Community spotlight – Vergas
Written by Jenna Kvidt & pictures by Micah Kvidt of Wander the Map
Vergas, Minnesota, is located in north central Otter Tail County. The town is small, with just over 350 residents, but it still has lots to offer visitors from near or far! Throughout our time exploring Vergas, we went for a hike, stopped at the World’s Largest Loon, visited animals at the zoo, browsed area shops and art, enjoyed the lakes, and ate at some delicious restaurants. Read on to learn more about our adventures in Vergas!
Where to Stay in Vergas
If you are looking for a place to stay, one unique option is the Covered Wagons on Rose Lake Vacation Rental. Each wagon has room for four guests and guests have access to a grill, fire pit, a bathroom, laundry/game room, kitchenette, and swimming area. A few other options in the area are Long Lake Resort, The Homestead Inn, and Five Lakes Resort.
Adventures and Things to Do
Visit the World’s Largest Loon at Vergas Park
You can’t visit Vergas without making a stop at the World’s Largest Loon, so Vergas Park was our first stop in town. We sure felt small next to the giant 20-foot loon! In addition to the town’s mascot, Vergas Park is also home to the Long Lake City Beach, a playground, and a fishing pier.
Walk the Vergas Long Lake Trail
If you are looking to get some steps in, the Vergas Long Lake Trail is a great choice. The trail was completed in summer 2020 and connects downtown Vergas to Loon Lake and beyond. We jumped on the trail in Vergas Park and walked along the boardwalk that connects the park to the Long Lake boat access. From the vantage point of the boardwalk, you will be able to see sprawling vistas of Long Lake. We happened to time our walk perfectly with sunset, and it was a gorgeous sight!
Once we crossed the boardwalk, we made our way to the Hanson Memorial at the far end of the Long Lake boat access parking lot. From there, we were able to continue down the path that follows the edge of the lake. This part of the trail used to be called “Tin Can Alley” by locals, and it is currently ½ mile long. We had a lot of fun walking this trail after our dinner at Spanky’s Stone Hearth—it was a great way to stretch our legs and wind down for the evening!
Visit the Animals at Trowbridge Zoo
The Trowbridge Zoo is home to a wide range of animals. Many of the animals at the zoo are ones that you wouldn’t normally see in Minnesota, such as camels, zebra, emu, lemurs, and parrots. But they also have bobcats, porcupines, raccoons, and lots more! Pop into the gift shop when you arrive, to get your tickets and browse the shop. Then, stroll the grounds to see the wide range of animals on site while learning about them from the informational signs. It’s a great adventure for adults and kids alike.
Boutiques and Shopping
Vergas also offers several cute boutiques that are perfect for browsing and shopping. We had fun checking out The Attic Shoppe, Natalie’s Serendipity, Elm Street Boutique, Cheryl Lynn, and the Crossroads Garden Center.
Another great place that we did a bit of shopping at was the Forest Edge Gallery located a short drive from town. This spot felt as much like a museum as it did a shopping excursion. When you pull up to the property, you will find giant metal sculptures and flowers arranged beautifully throughout the gardens. The onsite shop features jewelry, photographs, pottery, sculptures, metalwork, paintings, and more, all created by talented artists, including the owners’ works.
Enjoy the Lakes
It wouldn’t be Otter Tail County, if you couldn’t find a lake nearby one of the towns, now would it? Right in the heart of Vergas, you will find Long Lake, and some other lakes nearby include Rose Lake, Loon Lake, Lawrence Lake, and Sybil Lake. Spend your days soaking up life at the lake by fishing, boating, swimming, jet skiing, or paddling. And, in the winter, don’t forget to head out for some ice fishing!
Where to Eat in Vergas
Vergas offers a fun selection of places to visit when you are ready for a meal or in need of a treat. Restaurant options consist of Billy’s Corner Bar and Grill, Blackboard, Loon’s Nest Restaurant, Skål, and Spanky’s Stone Hearth. If you are looking for a sweet treat or coffee, look no further than Otter Coffee and Ice Cream; they even serve items like charcuterie boards and wine.
Billy’s Corner Bar and Grill
Billy’s Corner Bar and Grill is located right in downtown Vergas on the corner of Main Street and Railway Ave. They serve up a wide variety of delicious burgers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, and more. Billy’s is always a great spot to go for a relaxed atmosphere, full bar, and great lineup of food.
Spanky’s Stone Hearth
Spanky’s Stone Hearth is a fantastic restaurant located just three miles from downtown Vergas. With beautiful views overlooking Rose Lake, cozy stone hearth fireplaces, and log cabin décor, the atmosphere at Spanky’s is second to none. The menu features fresh and locally grown ingredients, some of which are even grown right on site. There are so many great dishes to pick from, but some of our favorites are the walleye, filet mignon, and the amaretto chicken. Plus, you can’t forget the cheesy au gratin potatoes on the side!
Vergas may be a small town, but it definitely has a lot to offer. Whether you are looking for great food, outdoor activities, animals, or shopping, you will find it in Vergas!
