February | Brainerd Lakes Area, Minnesota It’s been mostly a mild winter around the Brainerd Lakes area compared to previous winters. This might be the warmest winter on record! I live near the Mississippi River, and it has not froze over as in previous years. The amount of open water has kept a few birds around […]

January | Brainerd Lakes Area, Minnesota This mild January weather has made for some comfortable ice fishing. Things will change eventually, but the ice has not been growing very fast! Some lakes have 12 inches and others just 7 inches. Be careful and don’t assume one lake has as much […]

The weather has been beautiful for enjoying the great outdoors and embracing the season. The Brainerd Lakes Area offers so much to do in the winter season. Fat Tire Biking in Cuyuna Lakes Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is a bucket list destination for mountain bikers and for good reason. […]

December 5: I’m sitting in my vehicle on the boat ramp at the Quarterdeck Resort watching waterfowl get pushed around by eagles in some of the last of the open water in the area. The main lake of Gull is one of the last to freeze up, and I’d say […]

Brainerd Jaycess Ice Fishing Extravaganza goes virtual in 2021 The 2021 Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza will be virtual this year because of the ongoing pandemic. Anglers can fish on any lake in Minnesota during the normal contest date and time (January 30, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.). All […]

Waterparks! With the Thanksgiving holiday fast-approaching, you may be thinking of changing up your family traditions. Spend the holiday at one of our lodging properties. We have three hotels with indoor waterparks. You’ll find waterslides that zig and zag, looping lazy rivers, relaxing hot tubs, and exciting water jungle gyms […]

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 […]

Bird migration has been studied and observed for thousands of years but still remains a mystery to scientists and researchers. How does a bird that weighs less than a 16 ounce glass of water fly nonstop, cover thousands of miles, and survive the ultimate challenge of endurance and expenditure of energy?  […]

Don’t pack the boat away just yet! While many people get fish fever around the spring walleye opener, great fishing can be found through the fall—with the colorful leaves as your backdrop. We asked fishing expert and local guide Walleyedan for some fall fishing tips on how to find and […]

  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 […]

  While this year’s Independence Day will look a little different, you’ll find that fireworks displays are still happening around the Lakes Area.  With social distancing, watching fireworks light up the night sky is still a festive and safe way to celebrate.   #1 – Brainerd The Brainerd fireworks are […]

While this time of year usually brings parades and other big events, this year looks a bit different as we continue to deal with COVID-19 and the state limiting large gatherings. Communities are doing their best to preserve some of our favorite longstanding traditions. Brainerd Fireworks in Brainerd are a […]

  We’re here to welcome you when you’re ready to travel. With our abundant nature and pristine lakes, we have plenty of recreational activities perfect for small groups and social distancing. A change in scenery and a break from the noise is good for the soul. You may wonder what’s […]

  Nature brings us peace and solace through this unprecedented and uncertain time. The Brainerd Lakes Area offers plenty of places to get outside and enjoy the abundant nature—including many species of birds. You can also make your yard a bird sanctuary and watch right from your own window. We […]

Fishing opener is quickly approaching, and for many anglers that means trying their hand at catching walleye—the most sought-after fish in Minnesota. The walleye is known to be elusive and can sink even the most optimistic spirit. We caught up with local fishing guide Walleye Dan to get early season […]

  Golf courses have new rules as they welcome golfers back The weather forecast looks perfect for getting out and enjoying a round of golf. It is a perfect activity for getting outside and getting some exercise. Golf courses across the Lakes Area are reopening and have safety in mind […]

  Wait…don’t cancel your summer travel plans    With the spring sunshine, longer daylight, and quarantine, you’re probably getting cabin fever more than ever before. This is the time of year that many of us start dreaming of the beloved Minnesota summer. You might already have travel plans booked at […]

  For many Minnesotans, heading Up North is a way of life—a tradition carried down from generation to generation. Year after year, families from all over Minnesota travel to their favorite resort or family cabin to make memories. It’s so engrained in us that Up North is more than a […]

  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 in.   Area Attractions   1) Paul […]

  If you’re celebrating America’s Independence in the Brainerd Lakes Area, you’ll find lots to do. Many communities have events for you to don your red, white, and blue. You’ll also have many places to “Ohhhh and Ahhh” as the fireworks boom and pop filling the twilight sky with vibrant […]

  While we’re well-known for our boating culture, paddling a kayak might not be top-of-mind. Kayaking is growing in popularity with people who want to slow down and really connect with nature. We caught up with Jim Bergquist from Wind, Water, and Wheels in Crosslake and Jennifer Smith from Cycle […]

  Ahhh…spring. The best reward after a long, cold winter. And what a winter it was.  As a summer tourism destination, The Lakes Area is starting to buzz with excitement now that spring is (finally) here. Our area golf courses are one of the first activities to wake from winter’s […]

When you visit Lake Country, chances are you’ll hear the common loon’s eerie wail and even see them on the water. Loons—much like the lakes they call home all summer—are an iconic symbol of Minnesota. Learning more about these amazing and adaptable birds will make you love them even more. […]

Nothing Says summer more than sitting around a crackling campfire with family and friends. And no campfire is complete without the gooey goodness of s’mores. This sweet confection is a tradition that brings adults and kids together—while sharing chocolate—coated smiles and sticky marshmallow fingers. With a history that dates back […]

You’ll find so much goes into planning a vacation. Questions like: Where to stay? What to do? Will everyone have a good time? can overshadow your trip. Knowing what kind of traveler you are and what you’re looking for not only makes planning easier, it also maximizes the fun when […]

The Brainerd Lakes Area is becoming a well-known for its hub of tap rooms. While each of these places have their own vibe and specialty, they all share in the inspiring art of infusing chemistry, ingenuity, and creativity to produce some seriously tasty brews. Don’t just take our word for […]