Welcometotheneighborhood!Youmightbehereforthelakes.Ormaybe you’vecomeforthetrails.Someofyou,though,arehereforspecialized healthcare–becausethecareatCuyunaRegionalMedicalCenterisso advanced,providersfromacrossthenationrefertheirpatientshere. Orthopaedics,interventionalpainmanagement,comprehensiveweight loss,gynecologyservices…
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Crosby|Baxter|BreezyPoint|Longville|SuperOne-Crosby Call888-420-2778toscheduleanappointment orvisit cuyunamed.org tolearnmore.
BRAINERD LAKES CHAMBER PRESIDENT
Matt Kilian
BRAINERD LAKES CHAMBER STAFF
Ali Bestie, Paula Chapulis, Paula Davis, Colleen Dols, Sue Galligan, Mary Gottsch, Nichole Heinen, Donna Houchin, Tawny Killa, Brian Lehman, Cindy Myogeto, Trisha Reilley, Jess Vogt.
EDITORIAL CONTENT
Trisha Reilley, Tourism Marketing Manager
GRAPHIC ARTS
Donna Houchin, Marketing & Communications Manager
ADVERTISING SALES
Susie Alters, Sue Galligan, Brian Lehman
PUBLISHER
Brainerd Dispatch, Pine and Lakes Echo Journal
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHAMBER BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS
Alan Hanson, Big Axe Brewery, BlazeAir, Book the BLA, Brainerd Dispatch, Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd Jaycees, Brainerd Ski Loons, Brainerd Zip Line Tour, Buffalo Media Group, CatTale’s Books and Gifts, Cami Gazelka, CRMC Championship at Cragun’s Golf Resort, Cragun’s Resort, CTC, Doug Oster, Dunmire’s Bar & Grill, Eagles Nest, Empiria Studios, Golden Eagle Golf Club, Grand View Lodge, Gull Lake Beach Resorts, Gull Lake Cruises, Heath’s Resort, Hy-Tec Construction, Jack Pine Brewery, Jenna Elfering, Kart Kountry, kimberLEE
R Photography, Lakes Area Music Festival, Lakes Jam, Linden Hill Historic Estate, Lost Lake Lodge, MN Traders Co., Mount Ski Gull, National Loon Center, Northern Pacific Center, Nor-Son Custom Builders, Northland Construction, Paul Bunyan Land, Pine & Lakes Echo Journal, Rafferty’s Pizza, Roamy Oak Photography, Roundhouse Brewery, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort, Safari North Wildlife Park, Sarah Heath Photography, Simplified Notions, Snarky Loon Brewing Co., Steph Swanson, Taryn Christine Photography, The Chocolate Ox, The Quarterdeck Grill, The Wharf, Up North Bike Rentals, US Army Corps of Engineers, Widseth, Wilderness Point Resort, Wildwedge Golf, Mini Golf and Maze, Woodlore Cider, Woods to Water Real Estate.
BRAINERD COVER PHOTO BY SARAH HEATH PHOTOGRAPHY
@SarahHeathPhoto | SarahHeathPhotography.com
Moody. Intimate. Editorial.
CROSSLAKE COVER PHOTO BY BUFFALO MEDIA GROUP, COURTESY OF WHITEFISH AREA LODGING ASSOCIATION
@BuffaloMedia182 | BuffaloMediaGroupMN.com
A full service multi-media production company.
PEQUOT LAKES COVER PHOTO BY BLAZEAIR PRODUCTIONS
@BlazeAirMN | BlazeAirMN.com
The Premier Production Company of the Brainerd Lakes Area.
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber would like to thank all the individuals and Chamber businesses who submitted photos and content to feature in the 2024 Explore Brainerd Lakes Visitors Guide.
©2024 Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
Crosslake is nestled in the pines on the eastern shore of the pristine Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Home to the National Loon Center and a vibrant business community with unique retail shops, a variety of dining options, family resorts, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground. A true four-season recreational paradise, offering exceptional boating, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and a relaxing “Up North” retreat with family and friends. Welcome to Crosslake—the Beauty Spot of Minnesota!
CINDY MYOGETO Crosslake Area Director
Everything that is special about Minnesota can be found right here in the Brainerd Lakes Area. From lakes, golf, easy access to nature, it’s a place to relax and reconnect with family and friends. Here, time slows down and smiles turn up. We’re your “Up n=North” destination for lakeside adventures, golf, biking, and even winter activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. We can’t wait to welcome you here and help make your vacation special. If you’re near our Welcome Center off of Hwy 371, stop in and say “Hello”!
MATT KILIAN Brainerd Lakes Chamber President
The Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point areas have so much to offer visitors. Whether you’re heading to the lake, camping under the stars, climbing the fire tower, biking the Paul Bunyan Trail, or making a day trip to one of our fun summer festivals, you’ll love our friendly vacation paradise. Don’t forget to shop local, as we have several unique shops that are bound to attract the attention of all. While you are here, please stop by the Welcome Center next to Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes. I’d love to personally welcome you to town!
NICHOLE HEINEN Pequot Lakes Director
At Riverwood Healthcare Center we are changing the way you experience healthcare. Together, we will bring you robotic surgical precision and diagnostic innovation, including our best-inclass MRI scanner designed for reduced scan times and increased patient comfort. Personalized care with integrity, compassion and expertise getting you back to living your best life again.
Riverwood’s personalized and compassionate care is what makes us a preferred healthcare provider in northern Minnesota.
The Brainerd Lakes region is made up of several smaller communities—from Crosby, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, Pillager, and Brainerd—all within a short distance of each other. Perhaps you want land in a tranquil setting. Or maybe you want to live on one of the 400 lakes in Crow Wing County. If you like being close to the action and amenities, you should look at Brainerd/Baxter.
Each community has charm and a strong sense of community pride. And each is a great place to raise a family or enjoy a slower pace in retirement.
We’re fortunate to have excellent schools that provide state-of-the-art facilities with dedicated staff that prepare kids for a successful future. Brainerd School District and Pequot Lakes School District offer a variety of academic classes, activities, and athletics. Crosslake Community School has in-person hands-on learning as well as online learn-at-your-own-pace.
St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School, Lake Region Christian School, and STARE Academy all offer private faith-based education.
We also have a comprehensive community and technical college—Central Lakes College—that offers learning opportunities for students and adults in liberal arts, technical education, and customized training programs.
Take a tour of any of our area schools to find out which district, community, or private school fits your family.
Moving to a smaller community doesn’t mean sacrificing quality healthcare. There are three major hospitals in the region: Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Essentia Health–St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and Lakewood Health System. We have top notch healthcare facilities offering cutting edge and specialized services in areas like chiropractic, physical therapy, dermatology, dental clinics, cardiac services, neurosciences, and state-of-the-art surgery centers. We also have private practice clinics, med-spas and clinics for cosmetic procedures and women’s specialty health.
Whether you need a routine check-up or specialty care, you can rest assured you’ll find quality care close to home.
Photo Courtesy Woods to Water Real Estate Photo Courtesy Madden’s On Gull Lake
WE HAVE LOCALLY OWNED SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, AND BREWERIES THAT HELP MAKE OUR TOWNS VIBRANT... THERE’S A CONNECTION BETWEEN BUSINESSES AND THE COMMUNITY.
We have four seasons of recreation fun. World class golf. The Paul Bunyan Bike Trail. Mountain biking in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Hiking wooded trails. Snowmobiling. Downhill and cross country skiing. You’ll find something to love in each season.
What’s special about living here is the accessibility to all of these outdoor activities. Here, you can easily balance work, family, and being out in nature. It’s one of the main reasons people love living here.
We have locally owned shops, restaurants, and breweries that help make our towns vibrant with distinctive products and services. There’s a connection between businesses and the community. Your neighbor also might own a small boutique, restaurant, or bookstore. We have a local campaign and mantra—Lakes Proud—that is part of our culture. It’s a way to show how shopping local helps build our local economy.
You’ll find it’s easy and fun to make day trips to neighboring communities to check out the variety of each community.
If you love being on the water, relocating to the Brainerd Lakes is the right fit. We have some of the best lakes in the state for fishing (ice fishing and summer angling) and recreation. Crow Wing County has about 400 lakes and 150 public accesses for you to easily enjoy time on the water.
The quality of the water here is also hard to beat. Our lakes and rivers have an abundance of wildlife with pristine shorelines that is hard to find in other places.
We have a strong local economy with jobs in hospitality, education, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, government, finance, and other professional services.
Living in a small community doesn’t mean sacrificing staying connected. Our local communications, technology, and IT companies deliver high speed services and fiber optic technology you need to get connected across the Lakes Area. We also have businesses that can manage your work stations, network servers, and home devices.
You can find a rewarding career that easily balances quality of life and work.
Hover your phone's camera to find local job openings.
Photo Courtesy BlazeAir Productions Photo Courtesy CTC
Hover your phone's camera to find a list of local events.
STARS & STRIPES DAYS, PEQUOT LAKES
There’s something to be said about living where people choose to vacation. You and your family can make connections through community events, professional networking groups, and social clubs.
Our community excels at community events. Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Nisswa, and Cuyuna host several events and festivals for locals and tourists alike. And the local Chambers also host a variety of professional networking events for you to get involved in.
If faith and fellowship is important to you, you’ll find an active faith community to get involved in. Many churches and religious organizations are active in the community with youth and adult offerings. From weekly services to community outreach, you can quickly meet other families with common interests—making lasting friendships.
We have active professionals who are emerging leaders shaping our business community.
You can easily get involved in professional networking and make new connections.
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber hosts Business After Hours events the second and forth Tuesday every month at a different business. The public is welcome to attend.
The Brainerd Newcomers’ Club welcomes you to the Brainerd Lakes Area!
Join the Brainerd Newcomers’ Club, meet new people, and feel welcome in a new community. The Newcomers’ Club provides programs, social events, and encourages community involvement. The Club meets once a month at different venues. You can find more information at www.brainerd.com/newcomers-club
“As a newcomer to the area, I can truly say that this has been an amazing way to meet people. We’ve met other new people as well as long-time community members, which has made our move here a wonderful experience.”
KIM PASCHKE
The Brainerd Chamber also has WAVE Young Professionals Network (WAVE YPN) elevating professional skills while making a positive difference in their companies and communities. WAVE YPN is for professionals ages 18 to 39.
Visit www.brainerdlakeschamber.com for more information on Business After Hours and WAVE YPN.
The Brainerd Jaycees is a membershipbased organization that empower and develop young leaders ages 18 to 40. They raise over $250,000 annually to put back into our community. Visit www.brainerdjaycees.com for information on how to join.
Amy Price, REALTOR® - Realty Group
(218) 821-6760
www.amypriceisright.com
The dream of buying or selling your home starts with the right PRICE. Expect above & beyond, professional service at a better PRICE. I’m a lifelong Brainerd area resident & full-time REALTOR® who works hard for you. Call me for a no-obligation discussion regarding your real estate needs.
Aurora Automotive
(218) 568-8448
www.AuroraAutoMN.com
We are a full service automotive repair facility. We service most makes and models, including EVs. Our focus is to keep our community safe on the road while bettering the lives of those we come into contact with. Come visit us and experience a hometown feel to vehicle repair.
CentraCare - Baxter Clinic
(218) 454-4725
www.centracare.com
Whether you need care for routine check-ups or a new health concern, our doctors, nurses & team can help adults & children get the care they need. Our clinic also offers a wide range of specialty care services that give you access to comprehensive care options close to home.
Clow Stamping Company
(218) 765-3111
www.clowstamping.com
As a family-owned enterprise, Clow Stamping Company, located in Merrifield & spanning over 390,000 sq. ft., excels in precision metal stamping. With 530 dedicated employees, we leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver high-quality, cost-effective components, meeting diverse industry needs with reliability & a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Finnegan & Associates, Inc. - American Family Insurance
(218) 829-3040
https://agent.amfam.com/shannonfinnegan/mn/brainerd/406-w-washingtonst/
Call (218) 829-3040 today to see how I can help protect what matters most.
First National Bank
(218) 822-4480
www.fnbnorth.com
At First National Bank, we are invested in the growth and success of the Minnesota communities we serve. As we continue to grow & provide the newest features to our customers, whether that be e-statements, mobile banking, or banking apps, we are committed to providing the best possible banking experience.
First Western Bank & Trust
(218) 829-8712
www.firstwestern.bank
We operate as a full-service financial center providing traditional banking products as well as trust services, all lines of insurance, leasing, and much more. We have four locations in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Visit us in Baxter, Crosslake, or Nisswa!
Greater Lakes Association of Realtors (GLAR)
(218) 828-4567
www.greaterlakesrealtors.com
My REALTOR® knows! Your local REALTOR® knows many things, including the answers to your questions about buying and selling homes. Contact one of our many REALTOR® and/or affiliate members to guide you through the process.
J. Hanson Real Estate Group
(218) 821-1135
www.jacobhansonrealestategroup.com
Jacob and Ruth Ann have the knowledge of all the Brainerd Lakes has to offer, while being backed by Edina Realty’s years of experience, technology, and branding. This combination will bring your real estate goals to fruition whether that be buying or selling in residential, lakeshore, land, or commercial property.
National Bank of Commerce
(218) 393-7474
www.nbcbanking.com
National Bank of Commerce might be new to the Brainerd area, but we sure aren’t new to banking. Put simply, our mission is to make more possible. NBC’s business credit and lending products put you in the ultimate control. We look forward to meeting you!
Next Dimension Detailing
(218) 270-2439
www.nextdimensiondetailing.com
We’re not your average detail shop! At Next Dimension Detailing, we are committed to serving the Brainerd Lakes Area with the highest quality auto detailing, paint corrections, and ceramic coatings. We are Car Care Taken to the Next Dimension! Contact us today to get your ride looking its best!
Northern Lakes Assisted
Living & Memory Care
(218) 454-2121
www.NorthernLakesSeniorLiving.com
We are a Senior Assisted Living & Memory Care Community. We are fresh & beautiful. We have delicious food, lots of fun and health care when needed. We provide care & service that significantly makes a positive difference in the lives of our residents and gives peace of mind to families.
Pequot Lakes School District
(218) 568-4996
www.isd186.org
Patriot Proud and home to 1870 PreK-grade 12 students and 250 caring staff members. The secondary campus in Pequot Lakes includes the High School serving grades 9–12 and Middle School serving grades 5-8. Eagle View Elementary School in Breezy Point serves early childhood through grade 4 students.
Positive Realty
(218) 829-1777
www.positiverealty.com
We have been serving our clients and customers since 1979 and in recent years have consistently led the way, annually producing one of the highest volumes of any Brainerd area real estate. We attribute our company success to the highest quality service, experience, vast range of services, and expertise.
Spaces
(218) 839-7018
www.brainerdspaces.com
This Coworking Space has everything you could ask for with your workplace: modern, secure facilities, reliable internet, & a professional, productive, & calm workspace. Private offices, dedicated desks, conference rooms, & daily drop-in space are available. Amenities include printer/scanner/ copier privileges, free coffee & beverages, highspeed wired & wireless internet.
Timberland Therapeutics
(651) 308-0866
www.timberlandtherapeutics.com
timberlandtherapeuticsllc
Do you have chronic pain, fibromyalgia, TMJ, or any other issues that cause you discomfort? Offering Myofascial Release Therapy, a gentle touch therapy that targets your fascia, connective tissue, system. There is life beyond pain, let’s be pain free together.
Whitefish at the Lakes Senior Living
(218) 210-0770
www.whitefishatthelakes.com
Whitefish at the Lakes Senior Living in Crosslake, a beautiful, distinctive senior living community offering spacious independent, assisted & memory care apartments. The conveniences of home with the comfortable luxury of lake style living. Our state-ofthe-art amenities, experienced staff, and individualized services feature activities to keep life fun!
Wing Wellness Medical Spa
(218) 839-9463
www.wingwellness.com
Nurse Practitioner owned/operated. Years of experience, most up-to-date technology. Offering many unique services. One of a kind experience. Old schoolhouse converted into a beautiful wellness spa, nestled in the country. High quality, comfortable, safe environment, medical aesthetics, laser skin services, acne treatments, massage, facials, neurotoxin, and more.
Together, we can live healthier.
In this place, we face challenges head on, believing that with community and commitment, we can build something better.
Live healthier.
Take care of each other
With top medical providers and personalized care, Essentia Health helps you realize your best health where you live.
St. Joseph’s–Brainerd Clinic 2024 S 6th St | Brainerd 218-828-2880
Monday–Friday: 8 am–5 pm
Photo by kimberLEE R Photography, Courtesy Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort
RUTTGER’S BAY LAKE RESORT, DEERWOOD
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.
The Brainerd Lakes is home to several full-service resorts that offer all the amenities at your fingertips. Here, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you want. Our larger resorts have day spas for you to unwind, golf courses for you to play a round (or two), or pools and beaches to lounge at. There’s also on-site restaurants that make dining in groups easy. Kids will enjoy the kids clubs, watersports, and exploring all these resorts have to offer.
Our hotels are a great choice for couples, families, and business travelers. Local hotels are a great bang-for-your-buck with continental breakfasts, fast wifi, and pools/waterparks. You can be close to restaurants and attractions in Brainerd/Baxter, Pequot Lakes, and Crosslake. Some hotels are close to trails for ATV/UTV/snowmobiles and biking.
For example, The AmericInn in Pequot Lakes has beautiful outdoor space, which includes a fire pit, sand volleyball court, and large grassy area.
Perhaps you like tenting or RVing as part of your vacation stay. You can find whatever type of RV park or campground that you’re looking for. Resorts and RV parks that offer seasonal or overnight sites with amenities, like the Paul Bunyan Land Campground has full sewer hook-up (select sites) and clean shower houses.
There are primitive sites where you’re immersed in nature, like at the Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreation Area. Or the Crow Wing State Park, which puts you next to the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail
If you prefer a quieter resort, you’ll find a lot of options to choose from. Often, these resorts give a feeling of nostalgia— like you’re experiencing a vacation from yesteryear. These properties are smaller in size so you’re steps from the beach. Often with water toys or boat rentals available.
You can find resorts with reunion style homes so you’re extended family can stay all under one roof. While it’s fun to have modern amenities at your fingertips, there’s something special about stepping back to a simpler time.
Many resorts have kept cabins simple so families can enjoy time reconnecting and being outdoors. S’mores around the bonfire and family game night around the table. Trust us, the kids won’t even ask for their electronics.
You’ll find short-term vacation home rentals across the Brainerd Lakes. From the larger chain-of-lakes like the Whitefish and Gull Lake Chains with all the action to smaller, quieter lakes known for peace and tranquility. You can find a vacation home rental that fits your budget. Maybe you want a large space for several families. Or your just looking for a quiet, private getaway for two. Or maybe you want the kids to be steps from their own swimming beach. There are even a few rentals that have several homes on one property for a true family event or reunion!
Photo Courtesy Eagles Nest
Photo Courtesy Grand View Lodge
Photo Courtesy Wilderness Point Resort
WHERE TO START:
ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU’LL CHOOSE WHEN PLANNING YOUR BRAINERD LAKES VACATION IS WHERE TO STAY. CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR, THOUGH, LODGING PROPERTIES REACH NEAR CAPACITY. SOME ARE OPEN YEAR ROUND AND SOME CLOSE FOR THE WINTER.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO MAKE YOUR VACATION PLANNING EASIER WHEN MAKING YOUR LODGING RESERVATIONS.
1. Plan ahead.
While you can find openings year round— even last minute availability—making your reservation in advance gives you the best chance to get the vacation dates and the lodging property you want. Summer is the busiest season, so it’s not too early to plan—even into next year.
We have a lot of lodging properties to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to decide! Knowing what amenities you’re looking for will help narrow your search. Do you want a cabin at a resort? Maybe a hotel with an indoor waterpark? Do you want to be near the action or away from it all? Knowing what style fits you best will help narrow your search.
3. Look to the off season.
The off-season is a great time to visit. You’ll find less crowds and often lower rates on lodging and activities. Think cooler temps and fall colors for golf, hiking, and biking. In the winter, you’ll find ice fishing, fat tire biking, snowmobiling, and snow tubing. Several of our hotels have indoor waterparks, which make for the perfect weekend getaway destinations.
4. Be flexible.
Staying flexible on your travel dates can help when looking to book your stay. If you’re able to travel midweek, properties tend to have more availability. Midweek is also a quieter time to visit, which is an added bonus!
5. Reach out for help.
If you are wondering what's available for lodging, call our staff at 800-450-2838. With some information on what you’re looking for, we can connect you with lodging properties to help create your perfect stay!
DOZENS OF LOCAL RESORTS ARE RIGHT ON THE WATER. GET THE MOST LAKE LIFE OUT OF YOUR VACATION BY STAYING RIGHT ON THE WATER. REFER TO OUR LODGING DIRECTORY ON PAGE 2829 FOR LODGING ON THE WATER.
Photo Courtesy Madden's On Gull Lake ENJOY WATER ACTIVITIES ON OVER 2 MILES OF GULL LAKE SHORELINE AT MADDEN'S ON GULL LAKE!WHEN IT’S COOL AND RAINY OUTSIDE, HEAD INSIDE WHERE THE WEATHER IS ALWAYS PERFECT.
Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter Lakes is home to Paul Bunyan’s waterpark and recreation center located in Baxter. The waterpark boasts 30,000 square-feet of slides, a lazy river, zero-depth entry pool, and a large treehouse with water cannons! Admission is included with your room stay.
Holiday Inn Express Three Bears Waterpark and Laser Tag is another hotel-withwaterpark-option in the heart of Brainerd/Baxter. Large slides (a tube slide and a body slide), the Big Splash 1,000 gallon splash bucket, and a lazy river bring the fun to families.
The Holiday Inn Express also offers a multilevel laser tag course! Fun for kids and adults to team up and see if you can defeat your opponents!
Waterpark day passes may be available to nonhotel guests depending on season and capacity.
