An Interview with Project 412
In Detroit Lakes, Project 412 is making a big impact on the trails, murals, sculptures, concerts, and startups, reshaping the region. We sat down with Executive Director Amy Stearns to learn more. Q&A How do you feel the mission for Project 412 has evolved over the last year? Our mission has stayed consistent. In essence,
In Detroit Lakes, Project 412 is making a big impact on the trails, murals, sculptures, concerts, and startups, reshaping the region. We sat down with Executive Director Amy Stearns to learn more.
Q&A
How do you feel the mission for Project 412 has evolved over the last year?
Our mission has stayed consistent. In essence, our mission is to do cool stuff. More formally, it’s to elevate the cultural and economic vibrancy of the 412 Lakes area, because there are 412 lakes within 25 miles of Detroit Lakes. We’re leaning into outdoor recreation, public art, music events, and nurturing new and existing businesses.
So maybe a better question is, has the execution changed at all? New ideas? Where do you see things heading?
Our first big launch was in 2023 when we built the Mashaal the Mammoth at Detroit Mountain. Then in 2024, we brough in recycle artist Thomas Dambo and his trolls. Those efforts were part of our public art and events. Last summer was big with the trolls, and this summer will be too. We’re working on a 50 acre garden and sculpture park called Ortenstone. There are the weekly Thursday night Trucks & Tunes concert series and we’re also supporting many mural projects!
The other arm of what we do is to help with entrepreneurship. Sarah Hoffman, our ecosystem builder, leads events like Deep Dive DL—which is meant to function like Fargo’s startup scene events and happens about 10 times per year.
At the event, we tell the story of an artist and an entrepreneur.
We also have now done two “Pitch 412” Shark Tank-style events to help encourage and support new businesses and new entrepreneurial endeavors.
There’s also our Thursday night Trucks & Tunes free concert series in the DL City Park featuring great bands and food trucks. We do this in collaboration with the Holmes Theatre. Also coming later this summer and next year are more murals, art surprises, and other events!
What has been the impact of the sculptures so far?
We’ve had about 80,000+ visitors in the past year—tracked specifically for the trolls via a phone counter. That’s a conservative number.
Can you tell me more about the sculpture garden?
We’re working with Polish-American sculptor Olga Ziemska, who is providing three temporary sculptures and one permanent sculpture. These are going in the 50-acre Ortenstone Gardens and Sculpture Park.
The sculpture park is also home to the Barefoot Frida troll, Jim Dolan’s horse sculpture “Togetherness,” and a digital exhibit by Charley Harper with three zones (Ortenstone, Holmes Theatre/Becker County Museum, and Washington Square Mall).
50 acres is a lot of space to work with. Is there more coming?
Yes. It will evolve annually with rotating exhibits.
Why lead with art?
Because art matters! It creates beauty, inspires conversations, offers something for people to do, and builds community. Arts tourism has an economic impact. We were inspired by Bentonville, AR, where they have focused on bike trails and art and it’s been a big draw for their community, both for the people who live there and for tourists. Art builds connections and wellbeing.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Is the Heartland Trail extension done?
Not yet. We expect it to be done in August or September. We’re also building a trail connector from Ortenstone to Detroit Mountain.
What do you love about living in the 412?
I love that it’s beautiful here – the lakes, the countryside – the water views feed my soul. There’s so much to do year-round! The people are genuine and talented, and we have great schools, shopping, access to recreation, and the arts. DL is close to Fargo, too, which is a bonus for all that the FM area has to offer, plus airport access for visitors or when we’re able to travel.
Is there anything that you feel is underutilized by Fargo visitors in the area?
I think it’s important to mention that there’s so much in DL year-round for people—summer is fabulous, of course, but the other seasons are great, too. Detroit Mountain for biking or skiing plus music events. Holmes Theatre/ DLCCC/Becker County Museum complex for fitness, performing arts, classes, and events. Plus our downtown and restaurants are fun! We have a great music scene in the area. Not only our Trucks & Tunes on Thursdays but there’s music in the park and bars all the time – check out musicindDL.com to see where artists are performing all the time.
Is there anything else you’d like to say to readers?
Follow Project 412 on social (@project412mn), or visit project412mn.org. Holmes Theatre, Detroit Mountain, and Visit DetroitLakes.com have tons of resources as well.
Project 412
project412mn.org
Facebook | /Project412MN
Instagram | @project412mn
Youtube | @Project412
Published July 25, 2025
