Brainerd Area Public Parks and Beaches

On the Water, Things To Do

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 below!

Crosby Memorial Park

2 2nd St SW, Crosby, MN 56441

In the heart of Crosby and on the banks of Serpent Lake, you’ll find the Crosby Memorial Park. The giant serpent, Kahnah’ bek, has watched over the park since 1977. The 20 ft serpent makes for a great photo backdrop. Kids will love the large wooden playset—perfect place to burn off some energy! There’s a nice swimming beach, too, for lots of fun-in-the-sun.

Campsites are available for tents and RVs. This is a busy campground with lots of hustle and bustle from downtown. You can easily walk or ride bike to restaurants and shops, plus the Cuyuna bike trails.

Amenities

Cross Lake Recreation Area

35507 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN 56442

The Cross Lake Recreation Area is a picturesque recreation area in one of central Minnesota’s most popular cities—Crosslake.

The campground is well-maintained and located on the shores of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which connects 14 lakes and are controlled by the Pine River dam at the Campground.

When you’re in the campground, you would never guess you’re in walking or biking distance from great restaurants, shops, and golf.

If you’re not camping, you can still enjoy the recreation area for the day. Swim at the beach. Walk across the dam. Play at the playground. Check out the interpretive programs. Fish from the dock. It’s all here for the perfect summer day!

Amenities

Gull Lake Recreation Area

10867 E Gull Lake Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401

Gull Lake Recreation Area offers something for everyone with a boat launch, hiking, fishing, and swimming.

The campground offers well-spaced sites. Near the campground is a playground and the Gull River at the outlet of Gull Lake. The platforms on the river offer great fishing!

The beach area is a short distance from the campground and is open to the public for day use. There is a roped-off swim area, sandy beach, and grassy area with picnic tables for families to enjoy.

Amenities

Lum Park

1619 NE Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401

Lum Park Recreation Area is an excellent family destination for camping, fishing, outdoor activities, and swimming. Lum Park is on Rice Lake, which is a reservoir off the Mississippi River.

Lum Park is just a short drive from the hotels in Brainerd/Baxter, which means you can easily access the water while staying in town.

The campground is a perfect place to enjoy the best of what Brainerd/Baxter has to offer.

Amenities

Pillager Lake Recreation Area

12170 County Rd 1 SW, Pillager, MN 56473

You’ll find the Pillager Lake Park on Pillager Lake west on Hwy 210, then north two miles on County Road 1. This quiet park is a great place to soak up some nature. The beach is clean and sandy for kids to swim. The pier even has a small slide that goes it to the water!

Pack a lunch or bring food to grill and use the pavilion. Kids can also play at the playground. Your family will enjoy spending an afternoon here!

Amenities

Whipple Beach Recreation Area

14441 Oakwood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425

A visit to Whipple Beach is a great place to spend the afternoon. Whipple Beach Recreation Area is a public park and beach close to Brainerd/Baxter hotels. The recreation area is in the perfect location if you’re staying in Brainerd/Baxter.

You’ll find an excellent sandy beach perfect for kids to swim and build sandcastles.

You can rent the pavilion for celebrations and gatherings. The pavilion has a kitchen you can use if you rent the pavilion.

Amenities

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