Make Some Memories
Things to Do
Explore scenic walking trails,
pause at each sculpture for reflection,
enjoy the natural beauty
Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 50-acre outdoor art and nature experience on the east edge of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
Video credit: Brian S. Merritt
What makes ortenstone special
Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park is a unique fusion of art, ecology, recreation, and community. It’s free to explore, open year-round, and constantly evolving—whether you’re visiting solo, with family, or looking to volunteer.
What You Can Do
- Stroll the trails to discover interactive outdoor art
- Pause at each sculpture for reflection
- Enjoy the natural beauty — seasonal blooms, wildlife, and scenics vistas
- Visit during exhibitions or events for extra programming and community energy
- Volunteer to help with ongoing plantings and installations
- Stop at a captivating spot for a photo
Art & Sculptures on the Trails
Barefoot Frida
One of Thomas Dambo's iconic troll sculptures greets you in a valley located within the gardens.
Togetherness
A striking pair of horses crafted from metal by Jim Dolan, stands atop a hill with sweeping views of the area.
"Of the Earth" Ona
Part of the exhibition by Olga Ziemska, the majestic 15-ft sculpture "Ona" has cascading stick-hair and mirrored eyes.
Hear: With an Ear to the Ground
"Hear" is part of Olga Ziemska's "Of the Earth" exhibition, quietly listening to the earth and its natural surroundings.
"Of the Earth" Stata
Composed of gabion structures filled with layered river rock, the work evokes our deep connection to the earth.
Colors & Shapes
In Charley Harper’s minimalist realism, shapes and blocks of color take on the forms of animals or plants.
Gardens & Native Plantings
Native shrubs, flowers & grasses
In development! More than 100,000 native shrubs, flowers, grasses, and trees are being planted in multiple gardens—guided by master gardener Steph Leininger.
Zinnias
Volunteers have already planted 7,000 Zinnias, with ongoing planting throughout the season—perfect for supporting pollinators and providing seasonal blooms.
Trails & Outdoor Experiences
Walking Trails
Well-marked walking trails wind past each sculpture, offering a blend of art, nature, and scenic overlooks.
Winter Trails
During the winter, these trails are ideal for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, as per the park's master plan.
Seasonal Amenities & Events
Little Green Merch Stand
The Little Green Merch Stand is open on-site during the summer, offering t-shirts, souvenirs, and refreshments for purchase.
Exhibitions & Events
Discover free events, including exhibition openings (e.g., Olga Ziemska's "Off the Earth") and occasional live performances.
Community Art Exhibitions
Various artwork and exhibitions by world renown and community artists are also viewable along trails and nearby venues.
Get Involved
Visit our Volunteer page to express your interest becoming a member of our Volunteer Team.
Event Volunteer
Many events and exhibits are made possible by volunteers who help with setup, greeting guests, registration, and more.
Builders
Builders are essential for basic trail maintenance, various projects, and for setting up and maintaining exhibits.
Planting and Garden Care
Visit our and social media accounts for seasonal planting and gardening volunteer opportunities.