→ AmericInn Baxter (218) 829-0391 | (800) 634-3444
www.americinn.com
7836 Fairview Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pet Friendly)
→ AmericInn of Little Falls (320) 632-1964 | (866) 306-0944
www.wyndhamhotels.com/ americinn/little-falls-minnesota/ americinn-lodge-and-suiteslittle-falls/overview
306 Lemieur St SE, Little Falls, MN 56345
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pool)
→ Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes (218) 822-5634 | (877) OUR-LODGE
www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com
6967 Lake Forest Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
(Hotel, Waterpark, Open YearRound, Pool, Restaurant On-Site)
→ Auger's Pine View Resort (218) 575-2100 | (888) 705-5253
www.augerspineview.com
34052 Auger Rd, Motley, MN 56466
(Resort, Campground, On the Water)
→ Campfire Bay Resort (218) 575-2432 | (800) 677-7263
www.campfirebayresort.com
31504 Azure Rd, Cushing, MN 56443
(Resort, Campground, Short-Term Rental, Open YearRound, On the Water)
→ Country Inn & Suites By Radisson (218) 828-2161 | (800) 456-4000
www.countryinns.com/baxtermn
15058 Dellwood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pool, Pet Friendly)
→ Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake (218) 825-2700 | (888) 873-0161
www.craguns.com
11000 Cragun's Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
(Hotel, Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, On the Water, Restaurant On-Site)
→ Crow Wing Lake Campground (218) 829-6468
www.crowwingcamp.com
2393 Crow Wing Camp Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
(Campground, Pool, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Econo Lodge (218) 270-5001
www.choicehotels.com
2115 S 6th St Bldg B, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pet Friendly)
→ Gull Lake Beach Resort (218) 656-6019
www.gulllakebeachresorts.com
21831 Gull Lake Dr, Nisswa 56468 (Resort, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Gull Four Seasons Resort (218) 963-7969 | (800) 964-4855
www.mnresortcabins.com
4132 St. Columbo Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Resort, Pool, On the Water)
→ Gull Lake Resort (218) 829-1344
www.gulllake.com
1304 Gull Lake Ln, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Resort, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Baxter (218) 824-3232 | (888) 824-3232
www.brainerdhi.com
15739 Audubon Way, Baxter, MN 56425 (Hotel, Waterpark, Open YearRound, Pool, Pet Friendly)
→ Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort (218) 829-5226 | (800) 562-7061
www.kavanaughs.com
1685 Kavanaugh Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, On the Water)
→ Lake Edward Resort (218) 765-3419
www.lakeedwardresort.com
25103 Co Rd 3, Merrifield, MN 56465 (Resort, Campground, Open Year-Round, On the Water)
→ Madden's on Gull Lake (218) 829-2811 | (800) 642-5363
www.maddens.com
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Hotel, Resort, Pool, On the Water, Pet Friendly, Restaurant On-Site)
→ Mission Beach Resort and Campground (218) 765-3447
www.missionbeachresortcamp.com
26847 Co Rd 19, Merrifield, MN 56465 (Resort, Campground, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Niemeyer's Rugged River Resort (218) 829-4587 | (800) 416-4587
www.ruggedriverresort.com
12241 Stallman Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Resort, Campground, Pool, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Paul Bunyan Land Campground (218) 821-9617
www.paulbunyanland.com/ campground
17553 State Hwy 18, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Campground, Pet Friendly)
→ Quailty Inn & Suites (218) 270-7333
www.choicehotels.com
2115 S 6th St Bdg A, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pool, Pet Friendly)
→ Shamineau Acres Resort (218) 575-2254
www.shamineauacresresort.com
34824 Aztec Rd, Motley, MN 56466 (Resort, On the Water)
→ Shing Wako Resort (218) 765-3226
www.shingwako.com
24713 Co Rd 3, Merrifield, MN 56465 (Resort, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Sullivans Resort & Campground (218) 829-5697 | (888) 829-5697
www.sullivansresort.com 7685 Co Rd 127, Brainerd, MN 56401 (Resort, Campground, Pool, On the Water)
→ Super 8 - Little Falls (320) 632-2351 | (866) 306-0944 www.wyndhamhotels.com/ super-8/little-falls-minnesota/ super-8-little-falls/overview 300 12th St NE, Little Falls, MN 56345 (Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pet Friendly)
Hover your phone's camera to learn more about all our lodging options.
→ The Woods (218) 829-7507
www.thewoods.com
19624 Co Rd 3, Brainerd, MN 56401
(Hotel , Short-Term Rental, Open Year Round, Pet Friendly, Restaurant On-Site)
→ Train Bell Resort (218) 829-4941 | (800) 252-2102
www.trainbellresort.com
21489 Train Bell Rd, Merrifield, MN 56465 (Hotel, Resort, On the Water)
Crosslake
→ Bay View Lodge (218) 543-4182 | (888) 543-4182
www.bayviewcrosslake.com
12038 Harbor Ln, Crosslake, MN 56442 (Resort, On the Water)
→ Boyd Lodge (218) 543-4125 | (800) 450-2693
www.boydlodge.com
36539 Silver Peak Rd, Crosslake, MN 56442
(Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, On the Water)
→ Manhattan Beach Lodge (218) 692-3381 | (800) 399-4360
www.mblodge.com
39051 Co Rd 66, Manhattan Beach, MN 56442 (Resort, Open Year-Round, On the Water, Pet Friendly, Restaurant On-Site)
→ Pine Peaks Lodge and Suites (218) 692-7829 | (888) 488-7829
www.pinepeakscrosslake.com
14047 Swann Dr, Crosslake, MN 56442
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pool, Pet Friendly)
→ Whitefish Lodge & Suites (218) 692-2246 | (800) 692-0727
www.crosslakereservations.com
14150 Swann Dr, Crosslake, MN 56442
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pool)
→ Camp Holiday Resort and Campground (218) 678-2495 | (800) 450-2495
www.campholiday.com
27406 Round Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN 56444
(Resort, Campground, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Country Inn Deerwood (218) 534-3101 | (855) 516-1092
www.countryinndeerwood.com
23884 Front St, Deerwood, MN 56444
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pool, Pet Friendly)
→ Eddy's Resort (800) 468-3517
www.eddysresort.com
41334 Shakopee Lake Rd, Onamia, MN 56359
(Hotel, Resort, On the Water, Restaurant On-Site)
→ Grand Casino Mille Lacs (320) 532-7777 | (800) 626-5825
www.grandcasinomn.com
777 Grand Ave, Onamia, MN 56359
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pool, Pet Friendly)
→ Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge (800) 450-4545
www.ruttgers.com
25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN 56444
(Resort, Pool, On the Water, Open Year Round, Restaurant On-Site, Pet Friendly)
→ Woodland Beach Resort on Bay Lake (218) 866-0711 | (888) 436-7770
www.woodlandbeachresort.com
15596 Woodland Beach Ln, Deerwood, MN 56444
(Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Birch Bay RV Resort (218) 963-4488
www.birchbayrvresort.net
1497 Sandy Point Rd SW, Nisswa, MN 56468 (Resort, Campground, On the Water, Pool)
→ Cozy Bay Resort (218) 829-6861 | 1-888-829-6861
www.cozybay.com
23684 Co Rd 4, Nisswa, MN 56468
(Resort, Campground, Open YearRound, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Eagles Nest (218) 963-2336 | (800) 922-0440
www.eaglesnestnisswa.com
5108 Poplar Ave, Nisswa, MN 56468 (Resort, On the Water)
→ Fritz's Resort and Campground (218) 568-8988
www.fritzsresort.com
26483 State Hwy 371, Nisswa, MN 56468 (Resort, Campground, On the Water)
→ Good Ol' Days Family Resort (218) 963-2478 | (800) 227-4501
www.goodoldaysresort.com
26050 Oak Ln, Nisswa, MN 56468 (Resort, Open Year-Round, On the Water)
→ Grand View Lodge (218) 963-2234 | (866) 801-2951
www.grandviewlodge.com
23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa, MN 56468 (Hotel, Resort, Waterpark, Open Year-Round, Pool, On the Water, Restaurant On-Site)
→ Lost Lake Lodge Resort & Restaurant (218) 963-2681 | (800) 450-2681
www.lostlake.com
7965 Lost Lake Rd, Lake Shore, MN 56468
(Resort, On the Water, Pet Friendly, Restaurant On-Site)
→ Nature Link Resort (218) 568-8988
www.naturelink.us
24621 S Clark Lake Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
(Resort, On the Water, Open Year Round, Pet Friendly)
→ Nisswa Inn & Suites (218) 568-8988
www.nisswainnandsuites.com
24186 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN 56465
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pool, Pet Friendly)
→ North Boutique Hotel (800) 368-1885 | (866) 801-2951
www.grandviewlodge.com
3480 Graden Cottage Dr, Nisswa Mn 56468
(Hotel, Waterpark, Open YearRound, Pool, On the Water)
→ Quarterdeck Resort (218) 963-2482 | (800) 950-5596
www.quarterdeckresort.com
9820 Birch Bay Dr SW, Nisswa, MN 56468
(Resort, Open Year-Round, On the Water, Pool, Restaurant On-Site, Pet Friendly)
→ Samara Point Resort (218) 963-2615
www.samarapoint.com
1026 Birchwood Hills Trl, Nisswa, MN 56468 (Resort, On the Water)
→ AmericInn Lodge and SuitesPequot Lakes (218) 568-8400 | (888) 568-8400
www.americinn.com
32912 Paul Bunyan Trail Dr, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 (Hotel, Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, Pet Friendly)
→ Black Pine Beach Resort (218) 543-4714
www.blackpinebeach.com
10732 Co Rd 16, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 (Resort, On the Water)
→ Breezy Point Resort (218) 562-7811 | (800) 432-3777
www.breezypointresort.com
9252 Breezy Point Dr, Breezy Point, MN 56472 (Hotel, Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, Restaurant On-Site, On the Water)
→ Clamshell Beach Resort (218) 543-4731
www.clamshellbeach.com
35197 S Clamshell Dr, Pequot Lakes, MN 56742 (Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, On the Water)
→ Galles' Upper Cullen Resort and Campground (218) 963-2249 | (888) 872-8553
www.uppercullen.com
28317 Upper Cullen Rd, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
(Resort, Campground, On the Water)
→ Leisure Suites of Breezy Point (218) 562-5300 | (888) 651-5300
www.leisuresuites.com
30199 Co Rd 4, Breezy Point, MN 56472
(Hotel, Resort, Waterpark, Open Year-Round, Pool)
→ Roadway Pine River (218) 587-4499 | (855) 516-1092
www.pineriverinn.com
2684 MN State 371 SW, Pine River, MN 56474
(Hotel, Open Year-Round, Pet Friendly)
→ The Getaway Adveture Resort (218) 820-9499
www.thegetawayadventureresort.com 8624 Co Hwy 1, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
(Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool)
→ Thunder Lake Lodge (218) 566-2378
www.thunderlakelodge.com
5316 Cisco Ln NE, Remer, MN 56672
(Resort, Campground, Open Year-Round, On the Water)
→ Trapper's Landing Lodge (218) 836-2500
www.trapperslandinglodge.com
1812 Merit Rd, Walker, MN 56484
(Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Wilderness Point Resort (218) 568-5642 | (800) 231-4050
www.wildernessresortvillas.com
6316 Wilderness Rd, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
(Resort, Open Year-Round, Pool, On the Water, Pet Friendly)
→ Wildwedge Golf and RV Park (218) 568-5000
www.wildwedge.com
32620 Paul Bunyan Trail Dr, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 (Campground, Pet Friendly)
→ W2W Vacation Homes / Book the B.L.A. (218) 961-1005
www.BookTheBLA.com
Brainerd Lakes Area (Short Term Rentals)
→ Izatys Townhouse Association (763) 559-1347 | (800) 980-5121
www.thevillageatizatysresort.com
8478 Par 5 Dr, Onamia, MN 56359 (Resort, Pool, On the Water)
→ Above & Beyond Homes (218) 656-0613
www.stayonthechain.com
Crosslake Area (Short Term Rentals)
→ Crosslake Vacations & Rentals (218) 656-0403
www.crosslakeareavacations.com
Crosslake Area (Short Term Rentals)
•
•
•
• Free Wi-Fi
• Indoor Pool & Hot Tub
• Free Continental Breakfast
• Guest Laundry
• Pet Friendly
• Kids 16 & under stay free with an adult
23884 FRONT ST • DEERWOOD, MN 218-534-310
www.countryinndeerwood.com
• Special package rates for school sports groups
• Upgraded Suites
HWY 371 SW • PINE RIVER, MN 218.587.4499
PineRiverInn.com
• Free Wi-Fi
• Fridge and microwave available on prior request
• Pet Friendly Rooms Available
• Special Construction Rates available
24186 N SMILEY RD • NISSWA, MN 218-963-3500
nisswainnandsuites.com
• Free Wi-Fi
• Indoor Pool & Hot Tub
• Free Continental Breakfast
• Business Center
• Guest Laundry
• Meeting Room
• Mobile Check-In
• Free Parking
306 LEMIEUR ST SE • LITTLE FALLS, MN 320-632-1964
www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels/little-falls
Enjoy the wide choice of lodging options, great food in four distinctively different restaurants, golf one of the three spectacular courses, Serenity Spa, Coffee House, live enter tainment in the lounge...and let ’s not forget cr ystal clear, sandy Pelican Lake.
COMING in 2024 - New six bedroom cabins at Deacon’s Lodge, pickleball, and year-round golf simulator!
COMING in 2024 - New six bedroom cabins at Deacon’s, pickleball, and year-round golf simulator!
AmericInn by Wyndham of Baxter Brainerd
(218) 833-2062
wyndhamhotels.com
Discover an upcoming transformation! By Memorial Day, The AmericInn of Baxter Brainerd welcomes you with renovations designed to enhance your stay. Embrace comfort in updated rooms, relish a free hot breakfast, and unwind in the heart of lakes and outdoor adventures. Your refreshed retreat awaits!
Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes (218) 822-5634
www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com
Arrowwood Lodge is the perfect location! Full service hotel with 102 spacious rooms. Baxter’s Bar & Grill. Free breakfast. 7,500 sq ft meeting & banquet space. Paul Bunyan indoor waterpark & indoor/outdoor hot tub. Arcade, zipline, fitness center, sand volleyball court, bonfire pit and children’s playset.
Auger’s Pine View Resort
(218) 575-2100
www.augerspineview.com
Located on pristine Lake Shamineau with clean & comfortable 2-6 bedroom cabins, all within 75 feet of the lake. Large beach, multiple water activities, cabin campfire rings, private boat launch, dock space and great fishing. Gift shop, game room and bait. Pontoon rentals. 18-hole golf. Your perfect family vacation destination!
Birch Bay RV Resort (218) 963-4488
www.birchbayrvresort.net
Family resort and RV park close to everything the BLA has to offer. We offer 2 cabin rentals and have 180 FHU RV sites. Our resort has first-class amenities including: a new pool, beach on Agate Lake, lake toys, new store, game room, and clean modern facilities.
Black Pine Beach Resort (218) 543-4714
www.blackpinebeach.com
Black Pine Beach is ready to host your family of any size. Our cedar-sided cabins range from 2 bedrooms to a very spacious 6 bedroom, 3 bath unit. Located on Pig Lake which is part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.
Boyd Lodge
(800) 450-2693
www.boydlodge.com
One of Minnesota’s premier family resorts located on the Whitefish Chain. Popular loft cabins are tastefully decorated. Each cabin is equipped with full kitchen, wireless internet, fireplaces and cedar decks with gas grills. Heated pool, sandy beach, and boat rental. Weekly rental in summer, daily rental in fall and winter.
Camp Knutson
(218) 543-4232
www.campknutson.org
Camp Knutson’s beautiful 30-acre campus is nestled between the pristine waters of Lower Whitefish and Big Trout lakes near Crosslake. Our modern facilities and customized meal service make for the perfect location for retreats, weddings, conferences, meetings, training events or other social gatherings September through May.
Campfire Bay Resort
(218) 297-5024
www.campfirebayresort.com
vacation@campfirebayresort.com
At Campfire Bay, we strive to treat you like family and help you make warm memories while enjoying our cozy 2-4 bedroom cabins, all within 150 ft of the lake. While here you’ll enjoy our coffee, gift, and ice cream shop, full gym, day spa, fitness room, play room, and boat rentals. Come, join us as the Campfire.
Clamshell Beach Resort
(218) 543-1040
www.clamshellbeachresortmn.com
Charming small resort on the Whitefish chain with big resort amenities….sandy beach, heated swimming pool, sports court, luxurious cabins with that “Up North” feel! The perfect place to create memories with your family and friends that will be sure to last a lifetime!
Cragun’s Resort & Conference Center (888) 452-2178
www.craguns.com
Cragun’s Resort is located on the south end of Gull Lake. The resort is a Gull Lake tradition, an “Up North” destination, a state of mind, a way of life. Connect with friends, family and colleagues on our mile long sandy shoreline, golf, dine and connect. See you soon!
Eddy’s Resort
(320) 532-8590
www.eddysresort.com
Nestled along the shores of Lake Mille Lacs, Eddy’s Resort is the perfect place to land for a weekend getaway. Featuring the Launch Bar & Grill, cozy hotel rooms, cabin rentals, lake access, and more, Eddy’s is the ideal destination for families, vacationers, and outdoor enthusiasts!
Fritz’s Resort and Campground
(218) 568-8988
www.fritzsresort.com
Fritz’s Resort and Campground offers a north woods family feel to campers. Located on the east side of Edna Lake. Fritz’s offers a clean sandy beach, boat rentals for fishing, pontoon and paddle boats. They also have cabins and an air conditioned rec hall for family fun.
Holiday Inn Express, Three Bear Waterpark and Laser Tag (218) 824-3232
www.brainerdhi.com
Offering family fun activities for all ages; waterpark, arcade, and state of the art laser tag. Lodging includes waterpark and hot breakfast. IHG Reward points offers great benefits for all travelers. Waterpark and laser tag hours may vary. Call for current availability.
Leisure Suites of Breezy Point (888) 651-5300
www.leisuresuites.com
Leisure Suites of Breezy Point, near Pelican Lake, offers a variety of accommodations and a price range for everyone from deluxe condos on the lake to standard motel rooms and suites nearby. In addition to many outdoor activities, enjoy the Pelican Center water slide, pool and gym during your stay!
Mission Beach Resort (218) 765-3447
www.missionbeachmn.com
Peaceful, family fishing resort located on the shore of beautiful Upper Mission Lake. Featuring 9 recently updated cabins, Mission Beach is the perfect mix of classic, small resort charm and modern comforts & conveniences. Book your stay today and see why Mission Beach was voted 2023’s “Best of Merrifield”.
Quarterdeck Resort
(218) 963-2482
www.quarterdeckresort.com
One-of-a-kind lodging steps away from Gull Lake. With 850 feet of Gull Lake beachfront and the Brainerd Lakes Area as our backyard, we are a top water and winter playground. Recreation starts inside and continues right outside your door, including boating, kayaking, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more.
Shing Wako Resort
(218) 765-3226
www.shingwako.com
A fun and relaxing family resort on Lake Edward. 12 miles from Brainerd, Nisswa or Crosslake. Relax on our sandy swimming beach, swim and fish in the clear water and play on our eleven park-like acres. There is something for everyone! You will feel right at home! Reunions welcome.
Wilderness Point Resort
(218) 568-5642
www.wildernesspointresort.com
Go. Play. Stay. Wild. Your Brainerd Lakes Area Getaway. Go into the wilderness at our secluded retreat on the shores of Middle Cullen Lake. Conveniently located just minutes from Nisswa and Pequot Lakes, MN.
IF YOU DREAM OF A DESTINATION WEDDING, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE BRAINERD LAKES! HERE, YOU’LL FIND BEAUTIFUL NATURE AND UNIQUE VENUES FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY. WITH SO MUCH TO DO, YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE THAT THE WEDDING WEEKEND CAN BE A VACATION FOR THEM, TOO. FROM BRAINERD, CROSSLAKE, TO THE PEQUOT LAKES AREA, YOU’LL FIND A VENUE THAT SUITS YOUR STYLE AND FITS YOUR BUDGET.
WE CAUGHT UP WITH THREE COUPLES WHO SHARED WITH US ALL THE WAYS THAT THE BRAINERD LAKES MADE THEIR WEDDING VISIONS A PERFECT BACKDROP FOR THEIR LOVE STORIES.
NORTHERN PACIFIC CENTER, BRAINERD
Photo Courtesy Empiria Studios→ Wedding Date: May 20, 2023
→ Venue: Swan Haven Event Center in Crosslake
→ Caterer: Maucieri’s Italian Bistro
→ Shuttle Service: Ole’s Shuttle Service
Sarah and Tony didn’t know they were living less than 4 miles apart when they met on a dating app. A few disastrous dates left Sarah about to give up when she got a message from Tony, which was his first and only message! When they finally met in person, it was so easy and natural. It was a love story in the making. Tony proposed to Sarah during deer hunting in November 2022. The hunt was over! Not wanting a long engagement, wedding planning started the next day.
As a couple, Tony and Sarah love enjoying the outdoors. They live about 2.5 hours south of the Crosslake area. Sarah’s aunt and uncle own land in Outing, MN and attend Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (in Crosslake). Sarah always dreamt of getting married there. So when Tony mentioned that his mom and stepdad live in Crosslake, Sarah knew it was meant to be. Sarah had seen Swan Haven Event Center on Instagram, and when Tony saw the venue, he immediately said, “that’s it. That’s where we’re having our reception.”
As soon as Sarah and Tony chose Swan Haven, they were put at ease with how quick the owners were to respond to their many questions and the thoroughness of the responses. “Swan Haven’s flexibility and openness to everything made planning incredibly easy for us,” said Sarah. “We could choose the layout of the room, what DJ to bring in, what caterer we wanted, and our decorations, too. We felt like we were calling the shots rather than being strict on what we could do.”
May 20, 2023, was beautiful. Not a single cloud in the sky, and it was 75 degrees out. The staff at Swan Haven made sure that the grounds and venue were perfect. “Staff was at our beck and call all day constantly checking with both of us to make sure we had everything we needed and that everything was flowing smoothly,” said Sarah.
Swan Haven’s refurbished barn surrounded by open fields and nature was the perfect backdrop for Tony and Sarah’s wedding. They used the grounds to their advantage for beautiful photos with trees, dirt roads, and fields.
