Things to Do in Brainerd Lakes
Minnesota's classic summer cabin country, two hours north of the Twin Cities.
See top-rated activities »About the Brainerd lakes
When Minnesotans say they are going up north for the weekend, many of them mean the Brainerd lakes. Within a short drive of Brainerd and Baxter lie Gull Lake, the Whitefish Chain, Pelican Lake and hundreds of smaller lakes, ringed by cabins and lake resorts ranging from rustic housekeeping cottages to golf resorts with marinas. Summer days here are about swimming, boating, fishing for walleye and bass, and eating at supper clubs and lakeside grills.
The area is good for cycling. The Paul Bunyan State Trail, built on an old rail line, runs north from Baxter through Nisswa, Pequot Lakes and Walker toward Bemidji and is one of the longest paved rail trails in the country. In Crosby and Ironton, the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area has turned old open-pit iron mines into clear, deep lakes and a large network of mountain bike trails over red, iron-rich soil. Nisswa has a walkable main street of shops, and Crosslake and Pequot Lakes have small-town summer events.
Paul Bunyan, the lumberjack of legend, is everywhere in this part of the state. Brainerd's own Paul Bunyan Land amusement park has a large seated Paul who talks to children by name. Brainerd International Raceway hosts drag racing and road racing in summer, and Crow Wing State Park preserves the site of a vanished river town. For a longer day, Itasca State Park, about two hours northwest, protects the small outlet stream where you can walk across the beginning of the Mississippi River on stepping stones. In winter, the lakes freeze into ice-fishing villages, and Gull Lake hosts a giant charity ice-fishing contest in January. Many resorts book their best summer weeks a year ahead, often by returning families, so start early if you want a lakefront cabin in July.
Don’t Miss
A long paved rail trail through lake country, with towns for lunch stops every few miles.
Mountain biking, paddling and swimming in clear lakes that fill old iron mine pits.
Old-growth red and white pines and the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where you can wade across it.
A road course and drag strip with racing events through the summer.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the Brainerd lakes
Bookable tours for the Brainerd lakes are limited right now — ask a travel specialist to arrange activities for your dates.
Plan your time in the Brainerd lakes
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Get free trip quotes »the Brainerd lakes — FAQ
How far is Brainerd from Minneapolis?
About two to two and a half hours north on Highway 10 or Highway 371, depending on traffic, which is heavy on Friday afternoons in summer.
Is the Brainerd lakes area good for families?
Yes. Family-run resorts with sandy beaches, boat rentals and kids' programs are the heart of the area, along with bike trails and Paul Bunyan Land.
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