Outdoor Adventure / State Parks

You'll really feel like a part of the great wilderness in either of the Otter Tail County state parks near East Silent Resort. The wildlife will make you feel energized, and the beauty of the area will give you memories to last a lifetime. But the opportunities for outdoor adventure don't end at the park gates. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor adventure destinations:

Featured Outdoor Adventure Destinations:

  • Maplewood State Park
    Located less than 6 miles from East Silent Resort. With over 9,250 acres of woods, eight major lakes and several ponds, this state-protected habitat is great for hiking, bird watching, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, swimming, and fishing. 25 miles of hiking, 20 miles of horse trails, boat and canoe rental; 5 miles groomed classical, 5 miles ungroomed back-country cross-country ski trails and 21 miles of snowmobile trail.
  • Glendalough State Park
    Located 26 miles from East Silent Resort and offers more than nine miles of undeveloped Otter Tail County shoreline. This park offers excellent fishing, bird watching, and hiking trails through oaks and northern hardwood forests.  A paved bike trail loop and numerous hiking trails, including two interpretive trails, meander along five lakes, through rich woods and blooming prairies. Wildlife abounds year-round, and there are many observation decks along the trails. Trails are groomed in winter for skiing and snowshoeing. Picnicking and swimming is available on two sandy lakes.
  • Itasca State Park
    Located approximately 72 miles from East Silent Resort. Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Great birding site for Common Loon, Black-backed woodpecker, Alder Flycatcher, Winter Wren and more. Cross-country ski trails. More than 280 native plant species have been documented here, including several varieties of lady's-slipper orchids. State-listed plant species include but are not limited to Oakes' pondweed (endangered in Minnesota), cuckoo flower and goblin fern (both threatened in Minnesota). 
  • C4 Character Challenge Course
    Thrill Seeking - Just a short drive from Itasca State Park. Are you ready to cross an Indiana Jones bridge 35 feet above the ground, experience 3 Gs of force in a free fall, or fly on a zip line? The Aerial Adventure course will challenge you 35' high and you can add the Power Swing (40' free fall) or the Leap of Faith (try jumping off the top of a telephone pole for a bit of a rush). The Character Challenge Course Co. (C4) north of Park Rapids will set you up with the equipment and the courage necessary to do it.
  • Banded Gand'r Outfitters
    Hunt with Banded Gandr Outfitters! You will be hunting dry fields and water spreads, over 1500+ custom windsock, Bigfoot fullbody decoys, and Silosocks. Hunt out of Final Approach laydown blinds, and also out of 6 man 2 burner heated pits. When picking a location to go hunting for waterfowl it is important to choose a  guide that knows the area well and understands how local conditions can change the habits of the migrating birds. Banded Gand'r Outfitters is owned by Kyle Phillips and is based out of Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
  • Viking Valley Hunt Club
    Members hunt pheasants from September to April, on 8 fields encompassing approximately 400 acres. Viking Valley is home to one of the most challenging and scenic fully automated sporting clays courses in the upper Midwest, with 24 fields and 42 stations, plus 5 stand. Members shoot year round.