Guests enjoyed walking around the property and taking pictures as well. Swan Haven’s open layout made for a functional evening. “We were able to fit almost 200 people in the venue with room to move around comfortably. We also rented a tent from Party Time Rental so guests could
go between the venue and outside for a break from the noise or to take in some fresh air,” Tony said. “While some guests were busting a move on the dance floor, others were roasting s’mores.” Friends and family still rave about the whole wedding experience. It was the perfect day!
Photo Courtesy Roamy Oak Photography
Photo Courtesy Roamy Oak Photography
Photo Courtesy Roamy Oak Photography
→ Wedding Date: June 11, 2022
→ Venue: Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd
→ Caterer: 3 Cheers Hospitality
Joey and Tana met at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He’s originally from Illinois and she’s from southern Minnesota. Joey was working as grounds crew at the College World Series, and Tana was attending a game. He asked for her number when he saw her sitting in the stands. She spent the next few months pretending she liked coffee and going to the coffee shop where Joey was a barista just so she could hang out with him.
Joey and Tana currently live in Albuquerque, NM and love hiking with their dog, Chavo, watching Netflix, getting ice cream, going to concerts, and talking about medicine. Joey is a pediatrician in the Air Force and Tana is a pediatric nurse.
Joey and Tana toured several venues in the greater Minneapolis area and just didn’t find what they were looking for. Tana attended a wedding at the NP Center years earlier and fell in love with the space and style, so the couple set up a tour of the venue. They were both blown away by the beauty and history of the NP Center spaces, and it perfectly blended their style as a couple.
Tana also was interested in having their wedding in Brainerd because the area is so special to her. She grew up coming up to the lake every summer with family and friends. It’s something she has looked forward to—even to this day. “Nothing beats Minnesota summers, and I wanted our wedding guests to experience that, too,” said Tana.
NP Center staff helped Tana and Joey with every detail and logistic and made the whole process easy. “Grace [wedding venues manager] was phenomenal…kind, caring, organized, knowledgeable, creative, and made everything so smooth,” said Tana.
The NP Center is a historic and unique venue that you won’t find anywhere else. The space offers a strong industrial aesthetic while maintaining an intimate beauty and softness that will blow away wedding guests. Tana and Joey’s ceremony was in the new “2 South” space. “From my understanding it’s an old machine shop where they used to work on trains, and it just has this incredible vastness with huge steel beams, concrete and brick, and a wall of beautiful, renovated windows that provide the most gorgeous lighting,” Tana raved.
Most of their guests had to travel to Brainerd from other parts of MN, Ohio, Nebraska, Illinois, and other parts of the country. “We provided a shuttle from the NP Center to the three hotels we had [room] blocks with, and this proved to be extremely helpful to our guests,” Tana said. “Having the “Up North” lake experience was such a focus for us that we had our rehearsal dinner on the Gull Lake Cruises [boat] on Gull Lake. I also included tips on our wedding website for things to do in the area during our wedding weekend: shopping in Nisswa, massages at Glacial Waters Spa at Grand View Lodge, canoe and boat rentals, and sand volleyball and drinks at Ernie’s on Gull and Zorbaz,” said Tana.
“NP Center wedding provides guests with the “Up North Minnesota experience while showing them the most beautiful historical wedding venue that Minnesota has to offer,” said Tana.
Photos 1, 2 & 7: Kasey + Glen at The GetAway, Photos Courtesy Taryn Christine
Photos 3, 4 & 6: Tana + Joey at Northern Pacific Center, Photos Courtesy Empiria Studios
Photos 5 & 8: Sarah + Tony at Swan Haven, Photo 5 Courtesy Roamy Oak Photography
MOST OF THEIR GUESTS HAD TO TRAVEL TO BRAINERD FROM OTHER PARTS OF MN, OHIO, NEBRASKA, ILLINOIS, AND OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
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→ Wedding Date: October 1, 2022
→ Venue: The Getaway Adventure Resort
→ Caterer: Gather on 3 (b*Merri) Catering
Glen and Kasey started dating in 2015, and together rediscovered all the reasons why they love their hometown of Nisswa. The Nisswa area—and all of the Brainerd Lakes— is a nature lover’s paradise. Glen and Kasey love the outdoors: boating, hunting, golfing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. They are also avid downhill skiers and look forward to their annual ski trips out West. Once they got engaged, it made sense that they would get married on a mountain! “We had talked, imagined, and planned a little about a wedding in the mountains, and we had all kinds of fun and perhaps slightly crazy ideas,” said Kasey. “Then the reality hit of all the logistics of hosting our wedding day out of state with so many close family and friends.” Even though Glen and Kasey had a vision and a date for their winter mountain wedding, they decided to switch gears and wait and plan a wedding closer to home. Turns out they didn’t have to go far to find perfect venue and date.
Linden Hill Historic Estate (320) 616-5580
www.linden-hill.org
Linden Hill Historic Estate in Little Falls offers year-round wedding, event and lodging opportunities in the Musser (white) mansion. Guided museum tours are offered seasonally or by appointment in the Weyerhaeuser (green) mansion. The estate grounds are open to the public year-round for self-guided tours.
As Kasey and Glen waited to plan their perfect wedding, The Getaway was established. The Getaway is a luxury lodge and cottage set on 500 acres of pristine wilderness. Guests that reserve The Getaway have the whole property to themselves, which offers a lot of event flexibility and creativity.
Kasey and Glen’s friend and co-owner of The Getaway gave the couple a tour, which included dinner, and they got to experience the property. “When we got home both of our wheels were spinning,” said Kasey. “We both had an ah-ha moment and knew The Getaway was exactly where we wanted to married.”
Kasey and Glen were so excited to have an incredible and private space near their hometown with the luxury rustic mountain vibe that they wanted. “We also loved supporting our friends’ new resort and the beautiful space they created at The Getaway.”
Kasey and Glen got married on October 1, 2022. It was a beautiful fall day for the wedding party and guests to mingle around the expansive property. The couple spent the entire week at the property using all of the on-site amenities.
Because of the size of the lodge and cottage, Kasey and Glen had close friends and family stay on property with them. They had an amazing rehearsal dinner catered by Gather on 3/b*merri. The dining room seats up to 36 for a sit-down plated dinner.
“We had an outdoor ceremony near the creek with a bridge with fall colors surrounding us. The guest suite was a perfect place for me and my bridesmaids to get ready, and for Glen and me to reflect as we watched our guests take a seat before we said, “I do,” Kasey reminisced. After the ceremony, guests moved to the pool and patio area for the cocktail hour, appetizers, live music, and the couple’s first dance. From there, guests moved down the property for the dinner and dance, which took place under a 60x120 tent from Party Time Rental. The tent was set up on a concrete pavilion and was easy to navigate for all ages—even those with mobility issues.
The day after the wedding, Kasey and Glen had a crew join them for a little fun on the on-site obstacle course. “We all did a 5k walk/run through the property and trails!”
The Getaway left a lasting impression on everyone who was there. Guests raved that the wedding and venue was one of the best they’ve attended.
“October 1, 2022, was certainly one of our best days ever, and The Getaway experience was a huge part of that,” Kasey said.
From spectacular venues, catering to florists and photographers, we have all the amenities you need for an amazing wedding weekend! Scan this QR code to see our business directory!
IF YOU LOVE BRINGING YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND ON VACATION, THERE ARE PLENTY OF SAFE PLACES FOR YOUR PUP TO GET SOME EXERCISE AND SOCIALIZATION.
Brainerd Buster Park
1101 E River Road
Brainerd, MN 56401
The Buster Dog Park is an off-leash one-acre dog park with fenced areas. Let your dog run free in a safe, fenced in area. The park is located at the south end of Kiwanis Park in Brainerd.
14126 Daggett Pine Road
Crosslake, MN 56442
The Crosslakers Dog Park is located on the west end of the city park and the Crosslake Community Center. The park is fenced in around a wooded area that is perfect for your dog to romp around! Open from dawn to dusk.
SCAN ME
Need pet boarding, grooming, vet services, or supplies?
Hover your phone’s camera over this QR code to view local businesses who specialize in pets!
The Pequot Lakes Dog park is located two blocks west of Patriot Avenue on Pillsbury Street. The dog park is open from dawn to dusk. There are two fenced areas, a small and large areas. In the summer, there’s a water station.
Need boarding or pet daycare?
Check out these fun and safe facilities for pet boarding or daycare!
→ Cozy Home Pet Care
→ Lisa’s Country Kennels
→ Northland Pet Lodge
→ Pampered Pets
→ Pine Shadows
→ Red Oaks Pet Inn
Photo Courtesy Brainerd Dispatch KART KOUNTRY, BRAINERD Photo Courtesy Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort Photo Courtesy Kart Kountry
Lakeland Veterinary Hospital (218) 829-1709
www.lakelandvet.net
Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is an AAHA accredited, small animal practice. Our focus is on providing quality medicine that exceeds our clients’ expectations. We also offer boarding and grooming services. AAHA holds our hospital to the highest quality medical standards. We must meet and maintain over 900 standards of accreditation.
Northern Hope Veterinary Care
(218) 746-4000
www.hopevet.care
We are passionate about providing care developed specifically for your pet’s needs. Our wide variety of services include vaccinations, titers, preventative care, diagnostic laboratory testing, Lyme disease screenings, certified acupuncture, herbal & food therapy, holistic prevention and treatment, geriatric palliative care & certified animal chiropractic by Dr. Sara Graber.
Northland Pet Lodge
(218) 692-4364
www.northlandpetlodge.com
We are the Brainerd Lakes Area premier pet resort offering cat and dog boarding, doggy daycare, dog obedience training, grooming, pet food/supplies and professionally installed underground fencing. Your pet’s vacation includes 3+ hours of adult supervised playtime per day in our 2.5 acre play yards and unlimited belly rubs!
Pampered Pets
(218) 454-0835
www.pamperedpetsmn.com
Five star service for you and your furry friends. Conveniently located just off 371 in the Baxter industrial park. Our 8,000 sq. ft. facility offers 3 indoor play areas and many luxury boarding options. Our services include full service grooming, overnight boarding, daycare and private training.
Hover your phone's camera for petfriendly lodging.
Our four-legged companions are part of the family. You can find a lodging property that offers pet friendly cabins and rooms.
FULL OF FUN, FULL OF THRILLS, THE BRAINERD LAKES OFFERS ADVENTURES FOR YOU TO EXPLORE!
Safari North Wildlife Park
Safari North Wildlife Park is a family friendly attraction with animals from several continents, including African lions! The kids can have up-close encounters with giraffes, barnyard animals, camels, and in the parakeet enclosure.
Handicap Accessible: The walking paths throughout the zoo are paved ensuring even terrain and easy accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs. 1
Paul Bunyan Land
Paul Bunyan Land is a nostalgic vacation destination that adults and kids will love. Children will be captivated to hear the 26 ft. Paul Bunyan say their names— just like when you remember from all those years ago.
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!
Hover your phone's camera for family activities.
How about some friendly competition both young and old will enjoy! Meandering streams, rolling greens, waterfalls and maybe even pirates are just some of the hazards you’ll encounter along the way
BRAINERD
• Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Two 18-hole courses Captains and Blackbeard’s Challenge bring a swashbuckling good time.
• Northland Kart Kountry
Contoured greens on the 18-hole Raceway Course.
• Whistling Wolf
Largest mini golf courses in the area with Dark Moon Mega and Whistling Wolf offering 45 holes of mini golf between the two courses.
• Wildwedge Mini Golf
Beautiful landscaping with 18 challenging holes that will take you a little longer play based on course design.
GET A
BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF GULL LAKE AND THE BRAINERD LAKES WITH BRAINERD ZIPLINE TOUR
Your family will love racing through twists, turns, and straightaways at Kart Kountry with go karts for all ages! Plus, there are shaded bleachers that are a perfect place to watch all the action. Kart Kountry also has other attractions like batting cages, bungee bounce, and VR Action World
What fun you will have at WildWedge’s mystery maze! The maze is 10,000 feet of wooden corners, pathways, and dead ends that add up to more than 1/3 mile of paths. You’ll definitely get turned around. And you’ll definitely have a lot of laughs. Time yourself against the kids. There’s an observation deck, too, if you’d rather watch and help those in the maze with directions.
5 7 8 6
Splash pads are a low-risk way for kids to enjoy the water. With a 0% risk of drowning and 100% handicap accessible, you can safely supervise from a distance. Plus, they’re free for everyone to use!
• Pequot Lakes Splash Pad
The Pequot Lakes Splash Pad has play activities and vertical water shooting sculptures all on a 50 foot diameter concrete pad shaped like the Pequot Lakes bobber!
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. Visit www.skiloons.com for show dates and times.
• Brainerd Splash Pad
The Brainerd Splash Pad features several water shooting sculptures, play activities, benches, and a pavilion for gathering.
• Crosslake Splash Fountain
The newly remodeled Legacy Gardens in Crosslake’s Town Square now has a splash pad water fountain! Grab lunch, shop, then let the kids cool off in the fountain!
PEQUOT LAKES SPLASH PAD
Photo Courtesy Pine & Lakes Echo Journal
Photo Courtesy Kart Kountry
Photo Courtesy Kart Kountry
Photo Courtesy Wildwedge Golf, Mini Golf and Maze
• Gull Lake Cruises docked at Cragun’s Resort
Take a scenic cruise of Gull Lake! Families of all ages will enjoy the various cruise options. End your day with delicious desserts and stunning sunset views aboard the sweet tooth sunset cruise—it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!
• Breezy Belle docked at Breezy Point Resort Cruise on the Breezy Belle— an authentic stern wheel paddleboat! Kids will love seeing all the wildlife up close on Pelican Lake. You’re welcome to bring carryout pizza and basket-style food. A bar serves nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
IF YOU’RE A HISTORY BUFF, CHECK OUT THESE IMMERSIVE MUSEUMS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LOCAL HISTORY. 9 10
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.birmn.com
The Crow Wing County Museum has three floors of exhibits including displays on the lumber industry, railroads, mining, and home life. You can walk through a completely restored 1900s home and also see the sheriff’s and jail’s quarters. You’ll also see some Native American artifacts too.
Step back in time and see the well-preserved buildings and experience how people lived and worked in the late 1800s and early 1900s when the logging industry was at its peak. You can do selfguided tours or schedule a group tour.
Take a self-guided tour of the Nisswa History Center and Museum, which includes the pioneer village, depot, and caboose. When you tour the grounds, you’ll get a glimpse of life in the late 1800s and early 1900s in Nisswa.
Linden Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of Minnesota’s most multifaceted destinations. The estate sits on 9.5 acres on the Mississippi. Guided tours (summer months only) of the beautifully preserved Weyerhaeuser house will show you heirlooms from the 1890s–1980s, and you’ll hear about local history.
The Pequot Lakes Historical Society is located in the Cole Memorial Building in downtown Pequot Lakes. It’s an excellent resource if you’re interested in learning more about our past. The historical society brings history alive with exhibits, recorded stories, and the staff is ready to help answer your history questions!
Photo by Alan Hanson, Courtesy Linden Hill Historic Estate Photo Courtesy Brainerd International Raceway Photo Courtesy Gull Lake CruisesENJOY THESE INDOOR ACTIVITIES ON A RAINY DAY OR IF YOU NEED A BREAK FROM THE SUMMER HEAT!
Could you spend hours perusing book shelves for those hard-to-find titles? Get ready to get lost in CatTale’s Books! CatTale’s Books and Gifts is a diverse mix of out-of-print titles, new books, and an eclectic gift and rock shop.
Immerse yourself in a real life adventure game. Your group of adventurers will discover clues, solve puzzles, and complete the objectives in a limited amount of time. It’s like stepping IN a movie where you and your group are the lead characters. There are different room options based on difficulty, and rooms are updated for new challenges.
Games take about 60 minutes to complete. Kids are welcome to play. Kids ages 5 and under play free. Ages 14 to 17 can participate solo with a waiver filled out by their parents. Learn more at www.coppercatescape.com
Lakes Party & Bounce House is 6,000 square feet of inflatable fun. Kids will have so much fun with the obstacle courses, slides, and jump houses. They have one of the largest indoor inflatable slides. It’s a fun, safe, and clean place for families with kids who need to burn off extra energy. for There’s even a private VIP room that can be reserved for parties.
At Northland Kart Kountry, you can experience the graphics of virtual reality paired with realistic simulation. Enjoy 10 different simulators with hundreds of games and challenges for all ages. State-of-the-art technology and graphics allow you to fully disconnect from reality and transport you to new worlds! In the racing experience, you’ll hear roaring engines and spinning wheels for the full effect. You’ll also feel the dynamic moving platform for ultra-realism. Come experience it for yourself! Learn more at: www.northlandkartkountry.com
Tap into your creative side at Kicks! Kicks The Art Place offers art classes for kids and adults. They host parties that are perfect for birthdays, girlfriends’ weekends, and families. All classes are taught by locally known artists with years of experience in art and design. All supplies are included. Unique projects like sign making, glass painting, mosaics, canvas painting, and wooden trays await you!
NORTHERN MINNESOTA
RAILROAD HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
Commonly referred to as the Crosslake Train Club, this is a great way to spend an afternoon. You can watch club members work on building exhibits and running trains on display. There is a small display that children can operate too. You’ll be blown away at the attention to detail of the two floors with running train models!
THE PEQUOT LAKES HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Pequot Lakes Historical Society is located in the Cole Memorial Building. The Cole Memorial Building was built in 1937 with New Deal funding during the Great Depression. Here, you’ll find all kinds of information, records, and artifacts on the area.
GRAND CASINO
Follow the good luck and head inside to Grand Casino Mille Lacs. You’ll have so much fun with the various gaming (slots, Blackjack, pull tabs, and bingo), live music and entertaining shows, to fabulous dining. You won’t even mind if the weather is bad.
DOWNTOWN BRAINERD
The National Loon Center anticipates breaking ground on the state-of-the-art facility in 2024. The National Loon Center is aiming for a grand opening of this educational destination celebrating loons and freshwater lakes in 2025. The organization will move forward with an enhanced plan for a sustainable National Loon Center campus on a 10 acre site in the heart of Crosslake. The new campus plan will place the building within a natural setting with potential for outdoor programming and low-impact exhibits and amenities. The National Loon Center will maintain impactful programming and amenities at the Cross Lake Recreation Area including a series of outdoor exhibits and the free loon-watching excursions.
The StewardShip is a fun 2-hour pontoon excursion that includes respectful and exhilarating observation of loons as well as lessons about the actions we can take to conserve loons and freshwater ecosystems. Handson activities include water quality testing, learning to identify banded loons, and contributing our sightings to our loon research program. There is also a friendly captain and a naturalist guiding the tour. It’s free, though donations are appreciated. Boat capacity is typically 15 members of the public, and all ages can come aboard.
The pontoon is handicap accessible and can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Visit www.nationallooncenter.org for schedule information and to register.
Trees and Shrubs
Perennials and Annuals
Soils and Aggregates
Landscapes and Materials
Seasonal Shopping Gifts and Decor
The Bouquet Bar
EVENTS
Seasonal Events Classes and Workshops
Fall Festival Days
Mid-September - October
Christmas Acres
Mid-November - December
Advanced Massage & Skincare Specialists (218) 996-7721
www.baxtermedspa.com
Revitalize your well-being at Advanced Massage & Skincare Specialists. Immerse yourself in supreme relaxation through advanced custom massage, a red & infrared light therapy bed, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, DMK paramedical enzyme facials, a luxury therapeutic massage chair, vibroacoustic therapy, & advanced results & relaxation facials. Our array of offerings creates a comprehensive & rejuvenating experience.
Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes (218) 822-5634
www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com
Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes has a 30,000-square-foot indoor waterpark with features the entire family can enjoy. Two waterslides, lazy river, indoor/outdoor hot tub, play areas & more! Make your trip an experience for your family to remember & book a stay at the Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes.
Crow Wing County Fair (218) 829-6680
www.crowwingcountyfair.com
Mark your calendars for the Crow Wing County Fair from July 30 - August 3, 2024! The fair has entertainment for the whole family. Watch animal judging events or take a ride at the carnival! Grandstand events include a rodeo, demolition derby, bull riding, tractor contest, and much more!
Grand Casino Mille Lacs (800) 626-5825
www.grandcasinomn.com
At Grand Casino Mille Lacs, you’ll find all your favorite fun, all in one place! On the gaming floor, the latest slots and table games await. Hungry? Stop into 1991 Kitchen or Brand Burger Bar. Plus, with entertainment, a hotel, and more — we’ve got everything you need for a getaway!
Holiday Inn Express, Three Bear Waterpark (218) 824-3232
www.brainerdhi.com
Holiday Inn Express – a triple play of entertainment for your next vacation! Our Three Bear Waterpark provides 30,000 square feet of fun! Play laser tag for an exhilarating experience for all ages! Try out our game room, play classic and new games! An up north experience with amenities included.
Lakes Party and Bounce House (218) 389.4549
www.lakesbounce.com
Open to public, The #1 Kids PARTY & FUN Spot fun for all ages! We offer snacks, food, & beverages onsite. Parents, hit the massage chairs while the kids wear themselves out in a safe & clean environment. Party rooms, group trips, fundraisers, events, & rentals. We will bring the fun to you with the area’s largest selection of full-service inflatable rentals.
Northern MN Railroad Heritage Association (218) 692-1900
www.crosslaketrainclub.com
See 8000 sq ft of HO scale, O scale, G scale and new N scale model trains, operating on indoor scenic layouts. Kids can operate a children’s layout. Historic railroad memorabilia on display. See website for open hours. Fun for the entire family! ALL ABOARD!
NorthPoint Aviation
(218) 829-3398
www.northpointaviation.net
NorthPoint Aviation is a full-service General Aviation Company, providing aircraft sales, aircraft maintenance & avionics upgrades, aircraft management, flight training, aircraft rental & aviation fuel sales. NorthPoint Aviation offers scenic flights at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, which provides a unique view from the sky of the Brainerd Lakes area!
Mount Ski Gull is the perfect winter family activity. Hit the slopes, shred the terrain park, or zip down the tubing hill! Visit www.mountskigull.com for hill information.
