Things to Do in the Brainerd Lakes Area
Things to Do in the Brainerd Lakes Area
By Caitlin Hannah
Located in the middle of Minnesota, the Brainerd Lakes area includes the communities of Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. With small-town charm, and a plethora of lakes, golf courses and parks, it’s a great place to visit no matter what time of year.
Find out where to stay and what to see, eat and do in this popular lakeside destination below....
Nisswa's Main Street includes several popular gift shops / Andrew Parks
WHERE TO SHOP
With charming main streets and local shops, the Brainerd Lakes Area has some “pretty good shopping” as the sign in downtown Nisswa proudly states. Explore Main Street to find spots like The Chocolate Ox, Angry Minnow Vintage, Turtle Town Books & Gifts, and more.
In nearby Baxter, Christmas Point Wild Rice Company has 26,000 square feet of furniture, home decor, gourmet food, and more.
Brainerd is dotted with local shops like Purple Fern Bath Company, Fancy Pants Chocolates, Up Thrift Shop and Ya Sure Kombucha. Drive a half hour north to grab a quick lunch or drink and some home goods from MN Traders Co., a "coffee-to-cocktail eatery" / well-curated lifestyle shop in Pequot Lakes.
Rapid River Lodge and Water Park
WHAT TO DO INDOORS
Families and good-natured grownups can make a splash at three indoor water parks including the Paul Bunyan Water Park at Arrowwood Lodge, Three Bear Water Park at the Holiday Inn Express, and Rapid River Lodge & Water Park.
If you’re looking to flex your creativity and wrack your brain, try cracking the codes at Copper Cat Escape Games.
Fishing near the shoreline of Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent
WHERE TO GO OUTSIDE
Surrounded by more than 465 lakes, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water. Find amazing opportunities for paddling, boating, fishing, swimming and more. If you’re an angler, some popular spot to wet a line are Gull Lake, Mille Lacs, Crosby-Ironton Mine Pits, Pelican Lake and the Whitefish Chain.
Half of the 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail runs through the area which has become a popular spot for bikers, walkers, runners, and is easily accessible to all.
The Classic at Madden's golf course
With more than 450 golf holes on dozens of championship courses, the Brainerd Lakes area has been ranked the 41st most desirable golf destination in the world, by Golf Digest. Some of the most popular courses in the area include Cragun’s Legacy Courses, Deacon’s Lodge, The Pines and The Preserves at Grand View Lodge, and The Classic at Madden’s.
Plan the ultimate golf getaway with this guide.
A lookout point at Crow Wing State Park / Andrew Parks
At nearby Crow Wing State Park, take a hike, paddle the Mississippi River, explore the Old Crow Wing Town Site or climb the stairs to Chippewa Lookout for views of the mighty Mississippi.
Crow Wing State Park also has an all-terrain, electric powered wheelchair that can be used on designated trails within the park. These chairs can help visitors explore areas of the state parks in new ways, often on trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs.
Brainerd Zip Line Tour
At Mount Ski Gull, hit the hills during the winter with multiple runs for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. In the summer, soar through the sky at Brainerd Zip Line. For more winter fun, find endless trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and plenty of ice for fishing.
Find incredible fall colors late September through early October, along Highway 371 and Highway 6, one of Minnesota’s top rainbow routes.
This Old Farm Pioneer Village at Paul Bunyan Land / Andrew Parks
If you’re idea of outdoor recreation is sipping a beverage on a boat, take a ride on Gull Lake Cruises and choose from brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour or sunset cruises.
For family fun, play a round at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park or see adorable animals at Safari North Adventure Park. Don’t miss an opportunity to meet and snap a photo with Paul Bunyan at Paul Bunyan Land and This Old Farm Pioneer Village.
Need some downhill thrills during the winter? Hit the slopes at Mount Ski Gull, where you can ski, snowboard and tube to your frozen heart’s delight.
The patio at Big Axe Brewing / Andrew Parks
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
In the Brainerd Lakes area, dining by the water is easy. Find must-see patios and outdoor spaces at Ernie’s on Gull Lake, Zorbaz, Dock 77 at Quarterdeck Resort, and more.
Sip locally made beverages at Big Axe Brewing Company in Nisswa, Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter, Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa, 5 Rocks Distilling Company in Brainerd, and 14 Lakes Craft Brewing Company in Pequot Lakes.
A halibut cheek BLT at Sherwood North
A Brainerd Lakes icon, The Barn serves classic burgers, fish and chips, but they are known for their popular loose ground beef sandwiches. Find a classic supper club experience at Bar Harbor Supper Club, Norway Ridge Supper Club, or Sherwood North, which offers typical steaks and seafood options alongside incredibly creative specials like a halibut cheek BLT, prime rib lasagna, and turkey confit casserole.
For more fine dining, be sure to score an upscale reservation at Grand View Lodge (Cru Restaurant and Wine Bar, CHAR Craft Steaks) or Madden's on Gull Lake (The Classic Grill).
Madden's on Gull Lake / Andrew Parks
WHERE TO STAY
Resorts are everywhere in the Brainerd Lakes Area and offer amenities for a variety of travelers. Whether you’re planning a getaway with your family, girlfriends, or golf buddies, there are plenty of places to stay. Here is a hit list....
Brainerd
- Cragun’s Resort
- Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort
- Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake
Find more lodging in Brainerd
A family gathers around a bonfire at Grand View Lodge
Nisswa
- Agate Lake Resort
- Grand View Lodge
- Lost Lake Lodge Resort
- Nature Link
- Quarterdeck Resort
Find more lodging in Nisswa
Pequot Lakes
- Black Pine Beach Resort
- Hideaway Resort
- Towering Pines Resort
Find more lodging in Pequot Lakes
Dockside dining at Breezy Point Resort in the Brainerd Lakes Area
Breezy Point
- Breezy Point Resort
Find more lodging in Breezy Point
Crosslake
- Pine Terrace Resort
- Towering Pines Resort
Find more lodging in Crosslake
Ice fishing in the Brainerd Lakes Area
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
When the water freezes over, the fun heats up on Gull Lake. Dubbed the world’s largest ice fishing contest, thousands of anglers take to the frozen waters to try their luck. The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza generates over $1 million in revenue for area businesses and over $150,000 for area charities annually.
If golf is more of your thing, the Gull Lake Frozen Fore is a sight to see. Find uniquely decorated golf holes and chip your way around the lake with live music, food and drink, fireworks, and more.
Spend three days listening to music and camping out at Lakes Jam in Brainerd
For fans of live music, catch the popular Lakes Jam in June at Brainerd International Raceway featuring pop and country artists like Tyler Hubbard, Jake Owen, and Smash Mouth. The Lakes Bluegrass Festival in August features 40 hours of bluegrass from nationally known, regional, and local bluegrass bands.
The Crow Wing County Fair in July is also a popular event with family-friendly activities, delicious carnival food, and more.
Find more festivals and events in the Brainerd Lakes Area, and explore other areas of central Minnesota.
Caitlin Hannah is Explore Minnesota's senior digital social strategist. When traveling around the state, she likes spending time near the water, hiking, antique shopping, trying new restaurants, and watching hockey.