Things To Do

A young couple walks hand in hand down a sunlit gravel path surrounded by trees and greenery. The man wears a backpack and shorts, and the woman is dressed casually in a long-sleeve shirt. A calm body of water is visible to the right, creating a peaceful, nature-filled setting.

Brainerd Lakes Vacation Guide: 3 Days of Local Food, Nature, and Fun

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, […]

Brainerd Lakes Vacation Guide: 3 Days of Local Food, Nature, and Fun Read More »

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!

Steaks Are High: Brainerd Lakes Guide to Meat Raffles Read More »

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.

Trailside Treats: A Tasty Ride Along the Paul Bunyan Trail

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

Trailside Treats: A Tasty Ride Along the Paul Bunyan Trail Read More »

Horizontal Photo of Bean Hole Days showing a man holding a gray Bean Hole Days mug with a piece of bread on a summer day

Northern Minnesota’s Quirkiest Festival: Bean Hole Days

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

Northern Minnesota’s Quirkiest Festival: Bean Hole Days Read More »

Chasing the Northern Lights: A Dark Skies Experience

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

Chasing the Northern Lights: A Dark Skies Experience Read More »

Crosslake St. Patrick's Day three middle aged women wearing green and smiling

Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration

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

Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration Read More »

Crowd of People at the Stars & Stripes Parade in Pequot Lakes

Celebrate Stars & Stripes Days in Pequot Lakes!

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.

Celebrate Stars & Stripes Days in Pequot Lakes! Read More »

A rustic cabin with woods in the background and a bonfire in the foreground with green Adirondack chairs nestled on Kimble Lake part of the Ossawinnamakee Chain

Homeward Bound: Relocating to the Brainerd Lakes Area

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

Homeward Bound: Relocating to the Brainerd Lakes Area Read More »

Photo of a race car at NHRA Nationals in Brainerd with a crowd in the background and the Lucas Oil Nationals logo overlayed on top

Lodging with Availability During the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

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

Lodging with Availability During the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Read More »

Photo collage of Fouth of July events showing fireworks and people having fun in the summer and dressed up patriotically

4th of July Fireworks, Parades & Events in the Brainerd Lakes Area

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

4th of July Fireworks, Parades & Events in the Brainerd Lakes Area Read More »

Aerial photo of Maddens on Gull Lake on a summer day showing the vast golf courses with trees and walking paths with the large resort buildings and cabins in the distance and Gull Lake in the background

Brainerd Lakes Area Golf Course Opening Dates 2024

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

Brainerd Lakes Area Golf Course Opening Dates 2024 Read More »

photo taken behind kids jumping off of dock into a lake on a warm summer day with the lake and pine trees in the background

32 Things to Do in the Brainerd Lakes Area on Your Summer Vacation

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

32 Things to Do in the Brainerd Lakes Area on Your Summer Vacation Read More »

Photo of the Gull Lake Cruises boat in lake on a summer day with Cragun's Resort in the background

Lake Cruisin’ with the Breezy Belle and Gull Lake Cruises

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

Lake Cruisin’ with the Breezy Belle and Gull Lake Cruises Read More »

Photo of two women on a boat ride on a lake

List of Memorial Day Weekend Events in the Brainerd Lakes

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

List of Memorial Day Weekend Events in the Brainerd Lakes Read More »

Scroll to Top