STARS & STRIPES DAYS, PEQUOT LAKES
NO MATTER WHEN YOU DECIDE TO VISIT, YOU’LL FIND EVENTS HAPPENING. WE HOST SIGNATURE EVENTS LIKE THE PEQUOT LAKES STARS & STRIPES DAYS IN JULY. HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE BEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE IN MINNESOTA?! YOU’LL FIND THE PARADE IN CROSSLAKE. HOW ABOUT KICKIN’ YOUR BOOTS UP AT LAKES JAM THE LAKES AREA’S BIGGEST COUNTRY AND ROCK FEST. PLAN YOUR VACATION AROUND THESE POPULAR EVENTS AND MAKE THEM AN ANNUAL FAMILY TRADITION!
JUNE 27–29, 2024
Lakes Jam gives festival goers the ultimate experience in rock and country music and adds other spectator events like watercross (snowmobile racing on an open water oval course), drift car demos, poker and bean bag tourneys, costume contest, and meet and greets. But what really sets Lakes Jam apart from other music festivals are the amenities at BIR, camping, and allowing ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts to get around the property.
Headliners include LIVE, Jake Owen, and Tyler Hubbard. Buy tickets and learn more at: www.lakesjam.com
JULY 3 & 4, 2024 PEQUOT LAKES
Celebrate our nation’s independence at the Pequot Lakes Stars and Stripes Days in Trailside Park honoring our heritage with food vendors, music, games, parade, and fireworks.
On July 3, try your hand at the bean bag toss or listen to live music. Once the sun sets, the spectacular fireworks burst into the night sky.
On July 4, come for the allyou-can-eat Pequot Lakes fireman pancakes, kids’ games, craft fair, and the Stars & Stripes Parade! Learn more at www.PequotLakes.com
JULY 6, 2024 CROSSLAKE
For more than 50 years, Crosslake has celebrated America with fireworks. The fireworks display is staged from floating barges near Sand Island. Thousands of families and friends pack into boats or sit along the shores to enjoy the beautiful overhead explosions. Add this event to your bucket list and it will become an annual tradition not to be missed. Learn more at www. Crosslake.com
JULY 16 & 17, 2024
Join in the historic event Bean Hole Days, which dates back to 1938. Business owners asked local farmers to come into town for the day, and they served the farmers beans that baked overnight in the ground as part of a community event. Today, Bean Hole Days is a reminder and celebration of Pequot Lakes’ history serving over 3,000 hungry visitors.
Lines form early for free beans. Purchase a 2024 Bean Hole Days mug and head to the front of the “Fast Pass for Gas” line for some rootin’ tootin’ good beans!
Trailside Park in the center of town is teaming with people visiting craft vendors, playing games, and enjoying free beans. Learn more at www.PequotLakes.com
Photo Courtesy Lakes Jam Photo Courtesy Lakes Jam
AUGUST 15–18, 2024 BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY (BIR)
The NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals is a heart-thumping good time. You’ll see the world’s best drag racers on the fastest track surrounded by the most insane race fans! Everyone has heard stories about BIR during the NHRA Nationals, but you need to experience it for yourself because nothing compares.
Every ticket comes with a pit pass, so fans can watch their favorite teams tear down their cars and rebuild them in between races.
On Nitro Alley, you’ll find interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, and food. Camping is available on-site at the infamous The Zoo campground. Camping in The Zoo brings live music Thursday through Saturday, 24-hour food, and shenanigans. For those who have children or want quieter evenings, the reserved and restricted family camping have early noise and traffic rules that are strictly enforced. Daytime parking is also available. Visit www.birmn.com for more information.
SEPTEMBER
26–28, 2024 CROSSLAKE
Visit in September and attend the annual Crosslake Days celebration. Crosslake is beautiful in the fall as the trees burst into hues of auburn and amber. The crisp air is the perfect backdrop to cool the heat of the chili cook-off contest. Taste the free samples and vote for your favorite. Local businesses compete for the coveted trophies and for bragging rights!
A missing chili pepper hunt, kids’ games, shopping deals, hand-crafted arts and crafts, bazaar and flea market, a Corn Hole Tournament and live entertainment, and street dance make this a great event for all ages. Learn more at www.Crosslake.com
JANUARY 30–FEBRUARY 1, 2025
CROSSLAKE
Have cabin fever? Crosslake has the cure. Celebrate Winterfest, a three-day festival for old-fashioned winter fun. Beginning Thursday, daily clues are released for the Lost Medallion Hunt with more than $2,500 in prizes. Friday, there’s an outdoor kick-off party at the Crosslake Community Center with fun for everyone: sledding, skating, dog sled wagon rides, s’mores, a huge bonfire, and fireworks! Saturday is a full day of activities including snowmobile radar runs, snow carving contest, art & vendor show, games, deals and discounts at businesses, and fun activities for the kids. Participating businesses are serving up hot soup in the annual SoupFest contest where YOU get to determine who wins the coveted Golden Ladles. Learn more at www.Crosslake.com
FEBRUARY 1, 2025
HOLE IN THE DAY BAY, GULL LAKE
The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is the world’s largest ice fishing contest, and something you should experience first-hand. 20,000 holes are drilled in anticipation of this monster event. The ice fishing contest is the last Saturday in January at Hole in the Day Bay on Gull Lake. This event raises $150,000 for local charities, so the contest is for a good cause. You can win fish houses, fourwheelers, vacation packages, and more. Whether you win or not, you’ll have Minnesota experience like no other! Visit www.IceFishing.org for all the details on this incredible event.
FEBURARY 8, 2025
PEQUOT LAKES
Bobber Bocce on Ice will have you embracing winter like a seasoned Minnesotan. Bobber Bocce on Ice is a hybrid of bocce ball and curling played on plowed lanes on the ice. Co-ed teams of 4 will work together to see if they get bragging rights as the top team. Events and activities on the ice all day for players and spectators. This will be the ‘coolest’ event you’ll ever attend! Check www.PequotLakes. com as the event gets closer for more event information, including registering.
Photo Courtesy Brainerd International Raceway
If you haven’t experienced Crosslake’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, you’re missing out on the best parade in the state (WCCO-TV’s Viewers’ Choice for Best Parade in Minnesota)! One visit and you’ll come back year-after-year. The Crosslake community rallies around this family friendly event. Float after float is buzzing with activity, music, and candy. While the parade is the highlight of the weekend, you can also take in the Clover Dash 5K and if you chase the clues to find the Lost Pot O Gold, you could find yourself donning a basket FULL of gifts courtesy of Crosslake Chamber member businesses! Local shops and restaurants offer deals on green beer and corned beef, sweatshirts and décor! End the night dancing away at one of the area establishments with live music and more! Make the Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade your next tradition. Learn more at www.Crosslake.com
A BEACH DAY IS JUST THE THING TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY ENTERTAINED.
PACK A COOLER WITH COLD DRINKS AND SNACKS AND ENJOY A RELAXING DAY IN THE SUN AND SAND.
THE BRAINERD LAKES IS FOR EVERYONE.
OUR LAKES ARE PRISTINE & OFFER ABUNDANT WILDLIFE, FISHING AND FUN. COME AND START exploring.
Photo by Sarah Heath Photography, Courtesy Heath’s Resort SCAN ME Hover your phone's camera for info on public beaches.
Crosby
2 2ND ST SW CROSBY, MN 56441
In the heart of Crosby and on the banks of Serpent Lake, you’ll find the Crosby Memorial Park. The giant serpent, Kahnah’ bek, has watched over the park since 1977. The 20 ft serpent makes for a great photo backdrop. Kids will love the large wooden playset—perfect place to burn off some energy! There’s a nice swimming beach, too, for lots of fun-in-the-sun.
Campsites are available for tents & RVs. This is a busy campground with lots of hustle and bustle from downtown. You can easily walk or ride bike to restaurants & shops, plus the Cuyuna Recreation Area trails.
AMENITIES
• Sandy beach
• Picnic tables and benches
• Boat launch
• Camping
• Cook shack rental
• Skateboard park
• Playground
• Restrooms
Lum Park
1619 NE WASHINGTON ST BRAINERD, MN 56401
Lum Park Recreation Area is an excellent family destination for camping, fishing, outdoor activities, and swimming. Lum Park is on Rice Lake, which is a reservoir off the Mississippi River.
Lum Park is just a short drive from the hotels in Brainerd/Baxter, which means you can easily access the water while staying in town. The campground is a perfect place to enjoy the best of what Brainerd/Baxter has to offer.
AMENITIES
• Sandy beach
• Disc golf Pavilions Boat Launch Playground
14441 OAKWOOD DR BAXTER, MN 56425
A visit to Whipple Beach is a great place to spend the afternoon. Whipple Beach Recreation Area is a public park and beach close to Brainerd/Baxter hotels. The recreation area is in the perfect location if you’re staying in Brainerd/ Baxter.
You’ll find an excellent sandy beach perfect for kids to swim and build sandcastles. You can rent the pavilion for celebrations and gatherings. The pavilion has a kitchen you can use if you rent the pavilion.
AMENITIES
Sandy beach Playground Fishing pier
Restrooms Picnic tables Pavilion
10867 E GULL LAKE DR BRAINERD, MN 56401
Gull Lake Recreation Area offers something for everyone with a boat launch, hiking, fishing, and swimming.
The campground offers well-spaced sites. Near the campground is a playground and the Gull River at the outlet of Gull Lake. The platforms on the river offer great fishing! The beach area is a short distance from the campground and is open to the public for day use. There is a roped-off swim area, sandy beach, and grassy area with picnic tables for families to enjoy.
• Picnic tables
• Restrooms
Sand volleyball courts Fishing Camping
• Sandy beach
• Restrooms
• Boat launch
• Biking and hiking trails
• Picnic tables
• Playground
• Camping
• Fishing
Photo Courtesy Woods To Water Real Estate
Photo Courtesy Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake
Photo Courtesy Brainerd Dispatch
Cross Lake Recreation Area
35507 CO RD 66
CROSSLAKE, MN 56442
The Cross Lake Recreation Area is a picturesque recreation area in one of central Minnesota’s most popular cities— Crosslake.
The campground is well-maintained and located on the shores of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which connects 14 lakes and are controlled by the Pine River dam at the Campground.
When you’re in the campground, you would never guess you’re in walking or biking distance from great restaurants, shops, and golf.
If you’re not camping, you can still enjoy the recreation area for the day. Swim at the beach. Walk across the dam. Play at the playground. Check out the interpretive programs. Fish from the dock. It’s all here for the perfect summer day!
AMENITIES
Sandy beach
• Restrooms
• Playground
• Fishing
• Pavilion
Pelican Lake Public Beach
CO RD 4 TO CO RD 118; LEFT ON PELICAN BEACH RD. BEACH IS AT THE END OF PELICAN LAKE RD.
This public beach is a hidden gem off the beaten path. While it might be harder to find, it is well worth the effort. The Pelican Lake Public Beach is open for day use and is located on the southeastern shores of Pelican Lake off of Pelican Lake Road.
Pelican Beach has excellent sugar sand. It’s a shallow beach making it a great place for families with young kids to swim. There is no garbage collection here, so you’ll need to pack out your trash.
AMENITIES
Vault toilet
Interpretive programs
• Biking
• Camping
• Boat launch
DOZENS OF LOCAL RESORTS ARE RIGHT ON THE WATER. GET THE MOST LAKE LIFE OUT OF YOUR VACATION BY STAYING RIGHT ON THE WATER. REFER TO OUR LODGING DIRECTORY ON PAGE 28-29 FOR LODGING ON THE WATER.
Pillager Lake Recreation Area
12170 CO RD PILLAGER, MN 56473
You’ll find the Pillager Lake Park on Pillager Lake west on Hwy 210, then north a few miles on County Road 1. This quiet park is a great place to soak up some nature. The beach is clean and sandy for kids to swim. The pier even has a small slide that goes it to the water!
Pack a lunch or bring food to grill and use the pavilion. Kids can also play at the playground. Your family will enjoy spending an afternoon here!
AMENITIES
• Picnic tables
• Pavilion
• Sandy beach
• Vault toilets
• Fishing pier
• Playground
Picnic tables
Photo Courtesy Buffalo Media Group
Photo Courtesy Buffalo Media Group, Grand View Lodge
Photo Courtesy Gull Lake Beach Resorts
Photo Courtesy Madden’s on Gull Lake
GULL LAKE
WHETHER YOU’RE CRUISING THE OPEN WATER OR RECREATING ON FROZEN LAKES, ANY SEASON IS LAKE SEASON!
Ahhh…what’s better than a day on the water?! Whether you want to cruise the Gull Chain or Whitefish Chain of Lakes or prefer a more low-key day, you’ll find a lake that fits your style. Don’t have a boat or jet ski? No problem! If you’re staying at a resort, many offer boat rentals and onthe-water excursions. You can also check out these places that offer pontoon or jet ski rentals.
• Bertha Boatworks: Whitefish Chain only
• Boats and Beyond: Gull Lake or delivered to your location
• Crosslake Rental: Delivered to public access and launched for you
• Larry’s Lake Rentals: Whitefish Chain or delivered to your location
• Lake Fun Rentals: Gull Lake or delivered to your location
• The Power Lodge: Gull Lake or delivered to the lake of your choice
• Your Boat Club: Gull Lake and Whitefish Chain
Spend the day or even a weekend on the ice. A fun and unique way to show your hearty winter spirit and make some cool memories!
• Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake has daily fish house rentals on Gull Lake open to the public. You can rent the fish houses for 4 or 8 hours. Rental options include houses with four, six, and eight holes. Include your whole family and invite some friends. Heat, lights, chairs, and rattle reels included.
• Boats and Beyond rents fishing houses that you can stay in daily or overnight. Boats and Beyond includes heat, lights, rattle reels, hole drilling, and two-tofour bunks. Additional equipment is available to rent. Ice houses are located on Gull Lake, or you can haul to a lake of your choosing.
• Minnesota Recreational Rentals rents fish houses on Gull Lake and other lakes in the area. Fish houses will be warm and holes will be predrilled before you arrive. Staff is available 24/7. Heated transportation to the fish house, if required, Roku TVs, generator power, rattle reels, and rod holders are provided.
Hover your phone's camera for more on the water fun.
Looking for ways to embrace winter? Rent snowmobiles and enjoy the hundreds of miles of trails!
• Cragun’s Resort on Gull (rentals available to the public)
• Nisswa Adventure Rentals
• Power Lodge
• Seaberg Motorsports
• Pelican Lake Fish House Rentals and Guide Service offers fullservice summer and winter guiding and full-service premium fish house rentals on Pelican Lake in Breezy Point. They offer different packages depending on your needs. All fish houses are fully guided. Holes are drilled, fish are ready to bite, and the heat is on!
Photo Courtesy Madden’s on Gull Lake Photo Courtesy Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake
Cragun’s Gull Lake Cruises (888) 452-2178
www.craguns.com
Voted one of the top things to do in the Brainerd Lakes Area, experience Gull Lake aboard the North Star with Cragun’s Gull Lake Cruises. With private and public cruises available, set sail for brunch, lunch, dinner, live music, weddings or reunion cruises. Come aboard and see you soon!
Larry’s Lake Rentals
(218) 244-1700
www.larryslakerentals.com
Larry’s Lake Rentals services the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond. Delivery available right to your lake!! We provide quality pontoon, tritoon and fishing boat rentals loaded with upgrades and accessories. Contact us today to enjoy Minnesota lakes this spring, summer, and fall. Veteran owned and operated.
National Loon Center
(218) 692-5666
www.nationallooncenter.org
Come aboard the StewardShip, a free pontoon excursion on Cross Lake! Watch loons and learn all about their behavior from a naturalist guide. Then test your new “loony” knowledge at the Loon & Lakes Trivia Nights at local breweries. Visit our website for trip registration and the summer event schedule.
Nisswa Sauna Rental
(218) 214-9409
www.nisswarental.com
Nisswa Sauna Rental is your local, expert sauna source. Rent one of our Finnish inspired, wood-fired, authentic, mobile, cedar saunas. Add-on cold plunge is optional. Our saunas bring the blissful heat therapy right to your doorstep, backyard, lakeside or wherever. Book now for your personal oasis and embrace the warmth.
Whitefish Chain Yacht Club
(612) 940-3407
www.wcyc.info
The WCYC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting boating and water safety on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes since 1952. WCYC conducts three important programs: navigation buoys in partnership with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department, boating safety instruction and swimming lessons. Visit www.wcyc.info to learn more and join.
Your Boat Club
(612) 208-1800
www.yourboatclub.com
We believe in hassle-free boating. Whether you’re looking to unplug, play on the water, or simply get away, boating has endless activities and benefits to offer. We take care of all the work, you have all the fun. Quite simply, life on the water is better. Let us show you!
SCAN ME
Hover your phone's camera for ourdoor activities.
Photo Courtesy Easy Riders Bicycle & Sport Shop
BY: STEPH SWANSON BRAINERD LOCAL, WRITER, AND CASUAL MOUNTAIN BIKER
READY TO ELEVATE YOUR BIKING EXPERIENCE FROM STRAIGHT, FLAT RIDES TO SCENIC CLIMBS ALONGSIDE TOWERING TREES, PRISTINE MINE LAKES, AND ABUNDANT WILDLIFE? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN MOUNTAIN BIKING ON THE ACCLAIMED REDDIRT TRAILS AT THE CUYUNA COUNTRY STATE RECREATION AREAS (CCSRA)–ONE OF THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA’S MOST TALKED-ABOUT OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.
IF YOU’RE CUYUNACURIOUS BUT HAVE NEVER MOUNTAIN BIKED BEFORE, WORRY NOT! ENCOMPASSING OVER 800 ACRES, THE CCSRA BOASTS 70 MILES OF MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS, INCLUDING ROUTES SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR BEGINNERS, FAMILIES, AND THOSE WHO PREFER A SCENIC PEDAL OVER ADRENALINE-FUELED SHREDDING.
BEST BET FOR BEGINNERS:
For those new to mountain biking, the best place to start is Cuyuna’s Sagamore Unit, just 20 minutes from Brainerd in Riverton. Here, you’ll find Cuyuna’s only adaptive trails–designed to be smooth, wide, flowy, and so much fun.
Before your ride, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the trail maps, color-coded to indicate difficulty levels ranging from Easiest/Adapted (white) to Extremely Difficult/Expert Only (black).
For first timers and families of varying skill levels, I recommend easing into the experience on the adapted (white) and easy (green) trails. The wide adapted trails offer a smooth and obstacle-free ride, while the easy trails, though slightly more narrow, include a handful of easily avoidable obstacles. With this approach, you’ll gradually acclimate to the trails and avoid challenging terrain like cliff edges and technical features.
While there are trails of a higher difficulty level within the Sagamore Unit, beginners would be wise to start with these.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST VISIT TO CUYUNA.
• Copper Nugget (White): Kids love this one! A quick half-mile loop, this is the easiest trail within the Sagamore Unit. It’s smooth, free from roots and rocks, and has very little climbing–if you can ride a bike, you’ll have no problem navigating Copper Nugget.
• Klondyke (White/Green): This 2.7-mile adaptive trail immerses you in Cuyuna’s wooded wonderland. A scenic and flowy trail, Klondyke gives you a feel for the red dirt with minimal twists and turns. Depending on the time of year, you’ll ride alongside lady slippers, ferns, mushrooms, and colorful wildflowers. (Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, chipmunks, and squirrels, too!)
• Blaster (Green): When you reach the roundabout on Klondyke, take an immediate right for a 1.2-mile detour on Blaster. You’ll put in a little more work climbing, but your payoff is some adrenaline-pumping downhills (worth it!).
Photo Courtesy Easy Riders Bicycle & Sport ShopYou don’t need fancy or expensive equipment to enjoy a casual ride on the trails. Bring a well-fitted helmet and a basic mountain bike with working breaks, and you’re good to go. (Bug spray is highly recommended from June through August when the mosquitoes and deer flies are out in full force.)
Cuyuna mountain bike trails are one-way, so everyone rides single file in the same direction. Although you won’t have to worry about running into another cyclist head-on, you may come up on hikers or cyclists you would like to pass or those who want to sneak ahead of you. If a cyclist calls out to pass, find a spot to pull off the trail when it’s safe, then return to your ride.
Hover your phone's camera to request a free Paul Bunyan State Trail Map
There’s no shame in walking tough climbs, taking a break to take in the scenery, or stopping for a quick selfie ( just be aware of those around you). And you can get going pretty fast on the downhills, so make sure you’re always in control. Keep in mind that cell service can be spotty, so it’s a good idea to ride with a buddy (and it’s more fun).
The CCRSA is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Be sure to check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for the most up-to-date trail regulations. A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required to park within the CCRSA, which can be purchased online or at the self-service kiosks in the parking areas.
OVER 800 ACRES, THE CUYUNA COUNTRY STATE RECREATION AREA BOASTS 70 MILES OF MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS.
CUYUNA IS FOR FAMILIES AND ADVENTURE ENTHUSIASTS.
You don ’ t need fancy or expensive equipment to enjoy a casual ride on the trails.Photo Courtesy Easy Riders Bicycle & Sport Shop
Northland Arboretum: Nearly 12 miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing trails are available, too. Trails accommodate all ages and skill levels and are some of the best trails in Minnesota—within the Brainerd city limits.
Crow Wing State Park: The Crow Wing State Park also has over 18 miles of hiking trails within the park some along the banks of the Mississippi River. Step back in time seeing the history of an epic Ojibwe and Dakota battle. Walk the boardwalk into the settlement of Old Crow Wing. Camping is available in the park. A new paved trail connects to the Paul Bunyan Trail for easy access for hikers, cyclists, and snowmobilers.
Kiwani’s Park: This park right in the center of Brainerd. The paved trail around Boom Lake is a perfect walk, especially for wheelchairs and strollers. You can see lots of wildlife, have a picnic, and kids can use the playground.
Crosslake Community Center: Over 13 miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. There’s an outdoor skating rink, sledding hill, 9-hole disc golf course, and tennis courts. Equipment is available to rent. Inside, there’s a gym and weight room. Open 7 days a week. Day passes and memberships available.
Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreational Area: A series of three islands located within the Upper Whitefish Lake with hiking trails, swimming beach, and 11 primitive campsites available on a first come, first served basis.
