Welcome to the Scambler Township Website
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Meetings
All monthly meetings are at the Towns Hall and begin at 6:30, unless noted
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- February 18th, 2026
- Annual Meeting March 10th, 2026 At 7:00 p.m.
- March 18th, 2026
- April 15th, 2026
- May 20th, 2026
- June 17th, 2026
- July 15th, 2026
- August 19th, 2026
- September 16th, 2026
- October 21st, 2026
- November 18th, 2026
- December 16th, 2026
Four Seasons of Fun
Located in the heart of Minnesota’s beautiful lakes country, Scambler Township is nestled amidst the rolling farmland and timbered hills of southwest Otter Tail County. Our residents are a charming mix of individuals from all walks of life and extend a warm welcome to everyone who visits or seeks to join our community. A summer haven for boaters, fishermen, and hikers, as well as a winter wonderland abounding with opportunities to cross country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, ice fish, and more, Scambler Township is a peaceful area that provides year-round fun for individuals of all ages.
History Takes Root
Named after homesteader Robert “Bob” Scambler, the township was organized on August 8, 1871 in response to a petition signed by a majority of the voters of Township 137, Range 43. Two years later, on September 4, 1873, voters also successfully petitioned that Congressional Township 137, Range 42 be attached to Scambler Township. This attachment remained intact until March 16, 1880, when the area was recognized as the independent civil township of Dunn.
The Best of Both Worlds
Scambler Township is fortunate to enjoy the benefits of both land and water. Covering 36.3 square miles ─ 32.1 square miles of which is land, and 4.2 square miles of which is water, it was the area’s fertile farmland which attracted early settlers. Those agricultural roots run deep, as we are still home to some of the finest farms in the country.
Approximately half of Pelican Lake is positioned within Scambler’s boundaries. Lying on the lake’s shores is Zorbaz Restaurant, which has the distinct honor of being the northernmost point of the township. Other lakes in Scambler Township include Tamarac Lake, Sand Lake, Pete Lake, Harrison Lake, Rankley Lake, and Grove Lake. A mecca for vacationers and locals alike, these bodies of water are an integral part of what attracts tourists to Minnesota’s vacationland.
Early Progress
In the late 1870s, Scambler Township boasted a small village called Pelican Lake, which was located in section 2 and consisted of a dozen or so buildings, including a general store, blacksmith shop, and post office (eliminated in 1905 when rural free delivery was established in Pelican Rapids). The village of Pelican Lake has since disappeared, and township residents now hold meetings at the town hall in the northwest quarter of section 27.
Our township’s first church was also established in the 1870s and was situated in the northwest corner of section 33. Currently, two churches make their homes within our borders; one in the southwest quarter of section 28 and the other in the northwest quarter of section 24. A cemetery was maintained in connection with the original church, and additional burial ground is situated in section 27.
A Place to Relax and Unwind
By early in the 20th century, Scambler Township began to attract the attention of individuals and families who wished to spend vacations near the water. It boasted two summer resorts on the northern end of Pelican Lake. Clear View Resort was established by Jennie M. King in the fall of 1900, and Pelican Beach Resort was established by O.M. and Cora E. Carr on August 19, 1912. We remain a source of fun and relaxation for vacationers and residents alike.
We Are Proud to be Scambler Township
Whether you are vacationing, considering making Scambler Township your home, or are a current resident, we welcome you to our website. Our goal is to provide easy access to clear information for property owners, taxpayers, and visitors, and we make every attempt to keep this information current. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have.