A handy any‑season mini‑itinerary circulating in Otter Tail County points residents and visitors toward accessible outdoor and cultural options across the region, from paved trails to winter ski terrain. The list highlights Glendalough State Park near Battle Lake, Maplewood State Park in Pelican Rapids, Phelps Mill Park in Underwood, Inspiration Peak near Clitherall, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls, and A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls, offering a suite of activities intended to suit different ages, abilities and seasons.

At the top of the list is Glendalough State Park, noted for mellow trails and the paved Glendalough Trail, which can improve year‑round accessibility for people with mobility limitations and families with strollers. Maplewood State Park is singled out for scenic ridges that draw leaf‑peepers in autumn and for winter skiing opportunities, extending outdoor engagement into colder months. Phelps Mill Park in Underwood offers historic architecture and photographic vistas around the old mill, while Inspiration Peak near Clitherall provides a short hike with wide views, attractive to those seeking brief but rewarding outdoor activity. The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls is included for birding and family nature walks, and A Center for the Arts rounds out the itinerary with community theatre and touring acts that add indoor cultural options when the weather turns.

Public health experts and community organizers have long emphasized the mental and physical health benefits of regular access to natural spaces and cultural programming. Encouraging residents to use nearby parks for walking, skiing, birding and community events aligns with prevention strategies to increase physical activity, reduce social isolation and support mental well‑being. The paved trail at Glendalough and family‑oriented programming at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center are particularly relevant to efforts aimed at widening participation among older adults, families with young children and people with disabilities.

The itinerary also carries local economic and equity implications. Year‑round visitation can support small businesses in towns such as Battle Lake, Pelican Rapids, Underwood and Fergus Falls by spreading visitor traffic beyond the summer months. At the same time, equitable access requires attention to transportation, signage, trail maintenance and clear information about hours and conditions so residents without private vehicles or with mobility challenges can fully use these resources.

Officials and organizers encourage people to check park hours, trail conditions and event calendars before heading out to ensure safe, enjoyable visits and to accommodate seasonal changes in access. As Otter Tail County communities look to bolster health and local economies, leveraging nearby natural and cultural assets—while addressing gaps in access and infrastructure—offers a practical, low‑cost way to promote well‑being for all residents.