Fritz Loven State Park: A beautiful 80-acre park with a playground, picnic shelters, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails. Come see this beautiful nature sanctuary with wildlife, towering pines, and a stony brook. Go West on County Road 77 (off Hwy. 371 North), take a right on County Road 78, and then right on Ridge Rd.
Mayo Lake Nature Preserve: This 67-acre nature preserve is located on the southern portion of Mayo Lake in Pequot Lakes. The preserve is surrounded by diverse trees, plus picnic tables, recreational trails, and lookouts to Mayo Lake.
Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park: You can walk the Fire Tower Trail and the Wildlife Loop. Interpretive signs are along both trails. Pack a picnic lunch and eat under the pavilion. The 135 steps on the 100 ft. tower are worth the climb. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic 20 mile view in each direction.
Hunts Point Gun Club
(218) 232-7062
www.HuntsPointGunClub.com
Hunts Point Gun Club destination for shotgun shooting sports. Sporting clays, trap, skeet, upland bird hunting, & events. Rentals. Clubhouse/banquet center seats 200+ for corporate, charity, & family events. Food & drink. Public welcome. Home of the 2024 & 2025 MN State Sporting Clays Championships. YOUR PLACE FOR SHOTGUN FUN!!
Northland Arboretum
(218) 454-8773
www.northlandarb.org
400 acres of stunning nature reserve hosting a year-round 12-mile trail system, educational programming, and beautiful backdrops for weddings and events. Enjoy our beautiful groomed and lit cross-country and snowshoe trails. Snowshoe rentals available.
Up North Bike Rentals
(218) 821-5399
www.upnorthbikerentals.com
Built on a passion for family biking and outdoor adventure. Explore lake country with the whole family! Conveniently located just off of the Paul Bunyan and Gull Lake Trails in downtown Nisswa. Ride out our front door! Surrey, e-bike, bike, and bike trailer rentals. Online booking. Let’s ride!
THE 135 STEPS PAUL M. THIEDE FIRE TOWER ARE WORTH THE CLIMB. 100 FEET UP AT THE TOP, YOU’LL BE REWARDED WITH A PANORAMIC 20 MILE VIEW IN EACH DIRECTION. Photo Courtesy BlazeAir Productions"CRISP MORNINGS USUALLY LEAD TO A WARMING SUN AND INCREDIBLE GOLF. AT CROSSWOODS WE HAVE AN AMAZING CONTRAST BETWEEN THE BRILLIANT GREEN GRASS OF THE GOLF COURSE AND THE VIBRANT AUTUMN FOLIAGE. THE FUN CAMARADERIE OF THE BUDDY WEEKENDS TO THE SIMPLE ENJOYMENT OF GOLFING WITH FAMILY ON A QUIET WEEKDAY. THE BEST GOLF OF THE YEAR IS USUALLY FOUND IN THE FALL.”
Mike Stone, Owner, Crosswoods Golf Course
0UR AREA OFFERS THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR CHAMPIONSHIP AND RESORT-STYLE COURSES. LOAD UP YOUR CLUBS AND COME SEE FOR YOURSELF THE REASONS THE BRAINERD LAKES IS A TOP MIDWEST GOLF DESTINATION!
We’re home to over 400 golf holes within about a 45-minute drive. The sheer number of golf courses that you can play— all open to the public—makes the Brainerd Lakes a golf lover’s dream destination. This kind of accessibility, from family friendly courses to nationally recognized championship style courses, really sets us apart from other destinations.
Whether you’re a beginner or avid golfer, you’ll find a course that suits your style and pace-of-play. We have championship courses, par 3 courses, and several fun resort-style courses. And because of the close proximity of courses, you can play several courses over your stay—even if you’re here for just a few days.
GOLDEN EAGLE GOLF CLUB
August 25–September 1, 2024
Other golf destinations have limited courses and the courses are very expensive or members only. Our resort style courses have family friendly green fees. Even our premier championship courses are affordable given the quality and caliber of these courses. Courses also offer golf and lodging packages and deals for corporate rates.
Our championship golf courses have attracted national attention with many major resort courses earning recognition from Golf Digest. Renowned industry professionals, including Arnold Palmer and Tom Lehman, have designed and put their trademark on resort courses.
Cragun’s Legacy Courses is home to the CRMC Championship presented by Gertens. This PGA TOUR Americas event is a great chance to see the next PGA TOUR superstar. Look for our first-year champ, Jake Knapp, competing on the TOUR this season. Championship week is full of great events such as Cruising for Charity, Aces over Deuces, The Northern Pacific Center Pro-Am, Take Your Kids to the Course Day, Saturday Night Jam, and some unbelievable golf action. There’s no entry fee making it a great opportunity to bring the family to the course!
Hover your phone's camera for more on local golf courses.
Photo Courtesy Madden's On Gull Lake
JAKE KNAPP WAS THE WINNER OF THE 2022 CRMC CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY GERTENS!
Photo Courtesy CRMC Championship at Cragun’s Golf Resort
Photo Courtesy CRMC Championship at Cragun’s Golf Resort
→ Breezy Point Resort (218) 562-7970 | (800) 432-3777
www.breezypointresort.com
9242 Breezy Point Dr Breezy Point, MN [Deacon’s Lodge, Whitebirch Course, Traditional Course]
→ Cragun's Legacy Courses (218) 825-2789 | (888) 873-0161
www.craguns.com
11496 E Gull Lake Dr, Brainerd, MN [Dutch 27, Lehman 18, Par 3 Course]
→ Crosswoods Golf Course (218) 692-4653
www.crosslakegolf.com
35878 Co Rd 3, Crosslake, MN [27 Hole Course]
→ Golden Eagle Golf Club (218) 763-4653
16146 W Eagle Lake Rd
Fifty Lakes, MN [18 Hole Course]
→ Grand View Lodge (218) 963-2234 | (866) 801-2951
www.grandviewlodge.com
23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa, MN [The Pines, The Preserve]
→ Madden's on Gull Lake (218) 829-2811 | (800) 642-5363
www.maddens.com
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula Brainerd, MN [The Classic, Pine Beach East, Pine Beach West, The Social 9]
→ Northland Kart Country (218) 454-1602
www.northlandkartkountry.com 17568 MN 371, Brainerd, MN [Mini-Golf]
→ Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf (218) 828-9002 | www.piratescove.net
5197 Birchdale Rd, Brainerd, MN [Mini-Golf]
→ Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge (218) 678-4646 | (800) 450-4545 www.ruttgers.com
25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd Deerwood, MN [Jack's 18, Alec’s 9–The Original]
→ Whistling Wolf Mini Golf and Gifts (218) 692-7888 (summer) (218) 692-4653 (spring/fall)
www.crosslakegolf.com
36006 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN [Mini-Golf]
→ Whitefish Golf Club (218) 543-4900
www.whitefishgolf.com 7883 Co Rd 16, Pequot Lakes, MN [18 Hole Course]
→ Wildwedge Golf, Mini Golf and Maze (218) 568-6995 | www.wildwedge.com
32792 Paul Bunyan Trail Dr Pequot Lakes, MN
[9 Hole Par 3 Golf, Mini-Golf]
Cragun’s Legacy Courses
(888) 452-2178
www.craguns.com
Golf Minnesota’s newest 45 holes of Championship Golf Courses designed in partnership by PGA TOUR Pro, Tom Lehman. Experience PGA TOUR Americas event coming Labor Day 2024. Clubhouse, pro shop, practice facilities and dining available. Memberships available. Play where the pros play. Book your trip or schedule your tee time.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
(218) 828-9002
www.piratescove.net/brainerd
The adventures and legends of infamous pirates come to life at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf! Putt your way through the world of 18th century buccaneers as you wind your way through mountain caves, over footbridges and beneath cascading waterfalls. Test your skills on two award-winning 18-hole courses. Swashbuckling family fun! Crosslake.com
MN TRADERS CO. IS READY TO HOST YOUR NEXT GATHERING. ANYTHING FROM HOLIDAY, CORPORATE, BRIDAL TO BABY.
Photo Courtesy MN Traders Co.
WE’RE DIVERSE IN MANY AREAS, AND FOOD IS NO EXCEPTION. YOU COULD ENJOY A DIFFERENT CULINARY DELIGHT EACH NIGHT YOU’RE HERE NO MATTER YOUR MOOD: FINE DINING, DOCKSIDE DINING, GRAB-N-GO, AND SWEET TREATS. IF YOU’RE NOT IN THE MOOD TO LEAVE THE LAKE, NO PROBLEM. TAKE OUT OR CATERING OPTIONS MEAN YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
Sherwood North is located in the Sherwood Forest Lodge that was built in the late 1930s with California redwood logs that were abandoned at a lakes area warehouse. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
There aren’t many things better in life than enjoying a fine meal. Many of our local establishments have chefs that are consistently creating new and flavorful dishes. You’ll find unique twists on old favorites or contemporary plates that haven’t been seen before. Some of these restaurants need reservations. Resorts that have fine dining restaurants are open to the public.
If you’re entertaining for a crowd, but you’d rather not have to do the cooking. After all, you’re on vacation, right?! Luckily we have catering businesses that will work with you to create and deliver the perfect meal. Some may even come and set up, serve, and clean up for you too. Giving you more time to enjoy time at the lake.
Sometimes you just need grab a quick meal when you’re on the run to your next adventure. Burgers, fries, subs, soups, and pizza are just some of the quick bites you can find. What if you’re on the water? No problem. On some of our bigger chains of lakes you’ll find dockside food service. Grab food to go while watching the sun going down is the perfect end to a good day.
Minnesotans know how to maximize our time outside in the warm summer months, which includes outdoor and lakeside dining. One of the best parts of vacation is gathering your crew and finding a restaurant with a patio and nature views to enjoy an evening cocktail and a bite to eat.
FILL UP YOUR FUEL TANK WHEN YOU STOP FOR GRUB. MANY PLACES ON THE GULL CHAIN AND WHITEFISH CHAIN HAVE GAS FOR YOUR BOAT!
Hover your phone's camera for a full list of restaurants.
Authentic Italian food. Gourmet coffee. BBQ. Burgers. Sushi. Walleye. When you’re on vacation, you can find many authentic and tasty dishes. A lot of restaurants change their menus often and offer specials that will keep your palate coming back for more.
Vacation coffee just tastes better. There’s no to-do list following your morning cup. Instead, you can take your time sipping, relaxing, and enjoying the start to your day. Or if you need to get a little work done, bring your laptop to one of our coffee shops and take advantage of fast wi-fi. You’ll find coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, and even teas at coffee shops in Brainerd, Crosslake, Nisswa, and Pequot Lakes!
Photo Courtesy The Wharf
Photo Courtesy Dunmire’s Bar & Grill
Photo Courtesy Rafferty’s Pizza
Photo Courtesy The Quarterdeck Grill
Photo Courtesy Lost Lake Lodge
After your main course, you’ll want to save room for dessert. Who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot summer evening?! Or maybe some handmade chocolates (drool). You’ll also find some sweet pie that is almost too pretty to eat—almost. From homemade baked goods, oodles of ice cream, or even eclectic candy, you’ll feel like a kid again!
Check out these cool spots to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Fancy Pants Chocolates: Chocolates and treats made inhouse.
Goody’s Gourmet Treats: Whimsical candy, ice cream, nostalgic toy and gift store.
Knotty Pine Bakery: Homemade pies, pastries, and scratch-made treats.
Northern Gifts & Sweets: Chocolates, candy, Bridgeman’s ice cream, MN made apparel and gifts.
Christmas Point: Decadent desserts like tiramisu, cheesecake, and fudge.
Lake Country Crafts & Cones: Kemps ice cream, coffee, sandwiches, and crafts.
The Chocolate Ox: Nostalgic candy, ice cream, fudge and truffles, gifts.
The Outpost: Extension of MN Traders Co., ice cream, unique sweets, and retail goods.
WE HAVE LOTS OF LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS THAT HAVE MASTERED THE ART OF CREATING SERIOUSLY GOOD CRAFT BREWS AND DRINKS.
Jack Pine Brewery’s taproom offers a laidback, family friendly atmosphere that focuses on great beer and good conversation. On warm days, the taproom’s large industrial door opens, and the crowd effortlessly spills out on to the patio tucked in a grove of pine trees. It’s a great spot to have a beer and listen to live music, which you’ll often find here.
→ Tasty Brew: Dead Branch
→ Location: Baxter
If you’re into the health benefits of kombucha—a bubbly, probiotic-rich fermented tea—check out Ya-Sure Kombucha! There are a variety of flavors on tap with seasonal flavors, too. Whether you’re new to the world of kombucha or you like more hopped flavors, you’ll find a healthy kombucha you love. It’s the perfect beverage for everyone—including the health-conscious and nonalcoholic drinkers.
→ Tasty Flavor: Blueberry Crisp
→ Location: Brainerd
Hover your phone's camera to learn more about our breweries.
SNARKY
BREWERY IS A GERMAN AND BELGIUM INSPIRED BREWERY - ALONG WITH A VARIETY OF SEASONAL ROTATING TAPS.
LOON ROUNDHOUSE BREWERY, NISSWA SCAN ME Photo Courtesy Snarky Loon Brewing Co.
5Rocks uses locally sourced ingredients to make small batch spirits. You’ll find Cold North Vodka, Lizzy’s Gin, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, amaretto, and infused bourbon whiskeys and vodkas. Sample spirits, or try mules, an old-fashioned, specialty and dessert cocktails! Bring a cocktail kit (or two) home as a souvenir!
→ Tasty Cocktail: Cucumber
Basil Gin Smash
→ Location: Brainerd
The area’s first cidery, Woodlore Cider is cozy and inviting with a rustic and up-north vibe. All ciders are made in-house using 100% fresh pressed fruit with no added sugars or concentrates. This makes for a natural and exceptionally refreshing cider. They usually have about 8 ciders available at one time, rotating 3–4 new blends every few months. Lots of entertainment, including live music, poker nights, craft nights, painting classes— and on occasion baby goats!
→ Tasty Cider: Pineapple Cider
→ Location: Brainerd
Veteran owned, Snarky Loon brews delicious beer and brings people together. Snarky Loon’s beer is German and Belgian inspired along with a variety of seasonal taps. Large open doors with a live music patio make it easy to move freely from inside to enjoy the outdoors. They also have a large food selection like pizza, handhelds, soups, and appetizers.
Military, law enforcement, fire, medical, and first responders can get 25% off beer and 10% off of merchandise with proper ID.
→ Tasty Brew: Bloody Beer
→ Location: Jenkins
14 Lakes Craft Brewing Company offers an intimate setting for friends and family to enjoy quality beer and good company. On warm summer evenings, you can play a game of cornhole (bags) on the patio or just relax and take in the surrounding beauty. Visitors often bring their favorite four-legged friends to socialize, too.
→ Tasty Brew: Palley’s Comet
→ Location: Crosslake
Big Axe is serious about brewing good beer and providing a one-of-akind atmosphere. Kids and nonbeer drinkers will love the homemade cream soda and root beer.
Big Axe also has a full-service menu that pairs nicely with their craft beers. The patio is the perfect place to enjoy the summer sunshine, drink a cold one, and relax after shopping in downtown Nisswa.
→ Tasty Brew: Axe Kicker Double IPA
→ Location: Nisswa
Roundhouse offers classic and seasonal brews, plus nonalcoholic beverages. Roundhouse has a large taproom, event space, and food options, like the beer battered cheese curds or walleye fingers. On a warm summer or fall day, you’ll enjoy the expansive outdoor seating with a big stage for live music. It’s the perfect place to unwind with friends!
Check out the Wreck Room where you and your friends can channel your inner lumber jack and throw axes. It’s a great away to bring a little competition with your camaraderie!
→ Tasty Brew: Boom Lake Lager
→ Location: Nisswa
GRAB SOME FRIENDS FOR A BEER, CIDER, OR DRINK AND ENJOY THE LOCAL SOUNDS OF LIVE MUSIC!
Grab a flight of tasty brews and share with a Friend (or drink them yourself).Photo Courtesy Jack Pine Brewery Photo Courtesy Woodlore Cider & Cami Gazelka Photo Courtesy Big Axe Brewery & Jenna Elfering
Black Bear Lodge & Saloon (218) 828-8400
www.blackbearlodgemn.com
Black Bear Lodge & Saloon has been serving quality food and beverages to the lakes area for over 25 years. We’ve got something for everyone...prime rib, steaks, walleye, ribs, burgers, sandwiches, soups & salads. We are family friendly and our patio deck is dog friendly. Locally owned and operated.
Commander Restaurant & Bar and JJ’s Pub (218) 562-4198
www.commanderbar.com
Open daily at 11am with lunch specials, great burgers, pizza, ribs and much more. Home of the famous Commander Garbage Pizza! Featuring live music every Friday & Saturday night year around. JJ’s Pub downstairs is open at 4:30 pm Monday-Friday and open at Noon on Saturday.
Dough Bros Woodfire Kitchen (218) 454-4900
www.Doughbroswoodfire.com
Dough Bros is located next to Cub Foods in Baxter and offers delicious wood fired pizzas, smoked wings, unique appetizers, 20 tap beers, wine and cocktails! Enjoy patio seating in the summer months along with our fun 90’s themed inside décor!
Ernie’s on Gull
(218) 829-3918
www.erniesongull.com
Dine just feet from water’s edge while enjoying a sunset view and your favorite cocktail. Casual, unique menu with local favorites and on-trend dishes. Outside bar, lakeside deck, live patio entertainment and beach volleyball has made Ernie’s a summer tradition for generations.
Grand Champion Meats
(218) 692-6328
www.grandchampionmeats
You will find the freshest cuts of beef and pork, as well as a wide variety of sausages, smoked products, chicken and seafood. Stop by today for free samples of our award winning products!
Main Street Ale House
(218) 961-6724
www.mainstreetnisswa.com
A favorite in the Lakes Area. Main Street Ale House is a family friendly restaurant and pub located in downtown Nisswa. 30 tap beers, extensive wine and liquor lists, a fresh unique menu all in a modern lodge atmosphere makes Main Street Ale House the place to dine in Nisswa.
Norway Ridge Supper Club
(218) 543-6136
www.norwayridge.com
An old-world supper club serving hand-cut steaks, award winning ribs and delectable fish and seafood. We invite you to take a step back in time and enjoy a spirited cocktail or an aromatic glass of wine along with a meal that you won’t soon forget.
Pit Happens Catering
(218) 851-0003
www.pithappenscatering.com
Pit Happens Catering brings award winning barbecue experience in creating specialty smoked dishes. We provide catering, food trucks, vending, and pop ups for any special event.
Sunshine’s Summerhouse
Restaurant & Catering
(218) 961-4300
www.sunshinessummerhouse.com
Known for fresh, craveable food and craft cocktails. The smoked ribs and tequila old fashioned are a must! Great breakfast spot on the weekend with jumbo caramel rolls. Catering available. Indoor and patio seating open daily. Large group seating. See you at Sunshine’s!
BEST BLOODY MARY DUNMIRE’S BAR & GRILL
BEST FINE DINING DUNMIRE’S ON THE LAKES
DUNMIRE’S BAR & GRILL
EAST BRAINERD
12110 MN- 210 , BRAINERD, MN 56401 218 - 454 - 0625
BEST RIBS DUNMIRE’S BAR & GRILL
DUNMIRE’S ON THE LAKES
NORTH LONG LAKE
19090 MN-371, BRAINERD, MN 56401 218-454-0690
BEST FRIES
DUNMIRE’S BAR & GRILL
BEST BRAINERD RESTAURANT DUNMIRE’S BAR & GRILL
BEST LAKESIDE DESTINATION DUNMIRE’S ON THE LAKES
BEST OUTDOOR DINING DUNMIRE’S ON THE LAKES
BEST BURGER DUNMIRE’S BAR & GRILL
BEST SEAFOOD DUNMIRE’S ON THE LAKES
Hover your phone's camera to find local businesses specializing in financing.
BUILDING OR REMODELING IS AN EXCITING BUT LABORINTENSIVE. WORKING WITH AN EXPERIENCED BUILDER WILL HELP THE PROCESS FEEL LESS OVERWHELMING AND INTIMIDATING.
JEREMY JOHNSTON, OWNER OF NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTION, OFFERS SOME EXPERIENCED INSIGHT AND VALUABLE TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE A BUILDER THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR PROJECT.
One of the first steps of a build or remodel project is researching construction companies. Northland Construction recommends interviewing builders to see if your styles jive. Are you looking for a new build or remodel? Are you working with an architect or looking for a construction company that does design in-house? Or are you planning a smaller scale remodel? Determining if your project is in the builder’s wheelhouse, and if they can handle the scale and scope of your project will set up your project for success.
You also should ask the builders you’re considering for a list of references and look at their work portfolio. Testimonials from real clients will give insight into the builder’s reputation. Talk to other professionals like real estate agents, lenders, and professional organizations like the Mid-Minnesota Builders Association are excellent resources.
Before you meet with a builder determine your maximum budget. Work with a credit union or bank to discuss the requirements for a new construction or home equity loan for remodeling and secure preapproval before meeting with a potential builder. Local lenders and appraisers that have a connection to the area are an invaluable partner and resource.
Photo Courtesy Hy-Tec Construction
A new construction or remodel project has a lot of moving parts. Northland Construction says communication and staying flexible is key. Timely and open communication between you and the builder is essential throughout the building process starting with the first meeting. You shouldn’t have to chase down project updates. Your contractor should keep you in the loop of how things are going on a regular basis. Ideally, projects run smoothly with no hiccups or delays. But communication is even more important when there are set backs.
Perhaps Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, and weather conditions are causing delays. Maybe there’s a manufacturer’s backorder on flooring or shower tile, and you have to pick something new if you want to keep on the timeline. With building projects, there will be frustrations. And there will be times you’ll have to be flexible. But having a builder that communicates and that you trust to handle the unexpected will help the project run as smooth and as efficient as possible.
The Brainerd Lakes Area stretches across several cities, townships, and Cass and Crow Wing counties. Northland Construction recommends working with a builder who is familiar with the different municipalities and the various rules. Some builders will even help secure your building permits and work with you on variance issues and requirements. For example, not all lakes have the same set back rules. Look for a builder who understands, identifies, and communicates lot challenges and issues.
