonstrations, food, music, and family activities.
Perham
Winter
Chamber Choice Awards
Annual awards recognizing outstanding businesses and community members.
Perham
Holiday Parade of Lights
Festive holiday parade through downtown Perham with lighted floats, marching groups, and Santa.
Downtown Perham
Lights in the Pines
Holiday light display and winter celebration in the Perham area.
Perham
Dining & Breweries
Local Food and Drinks
Refuel after a day on the water with local restaurants and taprooms, including Disgruntled Brewing. Explore the full food guide on our Dining page.
History & Culture
Pioneer Village
Outdoor historic site with restored pioneer-era buildings including log cabins, a one-room schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop. Hosts pedal pulls, flea markets, Native American Heritage Days, and quilt shows.
Visit website →History Museum of East Otter Tail County
Housed in an 1887 stone church built by stonemason Nathaniel McConachie. Features Native American artifacts, photos by 19th-century photographer Nic Jahn, 1920s motion picture clips of Perham, and exhibits on forgotten towns like Almora, Boardman, and Red Eye.
Visit website →Entertainment
Comet Theatre
Historic single-screen movie theater opened in 1938. Shows first-run films at affordable prices. 146 1st Ave S, Perham. Call (218) 346-6225 for showtimes.
Showtimes →
Thumper Pond Resort
Full-service resort with indoor waterpark, 18-hole golf course, restaurant and bar, and event facilities. A major family destination in the Perham area.
Photo Gallery
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