6 Reasons to Love Fall in the Brainerd Lakes

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6 Reasons to Love Fall in the Brainerd Lakes

The crisp air, smaller crowds, and colorful backdrop make fall the perfect time to explore the Brainerd Lakes. Here are our top 6 ways to love the season.

#1) Historic Pequot Lakes Fire Tower

If you’re looking for breathtaking view of the fall foliage, check out the historic fire tower in Pequot Lakes. Recently renovated, the fire tower is now part of a county park. Have a picnic in the pavilion and walk the hiking trails around the tower grounds. Climb the 135 steps of the 100 foot tower for one of the best views in the area. When the fall colors pop, this view is guaranteed to be spectacular.

#2) Golf

If you’re a golfer, you’ll love coming to the Brainerd Lakes Area. We have some of the best golfing in the state. We have several nationally recognized courses all within close proximity to each other, which makes accessibility and playability easy. Whether you’re looking for a golf getaway with family or a group of friends, the Brainerd Lakes should be on your golf bucket list. Check out area golf courses. Fall is a great time to find lower green fees and stay and play packages.

#3) Crow Wing State Park

If you love history and the outdoors, visit Crow Wing State Park. You’ll love the nature of this state park at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers. Walk the boardwalk and learn the history of the once-prosperous town site of Old Crow Wing. Step back in time with interpretive signs around the Red River Ox Cart Trail. You can hike 18 miles of trails. The park also has 6.5 miles of paved bike trail, which connects to the Paul Bunyan State Trail. Fall brings a crispness in the air (and no bugs!), which makes exploring the Crow Wing State Park perfection.

#4) Cuyuna Bike Trails

Get your heart pumping while traversing the red dirt of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (CCSRA). With over 25 miles of singletrack trail riding spread across 800 acres, CCSRA offers world class mountain biking. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for a challenge, you’ll find it on the trails in Cuyuna. The Miner’s Mountain Overlook offers expansive and impressive views of the mine lakes and landscape. It’s the perfect backdrop for a fall photo. of Old Crow Wing. Step back in time with interpretive signs around the Red River Ox Cart Trail. You can hike 18 miles of trails. The park also has 6.5 miles of paved bike trail, which connects to the Paul Bunyan State Trail. Fall brings a crispness in the air (and no bugs!), which makes exploring the Crow Wing State Park perfection.

#5) Paul Bunyan Trail

If flat paved trails are more your speed, the Paul Bunyan Trail is for you. At 120 miles long, it’s the longest continually paved multiuse trail in Minnesota. It winds through some seriously pretty nature views. The trail goes from the Crow Wing State Park (you’ll see the Mississippi River) north to Bemidji. You can stop at Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes and take a pit stop. Plenty of green space to take a leisurely break. Or grab a bite to eat before you continue your biking route.

#6) Brainerd ZipLIne Tour

Add some thrill to your fall getaway with Brainerd Zip Line Tour, which operates out of Mount Ski Gull. The 2.5 hour guided zipline tour will give you a stunning bird’s eye view of Gull Lake and surrounding areas. The zipline platforms would be a great place to view the fall colors—and get the freeing feeling of soaring through the trees.

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A light blue raffle ticket with bold black text reading "MEAT RAFFLE" centered on it. The ticket has perforated edges and a simple, vintage-style design.

Steaks Are High: Brainerd Lakes Guide to Meat Raffles

Meat raffles have become a popular tradition in the Brainerd Lakes Area, blending small-town charm, local food, and community spirit. Whether at a lakeside tavern or an American Legion hall, you can join in the fun while supporting local businesses. Many raffles feature meats sourced from area butcher shops, making it a win-win for everyone. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might earn the playful title of “Meat Hog” for winning more than once in one night!

A man and woman riding bikes through a wooded section of the Paul Bunyan Trail, enjoying a sunny day surrounded by lush greenery in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

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