A builder that knows the nuances of all the rules is crucial to avoid costly violations.
Building and remodeling is a big endeavor that requires patience and a little humor. But at the end of the process, you’ll have a space that fits your budget, style, and that you can call your own for years to come.
We’re lucky to have several quality construction companies serving the Brainerd Lakes Area. Whether you have a new build, exterior work, or a remodel, there’s a builder ready to work for you!
TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY AND BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME IN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL CONTRACTORS AT THE QR CODE BELOW.
While it’s fun to dream about all the possibilities, a good builder will help you understand your project’s limitations. Perhaps your custom design choices exceed your budget. Maybe the lot you love has some city or county building restrictions. Or you’re looking at buying a home and there are some structural issues with your remodel plans. Knowing these things upfront will you time and money.
Northland Construction says you should determine your needs vs. wants list and determine your priorities to minimize disappointment. Developing rapport with the builder is important to work together within your budget and to create an endproject that you love.
Photo Courtesy Northland Construction
Photo Courtesy Nor-Son Custom Builders
Angell Team | Coldwell Banker Realty
(218) 297-4663
www.AngellTeam.com
With 40+ years of combined experience, customer service & meeting clients’ goals are John & Tina Angell’s priorities. With innovative marketing & negotiating strategies, they help sellers net more money & walk buyers through the buying process. Trust the Angell Team to help guide you with selling/buying in the Brainerd Lakes Area!
Christmas Point
(218) 828-0603
www.christmaspoint.com
Christmas Point is locally owned and family operated. With 26,000 square feet, we provide our customers with a one of a kind shopping experience. We also have a full service cafe that serves gourmet salads and sandwiches.
LakeLife Homes
(218) 398-2156
www.lakeliferestoration.com
LakeLife Homes offers exceptional staining and painting, full service log home care, custom composite decking & comprehensive maintenance programs. Additionally specializing in custom cedar log railings. Serving the Brainerd lakes area, Crosslake, the Whitefish chain and surrounding areas.
Lands End Development
(218) 692-5263
www.landsenddev.com
Voted “Best Builder/General Contractor” in Minnesota, Lands End Development is a unique design-build firm. Focusing on lake home & cabin design, we promote timeless design & exquisite craftsmanship in a wide range of architectural styles. Based locally in Crosslake, Lands End Development serves the entire Brainerd Lakes & surrounding areas.
Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company
(218) 568-8223
www.lonesomecottage.com
Looking to decorate your home or cabin?
Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company is the perfect place to start your search. Stop in for amazing factory direct deals on home furnishings from the nation’s largest rustic furniture manufacturer. Handcrafted furniture, flooring, countertops, cabinets, mantels, custom barn doors, design consultation, & more!
Mike’s Tree Company
(218) 825-8207
www.mikestreecompany.com
Mike’s Tree Company, located in Brainerd Minnesota, has been providing the Brainerd Area with professional tree care since 1995. We take great pride in our work ethic and image. It is our mission to educate people on proper tree care practices to ensure the life and vitality of trees.
North Country Plumbing & Heating
(218) 692-3000
www.northcountryplumbing.com
From preventative maintenance, to installations, emergencies, & whole home comfort, North Country Plumbing & Heating is your trusted expert in The Brainerd Lakes Area & beyond! Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional service. Ask us about our preferred customer program, monthly promotions & financing options today!
On Systems Inc Technology Solutions
(855) 512-1024
www.OnSystemsInc.com
On Systems Technology Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive IT solutions. Specializing in network management, cloud services, and cybersecurity, we empower businesses to thrive in the digital era. Our innovative technologies and personalized approach ensure optimal performance, security, and efficiency, driving sustainable success for our clients.
Rob Mueller Electric
(218) 821-7185
www.robmuellerelectric.com
Rob Mueller Electric was started in January of 2023 after 15 years in the electrical field. Rob and his team pride themselves as a small, family style businesses with quality workmanship and customer service. Call today for your electrical needs!
Start to Finish Builders & Remodelers
(218) 828-0585
www.starttofinishbuilders.com
The Lakes Area’s quality builder for over 30 years! Whether we’re working on one of our famous remodels or building a new custom home, you can expect us to treat your project like it was our own. At Start To Finish, our quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are unsurpassed.
Sue Lehman, Realtor - Weichert Realtors
(218) 838-4159
www.suelehmansells.com
An award-winning, trusted agent who has a passion for helping others, and who’s willing to go the extra mile. When buying, selling, or both, give Sue a call.
Just south of Brainerd/Baxter you’ll find the Brainerd Lakes Area State Rest Stop. The facility is well maintained and offers clean restrooms, outdoor areas to stretch your legs, walk your pet, and have a picnic.
Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center & Gift Shop
Inside the rest stop, you’ll find a tourist information hub and gift shop. Need directions? Have questions on where to stay and what to do? Our welcome center staff is ready to give you pointers and insider tips to help make the most of your vacation.
While grabbing your maps, visitor guides, and brochures, take a look around and find one-of-a-kind items and souvenirs. We have Brainerd-branded sweatshirts and tees, puzzles, snacks, baby gift items, Babe the Blue Ox stuffies—all are perfect gifts for yourself or for family back home!
COME AND SAY HI TO PAUL
BUNYAN!
Monday–Friday: 9AM–4PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10AM–3PM
Monday-Wenesday: 9AM–4PM
Thursday & Friday: 9AM–6PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10AM–3PM
“I love helping travelers… I love talking about the area and giving them ideas of all the fun things they can do while they’re visiting. I enjoy helping visitors find the perfect gifts to bring home or finding essentials that will make their stay here even better. My favorite thing that we sell is the Minnesota Abbey Road t-shirt and our Babe the Blue Ox plush. He is so cute and soft!"
“I love that every day here is different. The conversations that I share with our visitors are always interesting and full of fun knowledge. I learn something new every day! My favorite thing that we sell is our fun stickers and color changing mugs!”
— TAWNY KILLA
IT’S CLICHÉ BUT TRUE—ONE PERSON’S JUNK IS ANOTHER PERSON’S TREASURE. AND TODAY, MORE PEOPLE ARE THINKING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND WAYS TO STRETCH THE LIFE OF ITEMS AND KEEP FASHION AND FURNITURE OUT OF THE LANDFILLS.
PLUS, IT’S FUN TO HUNT FOR TREASURES TO SEE IF YOU CAN FIND PIECES TO CREATIVELY MAKE YOUR OWN!
HERE ARE SOME GREAT SPOTS TO LOOK FOR UPCYCLED FASHION, FURNITURE, AND DÉCOR!
DESIGN CONSIGN: An historic shopping experience that offers a gallery style show room showcasing antique and like new consignment furniture and home décor. You’ll also find fashion jewelry, collectibles, primitives. Inventory is always changing!
The building itself is historic and has ties to 1930s mobster Baby Face Nelson—including remnants of bullet holes.
→ Location: 201 S 6th St
BARGAINS ON 7TH: You’ll find all kinds of fashion consignment here along with antiques and collectibles. Bargains on 7th is selective of what they take, so you’ll find high quality goods across the store.
→ Location: 211 S 7th St
COMMON GOODS: A trendy thrift store that offers high quality goods at reasonable prices, including clothing, fashion, accessories, casual and one-of-akind home furnishings, and unique pieces.
→ Location: 17140 State Hwy 371
HABITAT RESTORE: A home improvement store that sells new and used furniture, appliances, and building supplies. The Habitat Restore has a new location with huge gallery-style displays for you to walk through and see the furniture and appliances.
→ Location: 415 8th Ave NE
SIMPLIFIED NOTIONS: A cute shop featuring environmentally friendly and vintage furniture and home décor using recycled and restored pieces. You’ll love the one-of-a-kind items for your home or cabin!
→ Location: 317 W Washington St
CURIOUS BELONGINGS: A second-hand store that brings an upscale experience. Since 1969, Curious Belongings has been the area’s antique headquarters. Here, you’ll find all kinds of furniture and décor that will be a statement piece for your space!
→ Location: 36378 County Rd 66
COMMON GOODS: You’ll find a second thrift store Common Goods location featuring consignment clothing, furniture, and home décor.
→ Location: 35562 County Rd 66
SHOPPE 218: A small vendor marketplace in Crosslake’s Town Square. Shoppe 218 features local artisans, makers, and designers. The inventory is always changing, and it’s the perfect place to find local handmade goods.
→ Location: 35746 Allen Ave
Hover your phone's camera to find local shopping.
JLE NORTH CONSIGNMENT: The place to shop for all fashionistas who don’t like to pay full price! JLE North is a women’s consignment shop that is very selective in what clothing it selects choosing only beautiful brand name labels.
→ Location: 4532 Main St
Common Goods
(218) 824-0923
www.commongoodsmn.org
(218) 824-0923 Baxter (218) 772-2999 Crosby (218) 692-7682 Crosslake Common Goods is a trendy thrift store with locations in Baxter, Crosby and Crosslake. Proceeds support Bridges of Hope, a nonprofit that serves local families in need. Offering quality goods including clothing, accessories, sporting goods and home furnishings.
Cub Foods
(218) 828-4601
www.cub.com
With two convenient locations to serve you on 371 in Baxter and 210 in Brainerd, Cub has all you need from grocery to pet and baby to flowers and cake for your wedding or special event. Cub now offers delivery too. Visit CUB. com for details.
Pequot Lakes Supervalu
(218) 568-5001
www.pequotlakessupervalu.com
Take the north or south exit off 371 onto Patriot Avenue in Pequot Lakes and you are there. Enjoy our comfortable seating area with our 60” TV while you enjoy your hot or cold Sibley Lake Deli meal. We also have fresh produce, bakery, and meat items.
Schaefer’s Foods
(218) 963-2265
www.SchaefersFoods.com
Schaefer’s Foods offers the best produce, meat and groceries available. Our meat department features top-quality Angus Pride cuts. All bakery items are made in-house including our made-from-scratch Grandma Bettie Jane’s Pies. Our friendly staff, carry-out service and great selection make us a local favorite!
Shopping hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
PLAYS, ART EXHIBITS, MUSEUMS, AND CONCERTS MAY MAKE YOU THINK OF A BIG CITY. BUT WE HAVE DIVERSE CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES IN INTIMATE SETTINGS. WE’RE FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE LAKES AREA MUSIC FESTIVAL THAT BRINGS WORLDRENOWNED MUSICIANS TO SHARE THEIR PASSION FOR MUSIC WITH AUDIENCES ALL SUMMER. YOU CAN FIND MANY HANDS-ON ART EXHIBITS . WALK THROUGH MUSEUMS THAT OFFER A WINDOW TO OUR HISTORY.
Stage North is a community theater that hosts productions in the historic Franklin Arts Center Theatre. If you love musicals and plays, consider watching a Stage North production!
The 2024 production line-up includes an adaptation of Oliver!, which is based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, Gaslight (Angel Street) in the Alfred Hitchcock genre, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Visit www.stagenorththeater.com for more information.
The CLC Performing Arts Center brings diverse, high quality arts programming to the Brainerd Lakes. From their cultural arts series and community theater plays and musicals, you can experience community theater at its best! Check out the upcoming programming at www.clcperformingarts.com for more information.
LOCATION: 711 LAUREL ST., BRAINERD
The Crossing Arts Alliance helps enrich the Brainerd community through education and access to art. The Crossing Arts Alliance regularly holds art exhibits, adults’ and kids’ classes, and a gallery to purchase work by local artists.
The Crossing Arts Alliance also makes for a unique venue for special occasions—where everyone can tap into their creativity and make an art keepsake. The Crossing Arts Alliance will work with you to help design your event, choose the art medium so that everyone in your group will enjoy the project.
For more information on the art happenings, visit www.crossingarts.org.
Grab your lawn chair and head to Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, or Crosby for live music. Come support some seriously talented musicians and bands and enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors.
Pequot Lakes the Bands in the Park is at Trailside Park Saturdays starting at 7:00 p.m.
Crosslake Music in the Park is at the Legacy Gardens gazebo in Crosslake’s Town Square on Saturdays starting at 6:00 p.m. mid-June through Labor Day.
Crosby Music in the Park is held at the Crosby Memorial Park every first and third Thursday June–August. July’s schedule will be the second and third Thursday because of the July 4 holiday falling on a Thursday.
JUNE 27–29, 2024
Warm nights, cool music— there’s just something about the ambiance of an outdoor summer concert. Lakes Jam is a summer highlight with music goers and is the Lakes Area’s biggest rock and country music festival. Spectators will love getting up close to some new, upand-coming music and old favorites.
Lakes Jam is an annual music festival held at Brainerd International Raceway.
View the 2024 LAMF schedule at www.lakesareamusic.org.
Photo Courtesy Doug Oster Photography, 2023 Music in Crosslake Town Square
Photo Courtesy Lakes Area Music Festival, Downtown Brainerd Block Party
LOCATION: GICHI-ZIIBI CENTER FOR THE ARTS
602 S 5TH ST, BRAINERD
The Lakes Area Music Festival (LAMF) is Minnesota’s summer home for world-class opera, orchestra, and chamber music. Each year more than 200 professional musicians from the top orchestras and opera companies in the nation come to the Brainerd Lakes Area. When they aren’t rehearsing for their next performance, these artists love to spend time on the lakes, enjoying local restaurants and breweries, and performing throughout the community. Through all of that, they engage with their audience in unique ways, drawing more people to attend these events, which typically are only accessible in major metropolitan areas.
LAMF has something for everyone!
From a day camp for children, to grand opera, to casual block party concert everyone is invited, regardless of their knowledge or experience with classical music. Having the chance to meet musicians before or after the concert—or even host them in their homes—makes the experience of attending events even more engaging and exciting.
The theme of the 16th annual season is Heroic Journeys. Mainstage performances are led by our GRAMMY-winning music director Christian Reif. The season kicks off with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, with the well-known ‘Ode to Joy’, and ends with a 100-person symphony orchestra playing Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life. A fully staged production of Igor Stravinsky’s opera The Rake’s Progress featuring singers from the Metropolitan Opera. Prefer something more casual? Check out a Night at the Opera, featuring songs you’re sure to recognize; an orchestra concert for kids; or the casual classics series of outdoor event.
Each summer, LAMF offers a packed month-long calendar of chamber music, orchestra, and opera performances, featuring an elite roster of 200 artists from top orchestras and opera companies worldwide. The majority of LAMF activities are offered with free or name-your-price ticketing options to ensure access for a diverse audience. Tickets are available at www.lakesareamusic.org or by calling 218-831-0765.
Crossing Arts
(218) 833-0416
www.crossingarts.org
Gift shop with regional art and fine craft. Rotating gallery exhibitions. Art classes for people of all ages, supplies for young artists, gallery receptions, artist talks, and more. Meaningful arts opportunities for everyone by the You Betcha mural in Downtown Brainerd. Learn more on Instagram and Facebook. All are welcome!
Heartland Symphony Orchestra
(800) 826-1997
www.HeartlandSymphony.com
A 50-piece community orchestra that performs fall, winter, and spring concerts in both Brainerd & Little Falls. In its 47th season, HSO will be performing “Shall We Write?” April 6th in Little Falls, 7:30pm and April 7th in Brainerd, 2:30pm featuring the world premiere performance of this year’s Composition Competition.
Kicks... The Art Place
(218) 692-5425
www.kickscrosslake.com
Life is ART, live yours in color! Kicks..The Art Place has been part of he fabric of the Crosslake Community for nine years. We create ART and weave it into an experience; offering painting classes, art supplies, workshops of various kinds, painted furniture and an Art Gallery portraying local artists. Schedule your party with us. Gift Certificates available.
Lakes Area Music Festival
(218) 275-5263
www.lakesareamusic.org
Come to one of the nation’s premier classical music festivals! Each summer the Lakes Area Music Festival features 200 all-star musicians from the top orchestras and opera companies in the world. Chamber music, orchestra, opera and more at Brainerd’s Gichi-ziibi Center. Celebrating 16 years. July 26 through August 18.
“LAMF is my opportunity to bring my own gifts and experiences back to my hometown. We seek to inspire the next generation of musicians while also engaging the next generation of classical music audiences– of all ages.”
Hover your phone's camera for more on the local art scene.
Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota (218) 270-8212
www.legacychorale.org
Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota supports auditioned adult and youth choirs in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Join us for our major concert series in mid-April and mid-November! Our mission: “To ensure the legacy of excellence in choral music in the greater Minnesota area while enriching, inspiring, and renewing the communities in which we live.”
Crossing Arts
(218) 833-0416
www.crossingarts.org
711 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Local artwork and fine craft in Downtown Brainerd. Rotating gallery exhibitions, gift shop, and workshops. Meaningful arts opportunities for everyone through education, access, and experiences.
Heartland Symphony Orchestra
(800) 826-1997
www.HeartlandSymphony.com
PO Box 241, Little Falls, MN 56345
Performing fall, winter, & spring concert series, the Composition Competition returns this year with the theme “Shall We Write?” and the winner’s world premiere performances in Little Falls on April 6 and Brainerd April 7.
Kelli Engstrom Photography
(218) 232-0333
www.kelliengstrom.com
PO Box 1014, Crosslake, MN 56442
A lakes area family photographer for more than 20 years.
Kicks... The Art Place
(218) 692-5425
www.kickscrosslake.com
36066 County Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
Services and products offered: Painting classes, Repurposed Furniture, Paint Couture and Dixie Belle paint line, Gifts, Art Gallery, Painting Supplies. Party Hosting!
Gift Certificates!
Lakes Area Music Festival
(218) 275-5263
www.lakesareamusic.org
PO Box 96, Brainerd, MN 56401 Minnesota’s home for world-class orchestra, opera, and chamber music! Featuring musicians from the nation’s top ensembles, with activities for all ages.
Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota
(218) 270-8212
www.legacychorale.org
1001 Kingwood St, Suite 114, Brainerd, MN 56401
Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota is a nonprofit that supports adult and youth community choirs in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Aurora Automotive
(218) 568-8448
www.AuroraAutoMN.com
29311 Patriot Ave, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
We are a full service automotive repair facility. We feature good people doing good work and a friendly atmosphere while you wait.
Brainerd Truck & Trailer LLC
(218) 454-2868
www.business.
explorebrainerdlakes.com/list/ Details/brainerd-truck-trailerllc-1735148
16707 Hwy 371 North, Brainerd, MN 56401
Truck repair, trailer repair, compliance inspections, hydraulic repairs and wet kits. Mobile service, boat trailer work and more!
Corral Auto Repair, LLC
(218) 829-5273
www.corralautorepair.com
303 W Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Every vehicle will need some repair or maintenance on its journey. We offer auto repair and service in the BLA. Specializing in Hondas and Toyotas.
Greenheck Auto Glass
(218) 824-6065
www.greenheckautoglass.com
118 Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401
We are a locally owned and operated auto glass repair/replacement shop. We work with most insurance companies. We offer fast, convenient, professional and affordable service.
Next Dimension Detailing
(218) 270-2439
www.nextdimensiondetailing.com
5558 Pine Beach Rd, Suite 9, Brainerd, MN 56401
Proudly serving the Brainerd Lakes Area with high quality detailing, paint corrections, and ceramic coatings.
Ya Sure Kombucha
(218) 821-1984
www.yasurekombucha.com
216 S. 8th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Your local non-alcoholic taproom and lounge. Starting January 2024, we offer Kombucha, NA mixed drinks, wine and beer. We also house an amazing music venue!
Big Axe Brewing Co.
(612) 239-8541
www.bigaxebrewing.com
25435 Main St, Nisswa, MN 56468
Big taste from a little brewery in downtown Nisswa. Fantastic food & brew made onsite. Family owned with a great dog-friendly patio & weekly events.
Beth Burnard - Carousel Travel Associate
(218) 821-6533
Brainerd Dispatch
(218) 829-4705
www.brainerddispatch.com
www.pineandlakes.com
506 James St, Brainerd, MN 56401
We provide local news coverage with our daily newspaper, the Brainerd Dispatch (printed twice weekly, e-edition daily) and our weekly newspaper, the Echo Journal.
Clow Stamping Company
(218) 765-3111
www.clowstamping.com
23103 County Rd 3, Merrifield, MN 56465
Clow Stamping excels in precision metal stamping, offering customized solutions with cutting-edge technology. We deliver high-quality, cost-effective components, meeting industry needs with expertise and reliability.
CTC
(218) 454-1234
www.goctc.com
14385 Edgewood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
CTC is a technology advisor and full service telecommunications provider offering telephone, highspeed internet, digital television, and IT services to businesses and individuals throughout Minnesota.
Diane K Dubej CPA
(651) 485-9161
Full-service travel consultant with 38 years of service in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Brainerd based associate of Carrousel Travel in Minneapolis. Borden, Steinbauer, Krueger and Knudson, P.A.
(218) 829-1451
www.brainerdlaw.com
302 South Sixth St, Brainerd, MN 56401
BSKK provides legal services to businesses and individuals throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. We focus on business, real estate, personal injury, estate planning/probate, family law.
https://diane8936.wixsite.com/ diane-k-dubej-cpa
6290 Highland Scenic Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
I am a full service CPA licensed in MN. I offer a broad range of services for business owners & individuals. I am Cryptocurrency certified.
Lakes Area Surveying
(218) 961-0090
www.lakesareasurveying.com
24314 Smiley Rd, Suite C, Nisswa, MN 56468
Lakes Area Surveying. Your land surveying experts that specialize in residential & commercial land surveys.
Lehman & Associates Consulting
(218) 838-4158
PO Box 262, Nisswa, MN 56468
Small business consulting services. Marketing & advertising, meeting facilitation, small business strategic planning & development, public relations; Brainerd Lakes Chamber membership consulting; IQ Magazine advertising.
MaxBotix
(218) 454-0766
www.maxbotix.com
13860 Shawkia Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
MaxBotix: A world leading ultrasonic sensor manufacturer with a track record of over 1 million sensors sold. Unleash the power of precision sensing with MaxBotix.
Minnesota Cleaning Solutions
(218) 829-9141
www.
minnesotacleaningsolutions.com
411 W Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401
We provide exceptional cleaning services to the Brainerd Lakes Area & beyond. Homes, cabins, offices or construction, call us for all your cleaning needs.
