Pelican Rapids is a city in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 2,577 at the 2020 census. Pelican Rapids was pl…Pelican Rapids is a city in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 2,577 at the 2020 census. Pelican Rapids was platted in 1872, and named for the rapids on the Pelican River. A post office has been in operation at Pelican Rapids since 1872. Pelican Rapids was incorporated in 1882.