What’s your lodging personality? - Explore Brainerd Lakes

Lodging

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 to stay that suits your personality!

Nostalgic

You love the warm and fuzzy feelings of reminiscing of a simpler time. And you want to bring your family together to experience a vacation from your childhood. Perhaps it’s bringing your kids to Paul Bunyan Land or walking the dam at Crosslake. You hope to bring your grandkids to stay at the same resort on the same lake that you did years ago. Many resorts that you remember are still here and now offer “reunion houses”—where your whole family can stay under one roof.

Minimalist

You’re not looking for a vacation with a lot of hoopla. The simpler, the better. Your idea of a vacation is biking the Paul Bunyan State Trail, hiking the Crow Wing State Park, or paddling your kayak around one of the area’s quieter lakes. You’re happy with limited amenities that provide tranquil, abundant nature with easy access to trails and lakes. The Brainerd Lakes Area has lodging options that fit your low-key style. Most area resorts are family owned and still have the rustic charm that you love.

Glamper

You bring your lodging with you when you come Up North. Your home on wheels is equipped with modern conveniences like a microwave and shower—tenting it is taking it too far! You like RV parks or campgrounds with amenities and easy access to water (pool or lake). You want to be close to activities like nature hikes, biking, and shopping. But you love having your own personal space and the freedom that comes with it. The Brainerd Lakes Area has resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds with camper hook ups (electric, water, and sometimes sewer).

Budget-Minded

You’ve never met a deal you didn’t like. You want amenities, but you don’t want to spend your whole budget on them. You’d rather spend on activities and experiences. You love the thrill of looking for the family friendly eats and low-cost excursions. With parades, firework displays, outdoor movies in Crosslake’s Town Square, and turtle races in Nisswa, the Lakes Area offers a variety of free activities. And you’ll easily find hotel and resorts that will make you—and your budget happy!

Thrill-Seeker

You’re up for anything. Any time. Any place. You get a rush from the unexpected. Zip line at Ski Gull and feel an exhilarating 50-foot free fall, bike the rugged switchbacks in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Paddleboard with the loons at sunrise. Your go-with-the-flow nature doesn’t mind staying in a yurt or camping at primitive sites like those at the Rollie Johnson Natural & Recreation Area. You also prefer area resorts that make you feel like you have the place to yourself and give you easy access to be out close to nature.

Luxurious

You want amenities at your fingertips: a lush spa, world-class golf, five-star dining, and endless activities for the kids (hello, waterski school)! Having reliable wi-fi to check email is a must. You don’t mind paying for well-appointed accommodations for the convenience of having everything on-property. You don’t want to sacrifice comfort for the sake of vacation. Many area resorts offer amenities with multiple dining options, pools, beaches, and golf—so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy total pampering.

Explore Brainerd Lakes

Our mission is to celebrate the Brainerd Lakes Area and the experiences that are made here. We are your premier resource of tourism information in central Minnesota.