CampusFM Day Trips from Fargo: The Best Summer Getaways For Students
By Folkways Looking to escape the city this summer without draining your wallet or gas tank? Enjoy some nearby lake life and sightseeing suggested by students for students. Itasca State Park Distance: 2 hours | Recommended by: Montana Minnesota’s oldest state park is also where the Mississippi River begins. Explore 16 miles of paved bike
By Folkways
Looking to escape the city this summer without draining your wallet or gas tank? Enjoy some nearby lake life and sightseeing suggested by students for students.
Itasca State Park
Distance: 2 hours | Recommended by: Montana
Minnesota’s oldest state park is also where the Mississippi River begins. Explore 16 miles of paved bike trails, climb the 100-foot fire tower for incredible views, and check out historic interpretive centers to learn about the park’s origins.
Quarry Park & Nature Preserve
Waite Park, MN
Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes | Recommended by: Alessa
Once a granite mine, now a hit summer location. Swim in old quarry pits and lounge on the sandy beaches. Feeling more adventurous? Take a plunge from the cliff-jumping spots. Enjoy the nearby walking and biking trails as well.
K&K TUBING
Detroit Lakes, MN
Distance: 1 hour | Recommended by: Eliza
Float your way through summer on a two-hour ride down the Otter Tail River. Tubes, cooler, and life jackets are available to rent. Prices start at $7, and your second float of the day is free!
Rapid River Logging Camp
Park Rapids, MN
Distance: 2 hours | Recommended by: Eliza
Step back in time and eat like a true Northwood lumberjack. This family-style breakfast spot is set up like a 1900s logging camp, and you will want help finishing this hearty meal so bring some friends along. After breakfast, visit the animals and learn about Minnesota’s logging legacy
Trowbridge Creek Zoo
Vergas, MN
Distance: 1 hour | Recommended by: Eliza
Zebras? Capybaras? Kangaroos? Yes, yes, and yes. This zoo is hidden in the lakes country and has an impressive variety of exotic animals, which you can feed many of them with a $3 bucket. Admission is $16 for adults and totally worth it for all the selfies you can get with the up close animal exhibits.
Fort Ransom State Park
Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes | Recommended by: Pratik
Perfect for a spontaneous adventure. Fort Ransom has 20+ miles of trails, kayak rentals, and camping options. Not into tent camping? They have yurts, cabins, and vintage style wagons available to rent!
Shady Hollow Flea Market
Detroit Lakes
Distance: 45 minutes | Recommended by: Amanda
Make an offer or try to barter at the Flea Market. Shop for your next vintage find or decorate your home with some locally made art. This stop is a must in Detroit Lakes because there is so much to look at; it’s basically an eye spy book in real life.
Facebook | /wearefolkways
Instagram | @wearefolkways
Linkedin | /company/folkwaysco
Instagram | @campus.fm
Twitter | @campusfm
Published July 31, 2025
