Winter | Spring & Summer | Fall
The Brainerd Lakes Area is a year round destination and provides fun and entertainment during all four seasons. Fall, winter, spring or summer...the Brainerd Lakes Area has something to enjoy by all!
Winter
Cross Country Skiing
Nordic skiers will discover 240 miles of groomed and ungroomed ski trails in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Thousands of skiers enjoy these trails that take them through a variety of forests and landscapes. Some trails even have lighted sections for nighttime skiing.
Ski Pass – All cross-country skiers on public ski trails age 16 an above must have a Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Conditions – Check out the current area trail conditions.
Trail Maps – There are numerous cross country skiing trails in the area. Get out and enjoy them all!
Downhill Skiing & Tubing
Brainerd Lakes Area Visitors that want to downhill ski will find fun and family-style skiing at Ski Gull. The facility features 13 runs, chairlifts, rentals and refreshments.
Ice Fishing
Some anglers feel that the fishing in the Brainerd Lakes Area only gets better when the lakes freeze over. In one day, on one lake, maybe even from one hole, anglers can catch walleye, bass, crappies, sunfish, northern pike and yellow perch. The more popular lakes have fish house rentals available with plowed roads leading to many of the good fishing spots.
Ice House Rentals – The businesses listed below are happy to rent ice houses and are hoping you land a big catch!
| Bayside Cabins Backus, Pine Mountain |
(218) 947-3344 |
| Boats & Beyond Rentals, Nisswa |
(218) 963-7700 |
| Cragun's Conference & Golf Resort, Brainerd/Gull |
(218) 825-2700 |
| Eddy's Lake Mille Lacs Resort, Onamia/Mille Lacs |
(320) 532-3657 |
| Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa/Gull |
(218) 963-2482 |
Bait & Tackle Stores – Local bait and tackle stores have gear and advice waiting for visiting anglers.
Fishing Report – Find out what fish are biting and where by checking out the most current fishing report.
Snowmobiling
The Brainerd Lakes Area is a snowmobiling paradise! With miles and miles of connected and groomed trails, sledders can ride miles enjoying the beautiful sites and sounds of the area. Visiting snowmobilers will find a plentiful amount of retail and service outlets for gas, repairs, food and lodging in communities along the trails. And don't worry if you don't have your own sled, rent one from one of our reputable recreational rental facilities. Plus, our color-coded trail system makes traveling easy.
DNR – The Department of Natural Resources is available to answer your questions 24/7 at (888) 646-6367.
Snowmobile State Trail Sticker – Please be aware that a snowmobile state trail sticker is required for all persons operating a snowmobile on state or grant-in-aid trails. Order one online, by calling (888) 665-4236 or by stoping in to one of the Brainerd Lakes Area businesses that sell snowmobile stickers. Note that if you register your snowmobile in Minnesota, part of the fee is automatically applied to a state trail sticker. All sleds that were registered outside of the state of Minnesota need to purchase a state trail sticker.
Trail Conditions – Check out the current area trail conditions.
Trail Maps – The Brainerd Lakes Area is home to 1,200 miles of snowmobiling trails...be sure to hit them all! You can also contact the Brainerd Lakes Chamber to request trail maps via the mail.
Spring & Summer
Fishing
World-class fishing is one of the best reasons for visiting the Brainerd Lakes Area. With 465 lakes teeming with a wide variety of species, you’re sure to have a successful fishing experience every time you drop your line. With expert fishing guides, boat rentals, bait and tackle stores in every neighborhood, we make your fishing experience seemless and easy.
The 2010 fishing openers are as follows:
May 15 - Walleye & Northern Fishing Opener
May 29 - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Fishing Opener
June 5 - Muskie Fishing Opener.
Fishing Guides – Learn the lay of the lakes from the area's premier fishing guides.
Boat Rentals – Bring your own boat or rent one from one of the area's reputable businesses.
Bait & Tackle Stores – Local bait and tackle stores have gear and advice waiting for visiting anglers.
Species Grid - Learn what fish like in what lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Fishing Report – Find out what fish are biting and where by checking out the most current fishing report.
Hunting
Mid-April marks the opening of turkey hunting season in the state of Minnesota. The Brainerd Lakes Aera is alos home to numerous hunting preserves perfect for the avid sportsman who is looking to perfect his or her shot.e mixed hardwood and conifer forests are in the Brainerd Lakes Area are the ideal spot to wild turkey hunting.
DNR – The Department of Natural Resources has information about turkey hunting available on their website.
Motorcycling
Explore the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area by motorcycle during the spring and summer months. Ride your own motorcycle or rent one from the local dealer. Exploring the area by motorcylce lets you experience all of the sights, sounds and scenery that you may otherwise miss.
Motorcycle Rentals – Rent a motorcycle from a Brainerd Lakes Area dealer.
Fall
Fall Color
The Brainerd Lakes Area takes on a new look during the fall. The leaves on the sky-high trees change from bearing bright green leaves to showcasing foliage in shades of red, orange and yellow. The color change provides the opportunity for breathtakingly beautiful drives or bike rides along the area byway and trails.
Fall Color Report – The DNR keeps a close watch on the fall color changes happening throughout the state of Minnesota, including the Brainerd Lakes Area. Find out what the current "color" situation is in the area.
Fall Drives - Some of the best areas to view fall color in the Brainerd Lakes Area are by driving the following roads: Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, Highway 77 around Gull Lake, Crooked Lake Road off of Highway 18 east of Brainerd and County Road 3 around Edward Lake and Pelican Lake.