North Country Plumbing & Heating
(218) 692-3000
www.northcountryplumbing.com
13688 Kimberly Rd, Crosslake, MN 56442
North Country Plumbing & Heating is proud to provide exceptional, full service plumbing and heating to The Brainerd Lakes Area & beyond!
On Systems Inc Technology Solutions
(855) 512-1024
www.OnSystemsInc.com
24400 Smiley Road Suite 7, Nisswa, MN 56468
On Systems provides advanced IT solutions, specializing in managed technology, cloud services, and cybersecurity. Streamlining businesses, removing tech barriers for seamless and proven success.
Pequot Manufacturing (218) 568-8069
www.pequottool.com
3457 Veterans St, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Pequot Manufacturing, Inc. is a thriving, family owned, quality-driven, precision machining and fabrication leader in the lakes area with 200+ employees!
Picture Day Pro
(218) 820-2856
www.picturedaypro.com
1001 Kingwood Street #112, Brainerd, MN 56401
Picture Day Pro is the place to go for Picture Day Professionals. We specialize in school, sports, dance, and event photography.
Rob Mueller Electric
(218) 821-7185
www.robmuellerelectric.com
Rob Mueller Electric specializes in customer service for all your electrical needs. We provide electrical services for residential and commercial customers in the BLA.
Tremolo Communications, powered by ECTC
(218) 763-3000
www.tremolo.net
Emily Office: 40040 State Hwy 6
Emily; Crosslake Office: 35910 Co Rd 66, A full service communications company providing high speed internet, TV, phone, business solutions & computer repair. Here to serve you with all your telecommunication needs.
Ydes Major Appliance
(218) 829-5292
www.ydesappliance.com
1220 Oak St, Brainerd, MN 56401
We are your one stop shop for appliances, appliance parts, & service. We have 75+ years combined service experience.
Stepping Stones Childcare Learning Center
(218) 270-3100
www.steppingstonesmn.com
810 NW 7th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
We are proudly a 4 Star Parent Aware Rated facility. Our professional staff provides quality childcare & early childhood education to children, starting at age six weeks, in Brainerd, Baxter & surrounding communities.
Caribou Coffee
(218) 203-8788
www.cariboucoffee.com
520 W Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Caribou Coffee believes that coffee is more than a drink with real ingredients. It’s a personal experience that fuels your life and creates meaningful moments.
Caribou Coffee
(218) 833-8001
www.cariboucoffee.com
425 8th Ave NE, Brainerd, MN 56401
Caribou Coffee believes that coffee is more than a drink with real ingredients. It’s a personal experience that fuels your life and creates meaningful moments.
Caribou Coffee (218) 297-4185
www.cariboucoffee.com
14199 Edgewood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Caribou Coffee believes that coffee is more than a drink with real ingredients. It’s a personal experience that fuels your life and creates meaningful moments.
Caribou Coffee - Grizzly’s (218) 833-8099
www.cariboucoffee.com
15175 Edgewood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Caribou Coffee believes that coffee is more than a drink with real ingredients. It’s a personal experience that fuels your life and creates meaningful moments
Crosslake Coffee
(218) 692-3994
www.crosslakecoffee.com
35522 County Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
Quaint, friendly & cozy! We offer specialty coffees, iced lattes, smoothies & more. We have fresh baked goods & breakfast sandwiches.
Stonehouse Coffee (218) 454-2835
www.stonehousecoffee.com
14540 Dellwood Dr N, Suite 100, Baxter, MN 56425
Seriously Good Coffee. Fresh coffee roasted daily at our Nisswa location. Enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and the best scones & pastries in northern Minnesota.
Bercher Design & Construction
(218) 829-1381
www.bercher.com
7676 Design Rd Ste 100, Baxter, MN 56425
Lakes Area’s full-service residential and commercial design/build firm for 45+ years. Visit www.Bercher.com or give us a call. Considerate people, considerate service, consider it done.
Brainerd General Rental
(218) 828-2815
www.brainerdrental.com
15248 State Hwy 371, Baxter, MN 56425
In business serving the lakes area since 1993, locally owned Brainerd General Rental sells, rents and services equipment for contractors and homeowners alike.
Brainerd Glass
(218) 829-5430
www.brainerdglass.net
302 5th Ave NE, Suite 4, Brainerd, MN 56401
We provide a complete range of residential & commercial glass products with over 60 years of serving the Lakes Area with unmatched quality & service.
Hy-Tec Construction
(218) 829-8529
www.hytecconstruction.com
11360 Business 371, Brainerd, MN 56401
A full-service design/ build firm in the Brainerd Lakes Area, specializing in commercial and residential construction. We take pride in providing exceptional craftsmanship and service.
Lands End Development
(218) 692-2563
www.landsenddev.com
13817 County Rd 36, Crosslake, MN 56442
Based out of Crosslake, Lands End Development is an award winning custom lake home and cabin design-build firm. We promote timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship.
Mike’s Tree Company (218) 825-8207
www.mikestreecompany.com
5906 Pine Beach Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
Mike’s Tree Company has been providing professional tree care in the Brainerd Area since 1995. We take great pride in our work ethic and image.
Nor-Son Construction (218) 828-1722
www.Nor-SonConstruction.com
7900 Hastings Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
Founded in 1978, Nor-Son Construction is a design and construction services firm built on delivering projects of distinctive character, precision craftsmanship, and incomparable quality.
Roof Maxx of Grand Rapids (218) 360-2604
www.roofmaxx.us/grand-rapids-mn
18641 Sugar Hills Rd, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Roof Maxx is a soy-based oil that rejuvenates & extends the life of asphalt shingles. Safe, easy & affordable shingle maintenance is here. Free estimates!
Start to Finish Builders & Remodelers
(218) 828-0585
www.starttofinishbuilders.com
17025 Commercial Park Rd, Suite 4, Brainerd, MN 56401
The Lakes Area’s quality builder and remodeler for over 30 years! At Start To Finish, our quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are unsurpassed.
Vision Electrical Services
(218) 454-0458
www.visionelectricalservices.com
7953 College Rd, Suite 105, Baxter, MN 56425
Specializing in custom electrical design and installation, our highly skilled electricians provide new & remodel home wiring, back-up generators, service calls and much more!
Window Galaxy of Minnesota (218) 821-0041
www.WindowGalaxyofMN.com
35+ years of residential window & door replacement. The only Pella Platinum Certified Contractor in the area. We offer over 19 window lines. Financing options available.
Wes Hanson Builders
(218) 692-1760
www.weshansonbuilders.com
34103 County Rd 3, Crosslake, MN 56442
Located in the heart of lake country, Wes Hanson Builders is a family-owned company with a 38 year tradition of designing & building excellence.
DINING
Baxter’s Bar & Grill
(218) 822-3663
www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com
6967 Lake Forest Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
Full service bar and grill serving daily specials, entrees, fresh pastas, salads, burgers, hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches, desserts and more. Happy hour specials!
Boba Stix (Bubble Tea Shop)
(218) 839-5581
www.instagram.com/bobastixmn
Westgate Mall - 14136 Baxter Dr #47, Baxter, MN 56425
Offering Bubble Tea, slushes, shakes, Vietnamese coffee, pho, bao, ramen, snacks and gifts! Second location opening in Pequot Lakes off Main Street.
Brainerd Lakes Cakes (218) 537-0596
www.Brainerdlakescakes.com
Brainerd Lakes Cakes provides custom baked cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more! We bake for all occasions and offer dairy free and vegan options.
Commander Restaurant & Bar and JJ’s Pub
(218) 562-4198
www.commanderbar.com
30279 Airport Rd, Breezy Point, MN 56472
Home of the famous Commander Garbage Pizza! Full-service restaurant & bar. Live music every Friday & Saturday year around.
Cragun’s Legacy Grill (888) 452-2178
www.craguns.com
11497 E Gull Lake Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
Dine year round at Cragun’s Legacy Grill. Experience beautiful golf course views. Daily specials during the winter months and dine outside during the summer months.
Dough Bros Woodfire Kitchen (218) 454-4900
www.Doughbroswoodfire.com
14039 Edgewood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Dough Bros offers delicious wood fired pizzas, smoked wings, unique appetizers, 20 tap beers, wine and cocktails! Enjoy patio seating in the summer months!
Ernie’s on Gull Lake
(218) 829-3918
www.erniesongull.com
10424 Squaw Point Rd, East Gull Lake, MN 56401
Unparalleled views of Gull Lake all in a casual, fun atmosphere makes Ernie’s on Gull a must stop when visiting the Lakes Area.
Main Street Ale House (218) 961-6724
www.mainstreetnisswa.com
25559 Main St, Suite 1, Nisswa, MN 56468
Unique menu, 30 tap beers, extensive wine and liquor lists in a modern lodge setting makes Main Street a must stop in the Lakes Area.
Norway Ridge Supper Club (218) 543-6136
www.norwayridge.com
34757 County Rd 39, Nisswa, MN 56472
Norway Ridge Supper Club, a tradition in the Brainerd Lakes area for over 70 years! Offering steaks, ribs, fish, seafood and a full bar.
Pit Happens Catering (218) 851-0003
www.pithappenscatering.com
2700 Oak St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Specializing in wood smoked meats, cheeses, deserts, & appetizers. Catering to all life events. Have our food truck at events as well!
St Mathias Bar and Grill
(218) 828-6249
4640 Cty Rd 121, Fort Ripley, MN 56449
We are a local, country bar and grill located in Fort Ripley - right by the baseball field and St. Mathias Catholic Church.
Tasty Pizza North (218) 568-4404
www.tastypizzanorthmenu.com
28921 Peterson Path, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Think of us for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dine in, delivery or take it with you. You’ll see we deliver a lot more than pizza!
Wings Airport Cafe (218) 828-0206
www.wingsairportcafe.com
16384 Airport Rd, suite 7, Brainerd, MN 56401
Fresh, made from scratch, classic Minnesota cuisine. Featuring hot dishes, walleye and wild rice. Homemade breads, rolls and desserts. Open everyday 5:30am to 7:00pm.
Crosslake Community School (218) 302-4892
www.crosslakekids.org
35808 County Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
Crosslake Community School’s learning opportunities for K-8 seatbased in Crosslake, MN and K-12 online for all Minnesota students, are free and fully accredited.
Christ Lutheran Church & Little Lambs Preschool
(218) 829-4105
www.christbaxter.com
13815 Cherrywood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Christ Lutheran (WELS) & Little Lambs Preschool in Baxter invites you to worship each Sunday at 9:00am either in-person or online at www.christbaxter.com.
Pequot Lakes School District (218) 568-4996
www.isd186.org
30805 Olson St, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Home to over 1870 PreK-grade 12 students and roughly 250 caring staff members and is the District of choice in Lakes Country. Patriot Proud!
Personal Defense Training (218) 513-1001
www.centralmnpermittocarry.com
Permit to carry class taught by law enforcement officers. Everything needed for class is provided for one price, including use of firearm and range fee.
Stâre Academy (218) 537-8100
www.stareacademy.com
13242 Berrywood Dr - Door D, Baxter, MN 56425
A classical, Christian school helping Brainerd Lakes families raise excellently educated leaders by engaging students in how to think instead of what to think.
Brainerd International Raceway
(218) 824-7223
www.birmn.com
5523 Birchdale Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
The largest racetrack in the Upper Midwest, consisting of a road course and dragstrip racing, offering one of the most diverse motorsports schedule anywhere.
Commander Restaurant & Bar and JJ’s Pub
(218) 562-4198
www.commanderbar.com
30279 Airport Road, Breezy Point, MN 56472
Home of the famous Commander Garbage Pizza! Full-service restaurant & bar. Live music every Friday & Saturday year around.
Grand Casino Mille Lacs
(800) 626-5825
www.grandcasinomn.com
777 Grand Ave, Onamia, MN 56359
Grand Casino Mille Lacs has the latest slots, great table games, delicious dining options, a cozy hotel, entertainment, and more!
Hubbard Radio Brainerd
(218) 828-1244
www.1067wjjy.com
13225 Dogwood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425
Serving the lakes area every day and half the Twin Cities on the weekend.
Iconic Fest (218) 764-2151
www.iconicfest.com
9033 Raddatz Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
Iconic Fest, July 12th-13th with FREE pre-party July 11th. Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin, T. Graham Brown & more! 2-Day outdoor concert with 2 campgrounds available.
Lakes Country TriathlonBrainerd Noon Sertoma (218) 454-7378
www.lakescountrytriathlon.com
Whipple Beach - 14441 Oakwood Dr N, Baxter, MN 56425
A great race for beginners or seasoned veterans! A 1/4-mile swim, switching to a 14-mile bike ride, and ending with a 3.2-mile run. August 25, 2024.
Lakes Jam
(218) 251-5243
www.lakesjam.com
PO Box 59, Brainerd, MN 56401
Four Day Country and Rock Festival. Over 30 bands on five stages! More than a music festival: featuring watercross, drifting, poker tournaments and more!
Music General
(218) 829-0076
www.musicgeneral.com
416 S 7th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Music General offers audio/visual/ lighting sales, service & installation. Our award-winning dance studio offers education in all genres of dance.
Crow Wing County Fair
(218) 829-6680
www.crowwingcountyfair.com
2000 SE 13th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
The Crow Wing County Fair Association coordinates the annual county fair and grounds use throughout the year. Educational, non-profit organization that invites membership. Join today!
Cragun’s Gull Lake Cruises
(888) 452-2178
www.craguns.com
11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
Set sail on Gull Lake with Gull Lake Cruises. Public, private, weddings, reunions, brunch, lunch, dinner and live entertainment cruises. See you onboard.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Baxter
(218) 824-3232
www.brainerdhi.com
15739 Audubon Way, Baxter, MN 56425
Holiday Inn Express, Brainerd/ Baxter features a triple play of entertainment for your next stay in the Brainerd Lakes Area!
Lakes Party and Bounce House (218) 389-4549
www.lakesbounce.com
15840 Audubon Way, Baxter, MN 56425
Bounce houses and more for your kids to explore! Party rooms, huge slide, obstacle course, bounce houses, toddler area, and arcade. Rentals & delivery.
Northern MN Railroad Heritage Association (218) 692-1900
www.crosslaketrainclub.com
36184 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
See model trains and layouts. Open Saturdays 10am-2pm yearround, Wednesdays 3-6 pm in the summer. Fun for the entire family! ALL ABOARD! Donations accepted.
Northland Kart Kountry
(218) 454-1602
www.northlandkartkountry.com
17568 Hwy 371 North, Brainerd, MN 56401
Northland Kart Kountry has all day family fun for everyone! Go karts, attractions, snacks, arcade and so much more! Bring a kid, be a kid!
Edward JonesShawna Knutson
(218) 568-2230
www.edwardjones.com/shawnaknutson
4461 Main St, Breezy Point, MN 56472
When working with Edward Jones, you have an entire team behind you who cares as much about why you’re investing as what you invest in.
First National Bank
(218) 822-4480
www.fnbnorth.com
14521 Edgewood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Full-service bank. Experts in business and construction loans, 24 hour ATM and insurance services. Member FDIC. Personal, business, loans, investments, warranties and online services.
First Western Bank & TrustBrainerd/Baxter
(218) 829-8712
www.firstwestern.bank
14084 Baxter Dr, Suite 16, Baxter, MN 56425
We operate as a full-service financial center providing traditional banking products as well as trust services, all lines of insurance, leasing, and much more!
National Bank of Commerce
(218) 393-7474
www.nbcbanking.com
306 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
National Bank of Commerce. Put simply, our mission is to make more possible.
Primerica Financial Services
(218) 454-3660
www.primerica.com/rjaney
1014 Laurel St, Suite 102, Brainerd, MN 56401
Primerica has been committed to helping Main St. families save & invest for their future since 1977. Helping you achieve your financial goals.
Randall State Bank
(218) 454-2165
www.randallstatebank.com
724 W. Washington St., Brainerd, MN 56401
Helping our communities with their financial goals since 1908. We’re large enough to serve you but small enough to know you! Member FDIC
Cragun’s Legacy Courses
(888) 452-2178
www.craguns.com
11497 E Gull Lake Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
45 holes of championship golf courses designed by PGA tour pro, Tom Lehman. Nine-hole Par 3 course. Clubhouse, pro shop, practice facilities.
Crosswoods Golf Course
(218) 692-4653
wwww.crosslakegolf.com
35878 County Rd 3, Crosslake, MN 56442
A must play! Voted Best in Golf for Lakes Area. 27 holes set in stunning wooded wildlife refuge. GPS carts, friendly staff, best value!
Whistling Wolf Mini Golf
(218) 692-7888
www.crosslakegolf.com
36006 County Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
Play two of the best Mini Golf courses in MN! The original Whistling Wolf and Dark Moon Mega Mini. A must for passionate mini golfers!
Whitefish Golf Club
(218) 543-4900
www.whitefishgolf.com
7883 County Rd 16, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
An 18-hole public golf course with a full bar and grill and practice range.
Abundant Life Holistic Wellness Center
(218) 821-6328
www.corehealing.us
17021 Commercial Park Rd. Suite 2&3
Brainerd, MN 56401
Providing alternative holistic therapies including COLONICS, mild hyperbaric oxygen chamber, certified health coaching, essential oil therapies, high quality supplements and products for your better health.
Advanced Massage & Skincare Specialists
(218) 996-7721
www.baxtermedspa.com
15616 Edgewood Drive, Suite 120, Baxter, MN 56425
Indulge in tailored relaxation at our spa. Enjoy custom massage, red and infrared light therapy, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, DMK enzyme facials, and therapeutic experiences.
Associates in Eyecare - Baxter (218) 829-1789
www.associatesineyecaremn.com
14453 Edgewood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
We have been providing quality eyecare in the Brainerd Lakes area for over 25 years. Stop by to see our great selection of designer eyewear.
Baxter Dental
(218) 829-4207
www.baxterdentalclinic.com
13442 Elmwood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
We are a family-friendly team that is committed to providing proactive, first quality dental care at the most affordable prices.
Beyond Bella Aesthetics
(218) 208-3400
www.beautifybybella.com
303 North 4th St, Suite B, Brainerd, MN 56401
A med spa of advanced practice providers specializing in enhancing your beauty with natural-looking results. Book a consultation and see the difference with us.
Bridges To Home Health Care
(218) 270-2020
www.BridgestoHomeHealthCare.com
701 Walnut St, Brainerd, MN 56401
At Bridges to Home Healthcare we understand the importance of maintaining independence and comfort. The caregivers provide a range of non-medical services.
CentraCare
(218) 454-4725
www.centracare.com
7418 Forthun Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
CentraCare-Baxter Clinic offers primary family medicine along with specialty services including brain & spine care, cancer, maternal-fetal medicine, heart, kidney, plastic surgery, rheumatology, and urology.
Crosslake Drug Store
(218) 692-2502
www.CrosslakeDrug.com
14311 Gould St, Crosslake, MN 56442
A locally owned pharmacy with a reputation for knowledgeable healthcare advice, friendly service and unique gift ideas. Located in Crosslake’s town-square.
Golden Horizons Assisted Living & Memory Care
(218) 692-6650
www.goldenhorizons.org/ locations/crosslake-mn
13631 East Shore Rd, Crosslake, MN 56442
Assisted Living and Memory Care community offering our residents a home away from home with customizable service plans to meet individual needs.
Lakes Area Eyecare
(218) 829-2929
www.lakesareaeyecare.com
7734 Excelsior Rd N, Baxter, MN 56425
We strive to help our patients “enjoy their view” of the world by providing them with an experience that encourages them to value their vision.
Lakewood Health System
(218) 894-1515
www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com
49725 County Rd 83, Staples, MN 56479
Lakewood Health System is a fully integrated care system committed to delivering outstanding primary care, best-in-class partnerships, and full spectrum specialty care.
Midwest Family Eye Center (218) 828-9545
www.midwestfamilyeyecenters.com
7870 Excelsior Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
Optometrist and optician. Comprehensive eye exams, treatment of eye infections and glaucoma and cataract consultations. Outstanding customer service and satisfaction.
Northern Lakes Assisted Living & Memory Care
(218) 454-2121
www.NorthernLakesSeniorLiving.com
8186 Excelsior Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
We are a Senior Assisted Living & Memory Care Community.
Northern Lakes is fresh & beautiful, delicious food, lots of fun, health care when needed.
Posture Pro Chiropractic (218) 451-4516
www.PostureProChiropractic.com
30535 Patriot Ave, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
At Posture Pro Chiropractic we assess your posture & alignment and come up with a plan to get you looking, moving and feeling your best!
Silver Maple Residence (218) 825-9225
www.silvermapleresidence.com
710 28th St SE, Brainerd, MN 56401
We are an assisted living where you receive personalized & quality care in a home-like environment. Apartments available now! Give us a call today!
The Body Workshop, LLC
(218) 416-6762
www.thebodyworkshop.llc
14715 Edgewood Dr N, Suite 5, Baxter, MN 56425
Finesse, not force. Decrease stress, reduce pain, and improve mobility with medium to gentle pressure massage. Skilled in John F Barnes style of myofascial release.
Timberland Therapeutics
(651) 308-0866
www.timberlandtherapeutics.com
35586 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
Offering Myofascial Release Therapy, a gentle touch therapy that works specifically on your fascia “connective tissue.” Targeted treatment for the source of your pain.
Whitefish at the Lakes Senior Living
(218) 210-0770
www.whitefishatthelakes.com
35625 Ostlund Ave, Crosslake, MN 56442
Whitefish at the Lakes, a beautiful senior living community in Crosslake offering upscale, spacious, independent, assisted and memory care apartments. Love where you live!
Wing Wellness Medical Spa
(218) 839-9463
www.wingwellness.com
14639 Woodrow Road, Brainerd, MN 56401
Full service medical spa in a private, country setting operated by a Certified Nurse Practitioner. Beautiful, quiet, relaxing spa getaway in an old schoolhouse.
371 Furniture & Mattress
(218) 828-3020
www.371furniture.com/
16413 State Hwy 371, Brainerd, MN 56401
Your Buy it Today, Have it Today store features mattresses and stylish living, dining, and bedroom furniture for your home or cabin. Open 7 Days a Week!
