By Bailey Hovland

FINALLY! Summer is on the horizon and we are ready to celebrate the coming season with days spent at the lake and nights that end gathered around a bonfire. In honor of the summer days that lie ahead, here’s a little playlist specially curated to encompass summer in the Willmar Lakes Area.

Every Minnesotan knows that the best way to spend a summer day is at the lake.

Every Morning — Sugar Ray
When the sun comes up over the lake and the water shimmers gently under the new day’s light, everything in the Willmar Lakes Area seems alright. Minnesota summers are known for days spent at the lake, where family and friends gather to make memories that last a lifetime. Every morning brings us the perfect opportunity to have a lake day in an area the boasts over 100 lakes. Saulsbury Beach on Green Lake is always a hot spot for summer fun. You can haul the cooler out of your car and set up shop next to one of the beaches’ charcoal grills to make some lunch while the kids splash in the waves. Or maybe you want to spend the day on the lake, in which case there are boat access points on pretty much any lake you choose! George Lake, Eagle Lake, Willmar Lake, Foot Lake, you name it. Take the family out for a day of skiing, wake-boarding, and tubing on the lake. Whatever way you choose to spend your lake day, make sure to start early in the morning to maximize the day.

Saturday in the Park — Chicago
With a new splash pad and destination playground, the Willmar Lakes Area knows the importance of having great local parks. The kids are sure to love the splash pad at Rice Park, where they can race around and cool off under the many interactive water features. Parents can watch from the three-season shelter, staying cool in the shade while their kids play the day away. Robbins Island is the home to the area’s destination playground, a fully accessible playground that the community built in 2017. In its 19,000 square feet, this playground has a rubberized surface to prevent injuries, swings for children who are wheelchair bound, zip lines, ramps, and so much more. The GrowMobile is another great feature of the Willmar Lakes Area’s park system, where local educators visit different parks around the area to play with kids and give them access to educational materials, like books and guided activities. These are only a few of the incredible features of Willmar Lakes Area parks, but don’t take my word for it. Head on over and check them out yourself!

It’s all smiles when you get to see a few of your favorite people at a Stinger’s game! (Photo courtesy of KJ Farhat)

Centerfield — John Fogerty
Nothing says summer like an evening spent under the lights of the baseball stadium. And lucky for you, the Willmar Lakes Area has its very own minor league baseball team to rally around. Head on over to the Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar to watch the Willmar Stingers face off against other Minnesota baseball teams. Upgrade your baseball experience from peanuts and crackerjacks to beer and brats, the modern-day snacks for America’s favorite pastime. Whether you’re looking for an evening of family fun or a new date night idea, the Stingers will give you a home run on summer fun.

Summer Nights — Grease
Summer nights around the Willmar Lakes Area can be spent a number of ways, but in an area known for its local art, the theatre may be where it’s at. With plenty of talented actors and dedicated directors, the community is rife with theatrical talent. The featured performances this summer include “A Red Plaid Shirt” and “Watson the Last Great Tale of the Legendary Sherlock Holmes” at the New London Little Theatre and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “The Fox on the Fairway” at The Barn Theatre. So when you want to escape the summer heat for an evening and settle in for some quality entertainment, head to the box office to pick up your tickets to the upcoming play or musical. You’re sure to have an evening of excitement and adventure at the theater.

Click Here for the link to this playlist on Spotify so you can get ready for summer fun in the Willmar Lakes Area.