LDA Mission Statement

To promote the protection and enhancement of Detroit Lake

SUCKER CREEK PRESERVE

Map of Sucker Creek Preserve in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Greater Sucker Creek (GSC), accounts for 117 acres and is located within the city limits of Detroit Lakes. GSC offers the community opportunity to enjoy biodiversity of natural woods, meadow, wetlands, mineral springs clean water, 3 marshwalks, and exercise and spiritual health for visitors. It is also a premier educational space with self-guided signage conducive for learning; all within a mile south of Big Detroit Lake.  Sucker Creek affords a substantial number of mineral springs and provides a source of fresh, clean aquifer water for Detroit Lake. A colorful brochure is available at both Preserve and Upstream parking lot brochure holders.

Highlight of the 2016 summer will be the installation of a history sign about The Old Red River Road, the first road in Becker County.  It is likely that trappers began the road in 1820, from points on the Mississippi River, crossed Sucker Creek deep in the woods of the Preserve area, and led toward fur trading posts on the Red River.  Heading north, it became the famous Pembina Trail.  For further information about this rich history close to Big Detroit Lake, visit the Becker County History Museum and review the Detroit Lakes Centennial Newspaper of 1971.

Purchase of both the Preserve and Upstream areas, totaling $950,000, was administered by MN DNR from a triune of grant makers:  The Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund (state lottery); The Parks & Trails Legacy Fund (state sales tax), and the Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund (died nationally in October 2015 and needs people to contact Congressional leaders for reinstatement).  MN DNR has called this acquisition “The best use of grant funds in 25 years”.

Lake Detroiters will find their visit to Greater Sucker Creek a great get-away and a back to nature sanctuary with a self-guided nature walk learning about the history, archeology, ecology,  wildlife, and plant inhabitants of the land.  Trout are stocked in the creek and with proper licensing persons can trout fish from the accessible path.  There is also a picnic shelter and satellite facilities.

Mission of Sucker Creek Preserve

The mission of the board of Sucker Creek Preserve is to “restore, preserve and maintain the native biodiversity of the Preserve for the education and enjoyment of all visitors."

Location of Sucker Creek Preserve

Sucker Creek is located east of Detroit Lakes on Highway 10

DIRECTIONS:

Turn south on 290th Avenue, go 3/10 mile.      

QUESTIONS: 

Sally Hausken   bflyjp@gmail.com