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Winter at Weslake: A Quiet Lake Getaway in Otter Tail County
Winter on West Lost Lake is a different kind of beautiful. The summer crowds are long gone, the lake is still and white, and the cabin you've booked has a warm fire waiting at the end of the day. If you've only ever seen Weslake in summer, winter is worth a visit.
What's Open This Winter
Our two-bedroom cabins close for the season in November, but our larger cabins stay open through the winter. That makes Weslake a good fit for family holidays, friend getaways, and group trips where everyone wants to stay under one roof.
Cabins 10 and 11: four bedrooms and twelve beds each, with a full kitchen and a gas fireplace
Cabin 12: three bedrooms with one bed in each, open for winter stays
Cabin 9: temporarily closed while we complete a construction project. We're aiming to finish in January and will share an update here once it's done.
Every cabin has a full kitchen, so you can cook a big holiday meal or keep the coffee going all weekend. Dogs are welcome for a per-stay pet fee (details on our resort policy page).
Because fewer cabins are available in winter, we recommend booking early, especially around the holidays.
Why Come in Winter
Fireplace nights. Cabins 10 and 11 have a gas fireplace, which is hard to beat with a book, a board game, or a pot of chili on the stove.
Space for everyone. Twelve beds means a whole extended family or friend group can gather in one place.
Quiet. Our private lake near Underwood is peaceful year-round, and winter makes it quieter still.
Close to town. Fergus Falls is a short drive away, with holiday events, live music,
and restaurants.
New Winter Rates
We are welcoming winter guests right now and not only for nightly/weekly rates, but also on the Monthly! We've got reduced monthly rates for the following: Cabin 12 open all winter for $1,500/mo. and cabins 10 & 11 Open all winter for $3,100/mo. As a side note, regular 1-8 are closed for Winter by November 10th.
What's Happening Nearby This Winter
Here are events in and around Fergus Falls that fit a winter stay. Dates and times can change, so double-check before you go.
This Holiday Season
Taiko Arts Midwest: Big Gravity (Saturday, November 21, 7:30 pm): a high-energy performance of Japanese taiko drumming at A Center for the Arts in downtown Fergus Falls.
Winter Market (Saturday, November 28): a local winter market at 1740 College Way in Fergus Falls.
Junk Love Holiday Artisan & Craft Show (Saturday, November 28): local crafters and artisans at the Bigwood Event Center, 921 Western Avenue.
Over the River Holiday Festival (early to mid December): Fergus Falls' big downtown holiday celebration, typically with a parade, Santa, shopping, a tree lighting, and fireworks. The 2026 date hasn't been announced yet, so check Visit Fergus Falls for the latest.
Christmas with Elvis (Saturday, December 12): a holiday tribute show at A Center for the Arts.
Magical Medora Christmas (Tuesday, December 15, 7:30 pm): a holiday performance at A Center for the Arts.
Toast at Ten with Shaun Johnson's "Book of Bublé" (Thursday, December 31, 6:30 pm): a New Year's Eve show at A Center for the Arts.
Winter Traditions to Watch For
Learn to Ice Fish: the Fergus Falls Fish and Game Club hosted a beginner-friendly ice fishing day in mid-February this past year, with a classroom session and time on the ice. Dates for 2027 haven't been posted yet.
For ticket information and a full calendar, visit A Center for the Arts and the Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce events page.
Update: Seasons Still Open
Plenty of hunting is still ahead, well past the November opener. Here's what's open or coming up. Seasons and zones vary, so confirm your specifics with the Minnesota DNR before you go.
Firearms deer: opens Saturday, November 7. Otter Tail County is generally in the 200 series, which runs November 7–15 (confirm your deer permit area on the DNR site).
Muzzleloader deer: November 28 through December 13
Archery deer: open through December 31
Pheasant: open through January 3, 2027
Ruffed grouse: open through January 3, 2027
Rabbit and squirrel: open through February 28, 2027
Duck and goose seasons wrap up in late fall and early winter, and the dates depend on your waterfowl zone, so check the DNR's waterfowl page before you head out.
One change worth knowing about: the old shotgun-only zone was repealed for 2026, which means rifles are legal in more places than before. Counties can still pass their own restrictions, so check Otter Tail County's current rules before opening morning.
Planning Your Winter Stay
Check the forecast and road conditions before you head up. Minnesota winters can change quickly.
Pack layers. Even a short walk to the lake calls for boots, hats, and gloves.
Stock up on groceries before you arrive if you're planning to cook in the cabin.
Call us with questions. We're happy to help you choose the right cabin for your group and dates.
Book Your Winter Getaway
Whether you're planning a holiday gathering, a weekend away, or a quiet escape after the new year, we'd love to host you.
Event details are accurate as of publication and are subject to change. Please confirm dates, times, and tickets with each event organizer.
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