Introduction

On I-90, about halfway between Chicago and the Black Hills, there's a place where veteran travelers stop and rest for the next leg of the journey. They know you enjoy a trip more when you're refreshed - the kids are quieter and the miles are shorter.

The place is Fairmont, Minnesota, the City of Lakes. Here, for a couple of hours or a couple of days, road-weary travelers can let their tensions slip away.

Families love Fairmont and the chain of five lakes that run through it.. The kids can splash at the lifeguarded beaches or play on the swings, slides and other equipment while adults heat up the grill and lay out the picnic table. If you don't like cooking, enjoy eating out at one of the many local restaurants.

Afterwards, you can try for one of those three pound walleyes that frequent Fairmont lakes. If you're not a fishing enthusiast, take in a movie, go on a hike, rent a paddleboat, shoot some hoops or play tennis. If you're a golfer, try your luck on a par three green, or on either of the two exciting regulation courses.

RVers can choose one of two lakeside campgrounds just outside of the city that offer complete hookup and service.

Want to go shopping? Try the Five Lakes Shopping Centre, one of the national discount stores or the unique downtown shops. If antiques are your passion, you're in luck. Fairmont has several antique stores that welcome browsers.

Should you decide to stay a few days, there are several fine motels, some with pools, that have complete accomodations for a single or family.

You will probably see many out-of-state license plates during your visit to the Fairmont area. There's a good reason for that - our whole community tries to make the tourist and visitor feel special. Naturally, people like to come here often.

Our attractions are as splendid as our attitude. Treat yourself to summer beaches, snowmobile and ski trails, parks, historic buildings, unique shops and even an Opera House.

Our five lakes and many parks make Fairmont an ideal location for a break. You can pick up lunch and head to a lake for a picnic.

If you enjoy swimming, boating or fishing, you'll love Gomsrud Park. Here you'll find two guarded beaches, boat launches, a picnic shelter house and playground.

Looking for a bit of history? Then try Lincoln Park, where you'll see a log cabin built in 1866. In addition you can visit Sylvania Park and read the "Legend of the Singing Oak".

Heritage Acres Agricultural Interpretive Center is on the west shore of Lake Sisseton. The scenic location offers an interesting look at our area's agricultural history. On the 4th of July, you'll see history come alive at the Center's Annual Blue Grass Festival.

While you're at Heritage Acres, you can stretch your legs on the blacktop trail overlooking Lake Sisseton.

The historic Fairmont Opera House is on Downtown Plaza. This city landmark is restored to its 1927 architectural character and is one of the few remaining opera houses in the Midwest. It hosts events throughout the year and is home to the Civic Summer Theatre and Children's Theatre. Entertainers from across the country boast of its natural acoustics and intimacy. Group tours are available by calling 1-800-657-3280.

The Chubb House stands just north of the Martin County Courthouse. Built in 1867 in the Greek architectural style, it features bricks fired from clay from the banks of nearby Buffalo Lake. The house was built by Dr. Chubb, a Civil War surgeon and early settler who helped plat much of Fairmont. Over its 100 plus years, the house has been home to many families and was once a hotel. The house is now the property of the Martin County Preservation Association and is currently undergoing restoration. For a glimpse of an historical home, call (507) 235-5750.

And please join us as we celebrate Interlaken Heritage Days each June. There's a parade along the Downtown Plaza, and we recreate the excitement and entertainment of the original amusement park with many food vendors.

index.htme here, don't hesitate to visit the Chamber of Commerce. We want to make sure that you'll visit Fairmont often!