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 Ski Loons. The Ski Loons hit the water to put on entertaining waterski shows with pyramids, ballet lines, kids ski lines, doubles, and trios. It all leads up to the high-flying stunts off the ski jump! Bring your chairs and enjoy concessions. Admission is free.
Brainerd International Raceway
Photo Courtesy Brainerd International Raceway
Centerstage at BIR is the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, which has entertained drag racing fans for 38 years. Nationals brings the stars of the NHRA to BIR with 11,000-horsepower nitro-fueled dragsters that fly down the drag strip at 330 mph.
The rest of BIR’s schedule has a wide range of drag racing, road racing, watercross, drifting, autocross, live music and more. You can get behind the wheel and try your hand at racing or driving events, starting with the BIR Performance Driving School.
See the calendar of events and buy tickets at www.BrainerdRaceway.com.
Go Karts and More
Photo Courtesy Northland Kart Country
Race through twists, turns, and straightaways at Billy Bones Raceway and at Kart Kountry! Your family will love making memories here. Both attractions have tracks for all ages. There are one-or-two passenger go carts so even the youngest riders can enjoy the thrill. Kart Kountry also has other attractions like batting cages, NASCAR simulators, bungee bounce, and bumper boats. Billy Bones Raceway and Kart Kountry are full-speed fun!
Paul Bunyan Land
Photo Courtesy Paul Bunyan Land
Paul Bunyan Land is a nostalgic vacation destination that grandparents, parents, and children love. The highlight is the 26-foot animated lumberjack, Paul Bunyan. Children will be captivated to hear Paul Bunyan say their names—a 65-year tradition. At the amusement park, there are over 40 rides (like the iconic tilt-a-whirl, carousel, and Ferris wheel), and a pioneer village, and campground.
Mini Golf
Photo Courtesy Whistling Wolf Mini Golf
Are you up for a friendly challenge? Bring your family to one of the local mini golf courses. Think you can handle the hazards? Pirate ships, meandering streams, rolling greens, boulders, and waterfalls are just some of the things you’ll encounter. Check out Pirate’s Cove, Kart Kountry, Wildwedge Mini Golf, and Whistling Wolf for your next mini golf adventures.
Brainerd Zip Line Tour
Photo Courtesy Brainerd Zip Line Tour
Add adventure to your vacation by booking a zipline tour! Brainerd Zipline Tour is the best bird’s eye view of Gull Lake and the Brainerd Lakes. Your guides will safely lead you through a thrilling outdoor 2.5 hour adventure. The tour consists of 7 zip lines, a suspension bridge, and The Drop—an exhilarating 50 foot free fall experience. Feel the rush of soaring among the trees!
Safari North Wildlife Park
Your family will go WILD for all the animals at this park! Safari North is an immersive, family friendly attraction on 43 acres with over 125 different species of animals. You can feed giraffes, ride a camel, mine for gemstones, and feed parakeets. New this year is the 10-acre safari train. Take the train to see lions, hyenas, monkeys, and more.
Family time is the best time in the Brainerd Lakes!
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.
