Home / Brainerd Lakes Farmers Markets You’ll Love Looking for fresh produce, local goods, and a taste of the Brainerd Lakes Area community? From handmade crafts to locally raised meats and garden-fresh veggies, the region’s farmers markets offer something for everyone. Why Visit a Farmers Market in the Brainerd Lakes Area? Whether you’re searching for […]
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Home / Brainerd Lakes Vacation Guide: 3 Days of Local Food, Nature, and Fun From cozy cafés and local art to scenic trails and sunset dinners, this 3-day itinerary highlights some of the best of Brainerd, Baxter, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, and Gull Lake. Explore at your own pace and experience the perfect mix of adventure,
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Home / Brainerd Lakes Lodging Guide: How to Choose the Right Cabin, Hotel, or Resort Nestled in central Minnesota, the Brainerd Lakes Area is a haven for travelers seeking scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and a wide variety of places to stay. The towns of Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, Brainerd, and Baxter each offer something unique,
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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!
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Home / Trailside Treats: A Tasty Ride Along the Paul Bunyan Trail Spring is the perfect time to explore the Paul Bunyan Trail in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This scenic paved trail winds through forests and lakes, with a fun route between Pequot Lakes and Brainerd that includes stops for coffee, ice cream, and local
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Travel around the Lakes Area and you’ll find local breweries and a microdistillery. Each place has a cool, laid back vibe and some seriously tasty brews and spirits. They’re the perfect places to slow down, sip, and unwind. Baxter Jack Pine Brewery Jack Pine Brewery’s taproom offers as laidback, family friendly atmosphere that focuses on
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Northern Minnesota’s Quirkiest Festival: Bean Hole Days Come and celebrate Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes on July 15-16, 2025! This one-of-a-kind event is rootin’ tootin’ good fun for the whole family! What is Bean Hole Days? Join in the historic event Bean Hole Days, which dates back to 1938. Business owners asked local farmers
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Home / Chasing the Northern Lights: A Dark Skies Experience The Brainerd Lakes Area is the perfect place for your next Dark Skies Experience! From the Milky Way to the Northern Lights, the views here are awe-inspiring. Get expert tips from Mark Harlow on how to maximize your adventure. By Mark Harlow National award-winning nature
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2025 Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Saturday, March 15, 2025 Crosslake, MN Event Information Parade at 1:00 PM! Experience The Magic of Change For 51 years, Crosslake has been celebrating the coming of Spring with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade. What started out in the 70’s as a remedy for Cabin Fever, has grown into
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Triple Fest at Breezy Point Resort, February 21-22, 2025 Triple Fest snowmobile drag racing is back at Breezy Point Resort on Saturday, February 22, 2025! Back, bigger, and better than ever before, Triple Fest 2025 brings you a race weekend jam packed with people, partying, and epic racing all in one place! What’s new this
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By Explore Brainerd Lakes >> Updated October 1, 2024 MEA Weekend 2024 Lodging Availability in the Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging with Availability October 17-20, 2024 MEA weekend is a wonderful time for families to travel and reconnect, making it the perfect time to visit the Brainerd Lakes Area! Need help finding lodging? You’re in luck!
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Celebrate Stars & Stripes Days in Pequot Lakes! Celebrate our nation’s independence on July 3rd & 4th in Pequot Lakes! You’ll find fun activities for the whole family: food vendors, bean bag tournament, kid’s activities, music, craft fair, parade, fireworks, and more! You won’t want to miss Minnesota’s BEST small town Fourth of July celebration.
