Former Resident
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6/4/2007
Osakis is a great place to raise a family, especially if you enjoy water and don't mind cold weather. January is extremely cold, but usually sunny. There isn't much to do in the winter if you're not into winter activities such as ice fishing, cross country skiing, or hunting. However, winter lasts forever. It's a great place to sit by a warm fire and read, listening to the wind and wondering how much snow is falling.
The people are reserved but friendly. You do need to make your own group of close friends or be involved in a church if you don't enjoy being left alone. The town is especially quiet during winter, but double or triples in size during the summer with all the resorts filled. Life slows down after Labor Day when the tourists surrender the town to the locals. Lake Osakis is so beautiful and great for boating,taking the canoe along the shores on a quiet and windless day or fishing from the many places available to the public. The local residents avoid swimming in late July and August, so observe their behavior. The kids usually learn to swim in nearby pools.
The schools are very modern and strong and safe. It's a great place for kids, but jobs are scarce unless you commute. Unfortunately, those well-educated graduates usually leave for the Twin Cities after college.
Osakis was a good place for our family the three years we lived there. Just be sure you enjoy a quiet lifestyle and winter if you move there.
Larry | Ackley, IA