The Ultimate Guide to the NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway
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.
Feel the Thunder at One of the Midwest's Biggest Sporting Events
Every August, the Brainerd Lakes Area transforms into the horsepower capital of the Midwest as more than 100,000 racing fans gather for the NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR). From August 20–23, 2026, the world’s fastest drag racers return to Brainerd for four unforgettable days of nitro-fueled action, incredible fan experiences, and a race weekend unlike any other.
Whether you’re a lifelong drag racing enthusiast, planning your first NHRA event, or tagging along with family and friends, there’s much more to discover than what happens on the starting line. Between races, you’ll find hundreds of lakes, outstanding restaurants, unique shopping, golf courses, breweries, resorts, and unforgettable Minnesota sunsets—all within minutes of the track.
This guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect NHRA getaway.
STILL NEED SOMEWHERE TO STAY?
The hard part is done! We rounded up available lodging options around the Brainerd Lakes Area to help you plan your stay.
What Are the NHRA Nationals?
The NHRA Nationals are part of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and are one of the premier stops on the national tour. Drivers compete in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, and Sportsman classes while launching down the quarter-mile at speeds exceeding 330 mph in machines producing more than 11,000 horsepower.
Unlike many professional sporting events, every spectator ticket includes pit access, allowing fans to walk through the pits, watch crews completely rebuild race cars between runs, meet drivers, and collect autographs throughout the weekend.
Why You Should Experience It
Even if you’ve never watched drag racing before, the NHRA Nationals are unlike anything you’ll experience on television.
You’ll feel the ground shake as nitro-powered dragsters launch from the starting line. You’ll smell the fuel, hear the engines long before you see them, and witness acceleration that’s difficult to comprehend until you’re sitting in the grandstands.
Visitors love the event because it offers:
- The fastest accelerating race cars in the world
- Incredible access to drivers and race teams
- A family-friendly atmosphere during the day
- Shopping, food vendors, and Nitro Alley
- One of the most unique camping traditions in motorsports
- Four full days of racing and entertainment
Planning Your Trip
Purchase Tickets Early
Because this is BIR’s largest event of the season, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
Tickets are available as:
- Single-day admission
- Multi-day passes
- Reserved grandstand seating
- Camping packages
- Premium experiences
Where to Stay During NHRA Weekend
Hotels and resorts throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area fill quickly for race weekend, so reserving accommodations as early as possible is highly recommended. Click the link below to see local lodging partners that have availability, or scroll to view different properties throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Resorts
Trade the campground for a lakeside cabin or full-service resort where you can spend mornings on the dock before heading to the races.
Hotels
Stay close to restaurants, shopping, and the raceway with hotels located throughout Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, and surrounding communities.
Vacation Rentals
Traveling with friends? Vacation homes provide plenty of room, lake access, and the perfect place to relax after a day at the track.
Camping
Camping has become part of the NHRA tradition at BIR.
The legendary Zoo Campground is famous throughout the NHRA community for its high-energy atmosphere, while reserved camping and family camping areas offer quieter alternatives. Fans looking for an extended stay can even take advantage of Mega Week, arriving early for nearly two weeks of racing and camping.
Where to Eat Between Race Sessions
From quick bites before heading to the track to relaxing dinners overlooking the lake, the Brainerd Lakes Area has dining options for every appetite. Refuel with a hearty breakfast, grab lunch between race sessions, or wind down with dinner and drinks after a day of high-speed action. Whether you’re craving burgers, barbecue, pizza, fresh seafood, or classic Up North fare, you’ll find plenty of local favorites just minutes from Brainerd International Raceway.
Things to Do Beyond the Track
The excitement doesn’t have to end when the engines stop. Make the most of your trip by exploring everything the Brainerd Lakes Area has to offer. Spend time on the water, discover charming downtowns, tee off on championship golf courses, enjoy local breweries, or unwind with a lakeside sunset. Whether you’re staying for a few days or making it a long weekend, there’s no shortage of ways to experience Minnesota’s lake country.
Tips for First-Time NHRA Fans
- Arrive early to avoid traffic.
- Bring hearing protection—Top Fuel cars are incredibly loud.
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
- Spend time in the pits between rounds.
- Book lodging well in advance.
- Plan extra time to explore the Brainerd Lakes Area before or after the races.
Make Race Weekend a Minnesota Getaway
The NHRA Nationals are more than a race—they’re one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Upper Midwest. Pair the excitement of 330 mph drag racing with lake days, local restaurants, shopping, and unforgettable evenings around the water, and you’ll quickly discover why so many fans return to the Brainerd Lakes Area year after year.
Whether you’re visiting for one day or staying for the entire weekend, there’s no better place to experience the thrill of the NHRA Nationals and everything that makes Minnesota’s lake country unforgettable.
