Things To Do

Plan a fall getaway to Crosslake Days, September 24-26, 2026. From the Chili Cook-Off and Handcrafted Arts & Crafts Fair to family activities, live music and the Lost Chili Pepper hunt, discover one of the Brainerd Lakes Area’s favorite fall traditions.

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.

The crisp air, smaller crowds, and colorful backdrop make fall the perfect time to explore the Brainerd Lakes. Here are our top 5 ways to love the season.

From perfect weather, lower green fees to optimal course conditions, fall is the perfect time to book your next golf weekend.

Planning to attend the CRMC Championship? Find everything you need to know, including free admission, tournament highlights, parking information, lodging, restaurants, and things to do in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Planning a trip to the NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway? Discover where to stay, what to do, dining recommendations, ticket information, and travel tips for the ultimate race weekend in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

From casual dock-and-dine favorites to upscale waterfront restaurants, the Brainerd Lakes Area offers unforgettable dining with a view. Explore this guide to discover lakeside restaurants across the region and find your next favorite meal on the water.

Discover the best lake activities in the Brainerd Lakes Area, from boating and fishing to scenic cruises, watersports, wildlife viewing, and more.

Scratch-made food tells a story of flavor, tradition, and creativity. These featured restaurants are just a glimpse of the local kitchens dedicated to thoughtful ingredients and time-honored cooking, offering visitors a true taste of the region.

Discover peaceful gardens, scenic walking paths, and beautiful outdoor spaces throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. From colorful blooms and lakeside memorial gardens to wooded trails and historic estates, these featured Brainerd Lakes Chamber member locations offer relaxing ways to slow down and connect with nature during your visit.

Submit your best Bigfoot name idea, vote for your favorites, and explore Brainerd Lakes apparel, souvenirs, and local gifts during your visit to the Welcome Center.

Discover where to play pickleball in the Brainerd Lakes Area, including Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Crosslake, and beyond. Find indoor and outdoor courts, free public parks, and local facilities.

From Monday through Thursday, the pace softens. The lakes feel wider, the trails quieter, and the entire experience becomes more personal, more like the getaway you imagined in the first place.

From championship resort courses to scenic local favorites, here’s your guide to when and where to tee off, featuring more than 450 holes of golf across the Brainerd Lakes Area.

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

Discover why the Brainerd Lakes Area is a top golf getaway for groups, featuring scenic courses, premier resorts, and unforgettable stay-and-play experiences in Minnesota.

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

Home / Brainerd Lakes Fishing Guide: Best Lakes, Tips, and Local Experts The Brainerd Lakes Area is home to one of the best multispecies freshwater fisheries in the country. Whether you’re chasing panfish, largemouth or smallmouth bass, muskie, or the iconic Minnesota walleye, our waters offer something for every angler. Discover the Best Lakes for

Home / Indoor Fun for Hot or Rainy Days: Explore Brainerd Lakes When the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s still plenty to do in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Whether it’s pouring rain or the heat is too much, this guide highlights fun indoor spots to keep you cool, entertained, and making memories. BRAINERD & BAXTER Crossing

Home / Farmers Markets You’ll Love in the Brainerd Lakes 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

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

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

Home / Make Family Memories in the Brainerd Lakes Area Planning a trip up north? The Brainerd Lakes Area is packed with exciting, family-friendly things to do that will keep everyone smiling, from toddlers to grandparents. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation, these activities offer the perfect mix of adventure,

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,

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!

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

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

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

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

It’s spooky season! If you’re looking for a ghostly good time, check out these haunted attractions in Brainerd, Minnesota.

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

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

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