Modern-day Fergus Falls is on Dakota and Anishinaabe (also referenced as Chippewa) land. Native artifacts found in Otter Tail County date back to 11,000 B.C.E.¹

In 1857, a man named Joe Whitford was sent by his employer, James Fergus, to locate a site for a new town. Along the way he encountered a Native family who told him of a location where there was a big falls or rapids. After locating the rapids, Whitford staked out a town site at the big falls and named it Fergus Falls in honor of his employer.

In 1870, George B. Wright purchased the town site for just over $100.00 with a vision of creating Fergus Falls as a regional trade center. He built a dam on the river to power a sawmill. From that time on, the building in Fergus Falls was limited only by the ability of the mill to furnish lumber. On March 1, 1872, Fergus Falls was chartered as an official village of the State of Minnesota and the County Seat of Otter Tail County.²

In 2022 Fergus Falls celebrated its sesquicentennial. One hundred and fifty years ago George B. Wright wrote in eastern newspapers inviting people to come to Fergus Falls “The Coming City of the West.” Celebrations throughout the year included a kick-off at the March 18, 2022 City Council meeting (the first meeting 150 years ago was on March 30). Dressed in period costumes, characters from our city’s past made an appearance to discuss the role of women in leadership, the sale of liquor and other pertinent government business. Other highlights included a year-long exhibit at the Otter Tail County Historical Society, minting and selling commemorative coins, creating, and selling a series of four historical tiles, a presence in our summer parade and a giant party on June 30^th at Spies Riverfront Park. There was a vintage baseball game, an all-school reunion, and commemorative banners hung from street poles  throughout downtown.

 1 https://ottertailcountymn.us/history/

2 Upham, W., & Dunn, J. T. (1969). Otter Tail County. In Minnesota geographic names Their origin and historic significance (pp. 394-395). (St. Paul:) Minnesota Historical Soc.

Fergus Falls has an incredibly robust arts and culture scene, with thriving nonprofits and unique living and working opportunities for creatives:

A Center for the Arts - features year round programming such as touring performers, music, theatre, dance, and more.

Kaddatz Galleries - showcases the diverse artistic creativity of our region, featuring the work of artist Charles Beck.

Kaddatz Artist Lofts- 10 units of mixed-income housing in the historic Kaddatz Hotel.

Lake Region Arts Council - serves arts organizations, artists and arts consumers in West Central Minnesota.

Springboard for the Arts - believes that artists are important for building stronger communities, neighborhoods and economies. 

Fergus Falls offers a wide range of recreational and outdoor activities. Check out our city-managed natural resources and city amenities as well as regional recreational opportunities like the Central Lakes State Trail, Otter Tail River State Water Trail, and the North Country Trail.

The City of Fergus Falls is proud to partner with area organizations that provide entertainment, recreation, the arts and cultural events for you and your family.

Visit Fergus Falls

Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Riverfront Council

Summerfest

A Center for the Arts

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center

Fergus Falls is home to Minnesota State Community and Technical College, which enrolls approximately 4,800 students on the Fergus Falls campus. In addition to M State’s Fergus Falls Campus, our community is located within 50 miles of five other technical colleges and universities.

For our elementary and high school students, Fergus Falls is home to Independent School District 544 and  Hillcrest Academy. Life-long learning occurs through our Community Ed program. 

Fergus Falls has a strong healthcare system. Lake Region Healthcare hospital and clinic, provides excellent service to the region. Lakeland Mental Health addresses the needs of residents and collaborates with other facilities for additional services including the MN Department of Health.