Local Artist Hans Gilsdorf Unveils Remodeling Plans For Iconic DL Sailboat

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Detroit Lakes City Beach and surrounding area is going to get a facelift for the upcoming Sesquicentennial Celebration this summer.

To coincide with the city’s 150th birthday, artist Hans Gilsdorf has been commissioned to create various street enhancements at West Lake Drive and South Washington Ave.

“One of the things I was asked to design was a vibrant, gate-way feel to the city’s beach, which is being used more and utilize more and more which is why the Sailboat was removed back in the fall…to make room for things like Ice Palace, Bash on the Beach, etc.”

The Detroit Lakes Sailboat has been on the beach since 2007 (submitted photo)

Gilsdorf unveiled some of the new plans to redesign the Detroit Lakes Sailboat, which was commissioned in 2007. Gilsdorf has designed a new plaza for the boat, which will be larger so tourists and groups can take photos by the boat. The main base will also have two-sided benches added to either side.

The sailboat will be refurbished and sandblasted, with a pennant added to the top of the sculpture.

“The new addition will be that pennant on top that will have the city’s 150th logo on it.” Gilsdorf said. “The pennant will celebrate this year and the 150 years going forward.”

The donors that helped create the original sailboat will also be honored with their names and businesses on the newly designed base.

Gilsdorf is also working on new street signs for streets that intersect with West Lake Drive.

The Detroit Lakes City Council approved Gilsdorf’s design plans. The next phase of the project is to gather cost estimates for final approval. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by July 29th.

Gilsdorf is also known in the area for his work on creating and designing King Isbit’s Ice Palace during Polar Fest, the Essentia Health-St. Mary’s ‘Angel of Remembrance, the Book Monument outside the DL Public Library, as well as the 150 Sails Up Commemorative Sailboats that will be on display this summer.