Project 412 was created with the dream of making Detroit Lakes and the surrounding 412 Lakes Area an even better community by making waves and thinking outside the box with amazing ideas. We know communities thrive when they invest in themselves and are always innovating, taking risks, and striving to become better.
Our mission is to connect and elevate the cultural and economic vibrancy of the lakes area. Think of Project 412 as a catalyst, cheerleader, and connector to encourage local business and community growth through projects, events, ideas, public art, and more! Simply…we
Photo credit to Amy Stearns, Brian Merritt, Carmen McCullough, Doug Schultz, Lee Kensinger, Melissa Harms, Michelle Maier, Sarah Hofmann, and Thomas Dambo.
Our Community
In Detroit Lakes, we’ve witnessed the magic that occurs when a community comes together to build something extraordinary. Our community has done this many times before with the City Beach, Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center, Detroit Mountain, the Ice Palace, and improvements in our schools, medical facilities, downtown, and more. “By the community, for the community.” This was the tagline for the Ice Palace build, and it’s so true. That’s how projects get done!
Public Art
Vibrant communities create a welcoming, memorable, and inspiring sense of place. Detroit Lakes competes with communities around the country and world to attract visitors, workers, and residents. We have the opportunity to Create DL as the place to be by investing in public art, recreation, events, and experiences.
Sparked by a generous grant from the Blandin Foundation and with additional financial support from our Wave Maker donors, Project 412 formed Create DL with a mission to spread color and public art all across Detroit Lakes.
Live Music
We are live music enthusiasts! From WE Fest to the Historic Holmes Theatre to small bands in bars, we love it all! Project 412 created MusicInDL.com to showcase all the live music in our lakes area. Plus, we host the “Way North of Nashville Listening Room Experience” in February and “Trucks & Tunes” free concerts in the park to bring people together nearly every Friday this summer. Grab your friends and family, and join the party in DL!
Troll Invasion 2024
In Spring of 2024, in the “biggest and most ambitious exhibition” of his career, Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo and his trash-to-treasure crew created nine larger-than-life sculptures for our Detroit Lakes project. Talk about wildly audacious goals!
This treasure-hunt-themed exhibition is comprised of five charming trolls, one rabbit, and three mysterious portals placed in and between Fargo, ND and Perham, MN.
We invite you to experience the magic of this adventure starting in Detroit Lakes City Park or online at TrollsDL.com.
Entrepreneurial Support
Project 412 has engaged with community builders from this region and beyond to learn how they’ve supported entrepreneurship in their communities. We aim to bring these best practices back to Detroit Lakes and put them to work. In doing so, we want to be a connector for our current businesses while encouraging entrepreneurs to create experiences to make Detroit Lakes an even more unique and memorable destination.
“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood.”
-Daniel Hudson Burnham
Let’s Imagine…
A Ferris wheel on the beach? All season botanical gardens? A climbing wall? More public art? Together let’s imagine what we can create and what we can become.
“When she walked, she shook the earth. She wanted the dirt to remember her steps. Her mark to be left. So, when she looked back, she would always be reminded of how far she’s come.”
-Kendra Gilsdorf
Art Matters
Public art investments increase creative energy in communities. Spreading even more art experiences across our city encourages residents and visitors to explore more pockets of Detroit Lakes. Those exploring this art spend money at local shops and restaurants. The added vibrancy also inspires residents to think about their own businesses and creative projects.
Economic Impact
4 in 5 Americans believe the arts are a positive experience in a troubled world. (81%)
(From Americans for the Arts’ 2018 Public Opinion Poll)
71% agree that the arts improve the image and identity of their communities.
(From Americans for the Arts’ 2018 Public Opinion Poll)
• 49 Artists Hired for Visual Art Activities
• 40 Pieces of new Artwork added to DL
Through Project 412 September 2022 - June 2024
• 56 Musicians Hired for Music Events
Through Project 412 September 2022 - June 2024
• 34 Business-related Events (i.e. Pop Up Coworking and Deep Dive DL)
Through Project 412 September 2022 - June 2024
Are You One of Our 412?
Let’s work together, turn the needle up, and make Detroit Lakes the best small town possible. We can’t do this alone – nor should we!
We are so grateful to our foundational sponsors for covering our operating expenses AND to our Wave Makers whose contributions are put back into the community to help us Do Cool “Stuff!” #DCS
Check out the listing of our Wave Makers and supporters at Project412mn.org and make plans to join us!
Become a Wave Maker!
“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