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By Explore Brainerd Lakes >> Updated August 7, 2024 Current Lodging Availability: Where to Stay in the Brainerd Lakes Area Area Lodging with Availability through September 2nd, 2024 Summer is here! Now’s a great time to plan a visit to the Brainerd Lakes. Need help finding lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging
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Fall Break (MEA Weekend) Lodging Availability in the Brainerd Lakes Come Up North for fall fun! Looking for a quick family getaway during Minnesota’s fall break October 19-22? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging properties—resorts with cabins, vacation rental homes, and hotels—so you can see what’s available to help ease your planning. Brainerd
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Where to See Fall Colors in the Brainerd Lakes Area Fall is the perfect time to visit the Brainerd Lakes Area and enjoy the glorious colors of autumn! Book your fall trip Up North and enjoy the scenic splendor of the season. Read more to find the best places to view fall colors. Photo Courtesy
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Homeward Bound: Relocating to the Brainerd Lakes Area If after vacationing here you find yourself not wanting to say goodbye, consider relocating! We are much more than a summer vacation destination. The beautiful natural resources, connected communities, and strong businesses make the area an ideal place to live and play. Photo courtesy of Book the
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Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging with Open Availability August 21–September 4, 2023 Lodging Availability for Labor Day Weekend, 2023 Planning a visit to the Brainerd Lakes and are looking for lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging properties—resorts with cabins, vacation rental homes, hotels, and camping—so you can see what’s available when planning your
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Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging with Open Availability August, 2023 Lodging Availability for August 1-20, 2023 Planning a visit to the Brainerd Lakes and are looking for lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging properties—resorts with cabins, vacation rental homes, hotels, and camping—so you can see what’s available when planning your trip here. Brainerd
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Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging with Open Availability July, 2023 Lodging Availability for July 10-31, 2023 Planning a visit to the Brainerd Lakes and are looking for lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging properties—resorts with cabins, vacation rental homes, hotels, and camping—so you can see what’s available when planning your trip here. Brainerd
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Splash Pads in the Brainerd Lakes Area Splash pads a fun way for all kids to enjoy water! With 0% risk of drowning and 100% handicap accessible, splash pads offer a safe and accessible water feature for all. We’re lucky to have two such splash pads here! Plus, they’re free for everyone to use. Brainerd
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Lodging with Availability During the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Lodging Availability for August 15–18, 2024 The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals held at Brainerd International Raceway August 15–18 is one of the biggest weekends in racing where the top drag racers barrel down the drag strip at over 330 mph. Race fans from all over come
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Lodging with Open Availability in Brainerd June 17 – July 8, 2023 Lodging Availability for June 17 – July 8, 2023 Planning a visit to the Brainerd Lakes and are looking for lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging properties—resorts with cabins, vacation rental homes, hotels, and camping—so you can see what’s available
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4th of July Fireworks, Parades & Events in the Brainerd Lakes Area Check out our list of 4th of July fireworks, parades, and events in the Brainerd Lakes Area! Find events and activities all weekend long. Where to Watch Fireworks in the Brainerd Lakes Area WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2024 Nisswa Fireworks Show located downtown. Show
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Available Lodging in Brainerd, Minnesota June 10-17, 2023 Lodging Availability for June 10–17, 2023 Planning a visit to the Brainerd Lakes and are looking for lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging properties—resorts with cabins, vacation rental homes, hotels, and camping—so you can see what’s available when planning your trip here. Brainerd Area
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Available Lodging in Brainerd, MN During Memorial Day Weekend 2023 Lodging Availability for Memorial Day Weekend: May 22–May 28. Planning a visit to the Brainerd Lakes and looking for lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging properties—resorts with cabins, vacation rental homes, hotels, and camping—so you can see what’s available when planning your
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Things To Do in Brainerd Memorial Day Weekend 2023 Looking for fun things to do while you and your family are out-and-about this Memorial Day Weekend? Check out what’s happening! Visit our event calendar for a full list of what’s going on in the area. Area Event Calendar Photo Courtesy Breezy Point Resort Thursday, May
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Brainerd Lakes Area Golf Course Opening Dates 2024 Photo Courtesy Whitefish Golf Club Ahhh…spring! It brings the return of golf! The Lakes Area is starting to buzz with excitement of the golf season. Maintenance crews are already busy prepping area golf courses, which means it’s time for you come to the Brainerd Lakes for a
