Fergus Falls

Fergus Falls is the county seat of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, located where the Otter Tail River flows through the area. The river descends steeply over a multi-mile stretch, creating numerous rapids as it flows over glacial boulders.

The city took its name from James Fergus, a Scottish immigrant who arrived in America as a teenager and settled in the region. It was officially incorporated as a village in 1872 and grew into an important local center.

The A Center for the Arts hosts theater productions and music performances that draw people from surrounding communities. This venue has become a gathering place for those interested in local artistic expression.

The city is most easily reached by car, as it lies on important regional roads and highways. The downtown area is compact and walkable, with shops, restaurants, and the arts center located near each other.

Two devastating tornadoes struck the city in the early 1900s, with the 1919 storm destroying nearly every church in the community. The Baptist church building alone remained standing and became a symbol of the town's resilience.