Inspiration Peak

In the southern part of Otter Tail County is a collection of glacial features known as the Leaf Hills. The highest among them is Inspiration Peak, just west of Urbank, in Leaf Mountain Township. It rises to 1,726 feet, about 400 feet above the surrounding countryside making it one of the highest points in the county and also one of the higher points in the state of Minnesota.

The vista was well-known to Sinclair Lewis. From the prairie-covered crest of the hill, he wrote, “there’s to be seen a glorious 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.” Lewis chided Minnesotans for not knowing the “haunts of beauty” in their own backyards. And generally speaking, the overlook might as well be a secret, it is known by so few people outside the immediate area.

The site was designated as a Minnesota State Wayside in 1932.

Dogs are welcome if they are on a leash