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One of the first things you’ll choose when planning your Brainerd Lakes vacation is where to stay. We have lodging options for every type of traveler. You’ll find resorts with full amenities, quiet resorts, hotels, and campgrounds. Certain times of the year, though, lodging properties reach near capacity. Here are some tips to make your
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Keep it Local with Unique Shopping When you shop at our small businesses and boutiques, you’re helping build and support our economy and our community spirit. Plus, you’ll find one-of-a-kind goods that will remind you of your vacation here! Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center When you’re traveling to get here, stop in at the Explore
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32 Things to Do in the Brainerd Lakes Area on Your Summer Vacation If you’re planning a vacation to the Brainerd area and you’re looking for attractions, events, and outdoor recreation, this list is for you. You’ll find so much to do here, you’ll need to plan a return trip just to fit it all
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Find the perfect place to stay according to your lodging personality We have a lot of lodging options, which can be overwhelming especially to the first-time traveler. Knowing what kind of amenities you want will help narrow your search and maximize the fun while you’re here. No matter what you choose, we have a place
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There’s so much to do around the Lakes Area! If you’re looking to be on the go, these destinations are sure to be a hit with the whole family! Brainerd Ski Loons Water Ski Show Photo Courtesy Brainerd Ski Loons On the banks of Lum Park in Brainerd, you’ll see the talented and gravity-defying Brainerd
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Public Beaches and Parks in the Brainerd Lakes Area No matter where you are in the Brainerd Lakes Area, you will find yourself close to a public beach and park. Easy access to these public spaces is a perk of living and vacationing in the BLA. Find a list of public beaches and their amenities
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5 Things To Do During Winter in Brainerd Sure, the winter season can give us cabin fever. The best way to ward off the winter blues is to get outdoors! Here are 5 things to do during the winter season in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Photo Courtesy Grand View Lodge 1. Mount Ski Gull While
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It’s spooky season! If you’re looking for a ghostly good time, check out these haunted attractions in Brainerd, Minnesota.
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5 Reasons Why Fall Golf is the Best Summer is winding down, but don’t pack your golf clubs away just yet! While we love summer for so many outdoor activities, there’s something extra special about fall. And golf is no exception. From perfect weather, lower green fees to optimal course conditions, fall is the perfect
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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
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Ways to Enjoy the Local Food Scene We’re diverse in many areas, and food is no exception. You could enjoy a different culinary delight each night you’re here no matter your mood! Fine dining, gourmet coffee, dockside dining, grab-n-go, and sweet treats. If you’re not in the mood to leave the lake, no problem. Take
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Lake Cruisin’ with the Breezy Belle and Gull Lake Cruises When you’re here, relaxing is the boat is usually a vacation highlight. But not everyone is comfortable navigating new waters or has experience driving a boat. That doesn’t mean you’re destined to be land-locked. The Breezy Belle on Pelican Lake and Gull Lake Cruises on
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Birding in the Brainerd Lakes The Brainerd Lakes Area offers visitors a plethora of birdwatching opportunities. We caught up with Judd Brink, Owner and Guide at MN Backyard Birds, for some Q&A. He offers a few tips and tricks that will help maximize your birding experience! Now that spring is here, what bird species that
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4th of July Events, Parades, & Fireworks in the Brainerd Lakes Area Check out 4th of July parades, events and where you can watch fireworks in the Brainerd Lakes Area! Find fireworks from the popular Gull Lake and Cross Lake, all the way to the Cuyuna Lakes Area. Brainerd Events Arts in the Park draws
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Memorial Day Weekend Events in the Brainerd Lakes Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer in the Brainerd Lakes Area! Checkout our list of events happening across lake country. We wish all our visitors a fun and safe holiday weekend! Friday, May 27, 2022 Open House / Grand Opening It’s a WING DING
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Fish Like a Pro This Walleye Opener The walleye fishing opener is just around the corner, which is a tradition for many Minnesotans and vacationers alike. The opener often means a trip Up North for anglers to try their hand at catching walleye—the most sought-after fish in our lakes. We caught up with Justin Chromy
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For many of us, heading Up North is a way of life—a tradition carried down from generation to generation. Families from all over travel to their favorite vacation place year-after-year to make memories. It’s so engrained in us that Up North is more than a direction; it’s a state of mind. These summer vacations shape
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Downtown Brainerd has an eclectic mix of shops with a bakery, several restaurants, gourmet specialty shops, and craft workshops offering a fun variety for an afternoon of shopping! Vintage Love Bargains on Seventh and Open City Thrift are the perfect places to find vintage clothing that reflect your true style—all at a discount. Design Consign: Blends retail and
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