A.W. Research Laboratories
(218) 829-7974
www.awlab.com
314 Charles St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Certified water testing for your home or cabin. Safe drinking water, real estate transactions, and more. Contact us for a sampling kit and more information.
American Door Works
(218) 829-8365
www.AmericanDoorWorks.com
10727 Brent Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
Service and install commercial and residential overhead doors and their accessories, improving the spaces where our customers live, work, and play with style and security.
Angell Team |
Coldwell Banker Realty
(218) 297-4663
www.AngellTeam.com
34076 County Rd 3, Suite 1, Crosslake, MN 56442
With vast experience, innovative marketing, and negotiating strategies, trust the Angell Team to help guide you through selling/ buying real estate in the Brainerd Lakes Area!
Backyard Reflections
(218) 454-1065
www.backyardmn.com
24142 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
Backyard Reflections is a full-service landscape design/build company. Our proven process & talented team will help clients transform dreams into reality, creating unique outdoor spaces.
CoMitted 365 Roofing & Exteriors
(320) 828-7244
www.comitted365roofingandexteriors.com
132 33rd Ave S, Waite Park, MN 56387
We provide 5-star service in getting your storm damage professionally assessed and repaired - roofing, siding, gutters, windows, doors and wraps.
Holden Electric Co.
(218) 829-4759
www.holdenelectric.com
7669 College Rd, PO Box 2688, Baxter, MN 56425
Our work includes residential service, new homes, & additions. Installation & maintenance of commercial & industrial businesses, institutional & health-care facilities, airports, & street lighting.
JAG Interior Solutions & Arlean’s Drapery & Window Treatments
(218) 692-4521
www.jaginteriorsolutions.net 35762 Co Rd 3, Crosslake, MN 56442
Interior design to help pull out your design to make your home comfortable and inviting to you and your guests. Showroom, flooring, window treatments, more.
Lake Shore Heating & Cooling
(218) 656-0177
www.lakeshoreheatingandcooling.com PO Box 431, Nisswa, MN 56468-0431
We are a local, family-owned business with 17 years of experience in residential & commercial HVAC. We can help you with all your HVAC needs.
LakeLife Homes
(218) 398-2156
www.lakeliferestoration.com
LakeLife Homes offers exceptional staining and painting, full service log home care, custom composite decking & comprehensive maintenance programs. Serving the Brainerd lakes area.
Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company
(218) 568-8223
www.lonesomecottage.com
30773 Patriot Ave, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Lonesome Cottage is the factory direct showroom for the nation’s largest rustic furniture manufacturer. Reclaimed barnwood, log furniture, home decor, custom furniture design, & more!
Optimum Cleaning
(218) 568-8338
www.optimumcleaning.com
31147 Front Street, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Optimum Cleaning provides Commercial / Residential / Industrial Duct Work Cleaning Experts –Servicing the Lake Region. Born and raised in the Lakes area; family-owned small business.
Rahn’s Oil & Gas
(320) 256-3680
www.rahnfuels.com
1220 East Main St, Melrose, MN 56352
Home. Cabin. Farm. Business. We are the answer for your heating oil, propane & transportation fuel needs. Local, family-owned business, fuel with muscle!
SERVPRO of Brainerd & Park Rapids
(218) 568-6923
www.servprobrainerdandparkrapids.com
309 Barclay Ave, Pine River, MN 56474
Certified and trusted industry leader for fire, smoke and water damage cleaning and restoration, mold testing/mitigation and specialty/biohazard clean up. 24/7 emergency services.
Sue Lehman, RealtorWeichert Realtors
(218) 838-4159
www.suelehmansells.com
17122 Hwy 371 N, Brainerd, MN 56401
An award-winning, trusted agent who has a passion for helping others, and who’s willing to go the extra mile. When buying, selling, or both, give Sue a call.
Abbie Hoelscher Agency Inc.American Family Insurance
(218) 568-8200
www.amfam.com/agents/minnesota/ pequot-lakes/abbie-hoelscher
31079 Front St, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
We offer knowledge and experience when it comes to insuring your dreams. An American Star Certified Agency for 10+ years.
Aspire Insurance Services LLC
www.aspireinsuranceservices.com
715 NW 7th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Brenda Woitalla (Owner) 218-839-8584
Tina Gallang-Daiker 218-831-3641
Local insurance agents serving the community with health, life and group insurance plans. Local support where we treat you like family!
Averion Insurance - Leah Boedigheimer Individual Health and Medicare Broker
(218) 565-0348
www.averioninsurance.com
Ready to retire? Need Medicare coverage? Just moved? Let Averion Insurance help you find the best fit for your needs & budget. Get insured with peace of mind - Call today!
First National Bank Insurance Services
(218) 568-5800
www.fnbnorth.com
30886 2nd St, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
We offer homeowners, automobile, commercial, recreational vehicle, watercraft, life and health insurance products. We offer a wide variety of competitive products to serve your needs.
Harlan V Johnson Agency
(218) 568-4900
31113 Front St, PO Box 373, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
We understand that insurance can be tricky & confusing. Let the professional, independent insurance agents at the Harlan V. Johnson Agency handle your insurance needs.
Innovative Legacy Solutions
(218) 454-2832
www.innovativelegacysolutions.com
7153 Forthun Rd Suite 130, Baxter, MN 56425
Our team boasts a well-established history of excelling in consultative evaluation and solution crafting for employer/employee benefits, succession and retirement strategies, and wealth management.
LODGING AmericInn of Little Falls
(320) 632-1964
www.wyndhamhotels.com/ americinn/little-falls-minnesota/ americinn-lodge-&-suiteslittlefalls/overview
306 Lemieur St SE, Little Falls, MN 56435
Stay with us & enjoy all Little Falls has to offer; MN Fishing Museum, Pine Grove Zoo, Lindbergh State Park, MN Military Museum, & more!
Auger’s Pine View Resort
(218) 575-2100
www.augerspineview.com
34052 Auger Rd, Motley, MN 56466
Clean, comfortable, lake level 2-6 bedroom cabins, all within 75 feet of the lake. Sugar-sand beach, private boat launch, dock space and golf.
Birch Bay RV Resort (218) 963-4488
www.birchbayrvresort.net
1497 Sandy Point Rd SW, Nisswa, MN 56468 Family resort and RV park located on Agate Lake. RV park offers 180 FHU RV sites. New outdoor pool and lots of family fun!
Black Pine Beach Resort (218) 543-4714
www.blackpinebach.com
10732 Co Rd 16, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Black Pine Beach is ready to host your family of any size. Cedar-sided cabins range from cozy 2 bdrms to the spacious 6 bdrm,3 bath.
Boyd Lodge
(800) 450-2693
www.boydlodge.com
36539 Silver Peak Rd, Crosslake, MN 56442
Premier family resort located on the Whitefish Chain. Enjoy total relaxation all year round. Cabins with full amenities, boat rental, sandy beach and outdoor pool.
Breezy Point Resort
(800) 432-3777
www.breezypointresort.com
9252 Breezy Point Dr, Breezy Point, MN 56472
Offering hotel, condominiums and vacation homes with 2 to 11 bedrooms. 4 restaurants/lounges, 3 golf courses including the Arnold Palmer signature course Deacons Lodge.
Campfire Bay Resort (218) 575-2432
www.campfirebayresort.com
31504 Azure Rd, Cushing, MN 56443
Relaxing, fun, family/fishing resort on Fish Trap Lake. Sandy beach, organized activities, charming lake level, 2-4 br units. Retreats and weddings.
Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center (218) 678-2325
www.clearwaterforest.org
16595 Crooked Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN 56444
Clearwater Forest is a stunningly beautiful camp, retreat center, and campground with miles of lakeshore and forest to enjoy alone or with loved ones.
Country Inn Deerwood (218) 534-3101
www.countryinndeerwood.com
23884 Front St, Deerwood, MN 56444
Conveniently located within 10 minutes of Cuyuna State Recreational Area, Croft Mine Historical Park, & State of Art Mountain Bike trails. 25 minutes from Brainerd.
Cragun’s Resort & Conference Center (888) 452-2178
www.craguns.com
11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
Newly renovated hotel rooms and cabins. Open year round. Mile long sandy shoreline. Family friendly. 46,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.
Crow Wing Lake Campground (218) 829-6468
www.crowwingcamp.com
2393 Crow Wing Camp Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
100-site, all wooded, lakeside campground. Cement patios, picnic tables, fire pits, playground, frisbee golf, bankshot basketball, shuffle board, heated pool, dog wash station & park.
Eddy’s Resort (320) 532-8590
www.eddysresort.com
41334 Shakopee Lake Rd, Onamia, MN 56359
Eddy’s Resort is a lakeside destination in Onamia, MN, featuring the Launch Bar & Grill, cozy hotel rooms, cabin rentals, lake access, and more.
Fritz’s Resort and Campground (218) 568-8988
www.fritzsresort.com
26483 State Hwy 371, Nisswa, MN 56468
On Lake Edna across from the Paul Bunyan Trail. Clean, modern cabins, nicely wooded campsites, picnic table, fire rings and a sandy beach for swimming.
Gull Four Seasons Resort (218) 963-7969
www.mnresortcabins.com
4132 St Columbo Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
New cabins! Affordable family resort. Gull Lake, great fishing, boat & pontoon rentals, indoor & outdoor pools, beach, reunion facilities, 1-5 bedroom condos & cabins.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Baxter (218) 824-3232
www.brainerdhi.com
15739 Audubon Way, Baxter, MN 56425
Our hotel provides an up north experience with all the amenities you deserve when staying in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort (800) 562-7061
www.kavanaughs.com
1685 Kavanaugh Dr, East Gull Lake, MN 56401
Fifty deluxe units on beautiful Sylvan Lake in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area. Family owned and operated since 1969. Open year round.
Leisure Suites of Breezy Point (888) 651-5300
www.leisuresuites.com
30199 County Rd 4, Breezy Point, MN 56472
Leisure Suites, near Pelican Lake, offers everything from deluxe condos on the lake to motel rooms and suites nearby, in price ranges for everyone.
Little Falls Inn (320) 632-2351
www.wyndhamhotels.com/ super-8/little-falls-minnesota/ super-8-little-falls/overview 300 12th St NE, Little Falls, MN 56345
Located close to great shopping, the MN Fishing Museum, Pine Grove Zoo, Lindbergh State Park, & the MN Military Museum! Clean & comfortable rooms available.
Mission Beach Resort (218) 765-3447
www.missionbeachmn.com
26847 County Rd 19, Merrifield, MN 56465
A peaceful family resort located on the shore of beautiful Upper Mission Lake. Boasting 9 recently updated cabins, it is the perfect summer getaway.
Nisswa Inn & Suites
(218) 963-3500
www.nisswainnandsuites.com 24186 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
Conveniently located close to many amenities; fishing, boating, Paul Bunyan Trail, shopping in downtown Nisswa, & more! Stay with us as you enjoy your vacation!
Pine Peaks Lodge and Suites (218) 692-7829
www.pinepeakscrosslake.com
14047 Swann Dr, Crosslake, MN 56442
Located in the very heart of Minnesota’s vacationland. Pine Peaks Lodge offers our guests superior lodging, with access to unlimited outdoor activities and recreational areas.
Pine River Inn (218) 587-4499
www.pineriverinn.com
2684 MN State 371 SW, Pine River, MN 56474
Stay with us in one of our 30 guest rooms featuring LED TVs, wireless internet, cable TV, clean rooms, queen-size rooms, & laundry. Pets allowed!
Pueringer Rental Properties (320) 266-1197
www.pueringerinvestments.com
616 1/2 Front St, Brainerd, MN 56401
The #1 source for commercial, residential & office space in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Call us for all your rental property needs.
Quarterdeck Resort (218) 963-2482
www.quarterdeckresort.com
9820 Birch Bay Dr SW (Co Rd 77), Nisswa, MN 56468
Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake’s west shore is a relaxed lakeside destination offering a kicked-back atmosphere with over-the-top amenities for limitless adventures or rest.
Shing Wako Resort
(218) 765-3226
www.shingwako.com
24713 Co Rd 3, Merrifield, MN 56465
A fun and relaxing resort on Lake Edward. Relax, swim, fish, and play on our eleven acres. There is something for everyone!
Tri-Birches Resort
(218) 675-6523
www.tribirches.com
2186 W Five Point Lake Rd NW, Hackensack, MN 56452
Nine eclectic lakefront cabins on Five Point Lake with tent and RV spaces too. Our pet-friendly resort offers many activities for the whole family.
Wilderness Point Resort
(218) 568-5642
www.wildernesspointresort.com
6316 Wilderness Rd, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Go. Play. Stay. Wild. Your Brainerd Lakes Area Getaway. Secluded retreat on the shores of Middle Cullen Lake. Just minutes from Nisswa and Pequot Lakes.
Woodland Beach Resort
(218) 866-0711
www.woodlandbeachresort.com
15596 Woodland Beach Ln, Deerwood, MN 56444
Family resort on 2,392 acre Bay Lake, with great fishing and recreation. 20 new/classic cabins. Pool, hot tub, Rave trampoline, kayaks, paddle-boards with boat/pontoon retail.
Camp Knutson
(218) 543-4232
www.campknutson.org
11148 Manhattan Pt Blvd, Crosslake, MN 56442
Camp Knutson hosts retreats, meetings, and social gatherings September through May, and provides camps for children and families with identified needs during the summer.
Spaces
(218) 839-7018
www.brainerdspaces.com
715 NW 7th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
This Coworking Space has everything you could ask for with your workplace: modern, secure facilities, reliable internet, and a professional, productive, and calm workspace.
Brainerd Community Action (218) 829-5278
www.brainerdcommunityaction.org
321 S 7th St, Suite 105, Brainerd, MN 56401
We partner with other organizations to build community, empower people to overcome adversity & promote self-sufficiency. We offer fiscal agency & provide community.
Breath of Life
Adult Day Service
(218) 822-3296
www.bolads.org
200 Buffalo Hills Ln E, Brainerd, MN 56401
Breath of Life has been serving our community of seniors for the past 22 years by offering caregiver relief and socialization for their loved ones. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm with transportation options.
Bridges of Hope (218) 825-7682
www.bridgesofhopemn.org
2011 S 6th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Faith-based 501c3 organization that serves as a safety-net in Crow Wing County & bordering communities by linking families & individuals to community supports & resources.
Initiative Foundation (320) 632-9255
www.ifound.org
405 First St SE, Little Falls, MN 56435
The Initiative Foundation builds stronger communities within the 14 counties of Central Minnesota by offering business loans, nonprofit grants, donor services & leadership training.
Kiwanis Club of Brainerd (218) 821-3697
www.brainerdkiwanisclub.org
PO Box 70, Brainerd, MN 56401
Kiwanis is a global organization of like-minded volunteers focused on helping children. The Brainerd Club completes many community service projects in the Brainerd Lakes area.
Lighthouse Beginnings (218) 673-7891
www.lighthousebeginnings.org
8055 Industrial Park Rd., Baxter, MN 56425
Lighthouse Beginnings is a faith-based alliance that provides continued support for persons in recovery or formerly incarcerated. Lighthouse Beginnings lights the path to a new life.
Relationship Safety Alliance fka Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center (218) 828-1216
www.relationshipsafety.org
PO Box 602, Brainerd, MN 56401
RSA’s programs, Louise Seliski Shelter and Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center, save lives by supporting the journey of all people exposed to relationship abuse.
Smiles for Jake (218) 537-0294
www.SmilesforJake.org
406 W Washington St #5, Brainerd, MN 56401
Suicide prevention movement spreading positivity through life-affirming actions, listening ears & messages everyone should have hope; through education, our goal is to reduce suicide rates.
The Salvation Army (218) 232-2198
www.BrainerdLakesSA.org
208 S 5th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
The Brainerd Salvation Army is a lifeline for thousands of people in Crow Wing County. Providing food, clothing, shelter, youth programs, & other vital services.
Boats & Beyond Rentals (218) 963-7700
www.BoatsAndBeyondRentals.com
Gull/Love Lake Marina: 19571 Love Lake Rd, Brainerd; Winter Office: 4758 County Rd. 77, Nisswa, MN 56468
All season rentals: pontoons, tritoons, ski boats, jet skis, fishing boats, & fishhouses. Private marina on Gull Lake or delivered to your lake! Family owned/operated!
Lakes Area Shooting Sports (218) 963-4003
www.lakesareashootingsports.com
9911 County Rd 77, Nisswa, MN 56468
A family shooting facility offering trap, skeet & five stand which are open to the public. The rifle & handgun ranges are open for members.
Mount Ski Gull
(218) 963-4353
www.mountskigull.com
9898 Cty Rd 77 SW, Nisswa, MN 56468
Mount Ski Gull operates a non-profit facility to provide affordable outdoor programs and opportunities for families. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, tubing, hiking, and youth programs!
Northland Arboretum (218) 454-8773
www.northlandarb.org
14250 Conservation Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
400 acres of stunning nature reserve hosting a year-round 12-mile trail system, educational programming, and beautiful backdrops for weddings/events. Enjoy our cross-country and snowshoe trails.
S&W Bait
(218) 829-7010
www.sandwbaitandtackle.com
18900 S Highway 371 N., Brainerd, MN 56401
We offer a large variety of bait & tackle, fishing licenses and offer guide service. Everything needed for your fishing experience in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
The Ice Hunter
(612) 306-1499
www.theicehunter.com
Equipment to enhance your ice fishing experience. The Ice Pro-Vu is the latest product for the ice fisherman. Wheelhouse skis, tows and sleds also available.
Up North Bike Rentals (218) 821-5399
www.upnorthbikerentals.com
5476 City Hall St, Nisswa, MN 56468
Explore lake country with the whole family! Conveniently located just off of the Paul Bunyan/Gull Lake Trails. Online booking. Authorized Electric Bike Co. dealer.
Your Boat Club
(612) 208-1800
www.yourboatclub.com
8089 Lost Lake Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
Your Boat Club offers boat club memberships and daily boat rentals. Enjoy our new runabouts, pontoons and fishing boats today!
Curated Closet- J.Hilburn Stylist Studio
(320) 309-8071
www.CuratedClosetCo.com
7734 Excelsior Road Suite 103 Baxter, MN 56425
Curated Closet specializes in personal styling services for both men and women. Services include custom menswear, personal shopping, closet edits, wardrobe consultations and image consulting.
Brainerd Animal Hospital
(218) 829-5118
www.brainerdanimalhospitalpc.com
2720 Oak St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Small animal medicine, surgery, & dentistry from experienced & caring staff. Grooming services available by appointment. After hours emergency care available.
Competent Custom Pet Quarters
(218) 537-6614
www.competentcustompet.com
Custom-designed and built pet houses and kennels that meet your size, shape, and color specifications. Built for your pet and customized to fit your needs.
Cozy Home Pet Care, LLC (218) 828-2062
www.cozyhomepetcare.com
6036 Hay Creek Rd, Fort Ripley, MN 56449
We are a professional dog and cat boarding daycare facility, owned by a vet technician. We have in our home options, luxury suites and traditional.
Crosslake Veterinary Hospital (218) 692-4400
www.crosslakevet.com
35668 Country Rd 3, Crosslake, MN 56442
Crosslake Veterinary Hospital is a full service hospital providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly and compassionate service.
Lakeland Veterinary Hospital (218) 829-1709
www.lakelandvet.net
7372 Woida Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is an AAHA accredited, small animal practice that offers boarding & grooming services. AAHA holds us to the highest quality medical standards.
Northern Hope Veterinary Care (218) 746-4000
www.hopevet.care
775 Buckskin Ave W, Suite 2, Pillager, MN 56473
Individualized veterinary services specifically for your pet’s needs including surgery, dental, sick/ annual exams, titers, vaccination, acupuncture, holistic therapies and preventative care.
Northland Pet Lodge
(218) 692-4364
www.northlandpetlodge.com
34420 County Road 3, Crosslake, MN 56442
The Brainerd Lakes Area premier pet resort providing cat and dog boarding, doggy daycare, obedience training, grooming, pet food/supplies and professionally installed underground fencing.
Pampered Pets
(218) 454-0835
www.pamperedpetsmn.com
8301 Industrial Park Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
Boarding should be a vacation for your pet. Luxury kennels, supervised play with included daycare & friendly staff, ensure a happy, well cared for pet.
Amy Price, REALTOR ® Realty Group
(218) 821-6760
www.amypriceisright.com
An award-winning, trusted agent who has a passion for helping others, and who’s willing to go the extra mile. When buying, selling, or both, give Sue a call.
Angela Sherack-RealtorNextHome Horizons
(218) 838-4494
www.angelasherack. nexthomehorizons.com
13432 Elmwood Dr, Suite 5, Baxter, MN 56425
What am I good at? Listening and negotiating. I answer my phone and I will work to get you the best deal.
Angell Team | Coldwell Banker Realty
(218) 297-4663
www.AngellTeam.com
34076 County Rd 3, Suite 1, Crosslake, MN 56442
With vast experience, innovative marketing, and negotiating strategies, trust the Angell Team to help guide you through selling/ buying real estate in the Brainerd Lakes Area!
Greater Lakes Association of Realtors (GLAR)
(218) 828-4567
www.greaterlakesrealtors.com
15344 Pearl Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Local knowledge. Expert Advice. Trusted professional with strict code of ethics. That’s what you get when you work with a REALTOR®. That’s who we R.
J. Hanson Real Estate Group (218) 821-1135
www.jhansonrealestategroup.com
15354 Dellwood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Born in the Brainerd Lakes Area, we know the communities, the lakes, and the people! Residential, land, lakeshore, or commercial services provided. Reach out today!
Kurilla Real Estate Ltd. - Nisswa (218) 963-7333
www.kurilla.com
23590 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
Specializing in lakeshore properties throughout the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area.
Lakes Area Title Services (218) 692-1473
www.lakesareatitle.com
35756 Allen Ave, Crosslake, MN 56442
A locally owned & operated full service title company serving the entire Brainerd lakes area. Located in Crosslake Town Square.
Larson Group Real Estate - Keller Williams Realty Professionals
(218) 692-6920
www.larsongrouprealestate.com
35770 Allen Ave, Suite 2, Crosslake, MN 56442
#1 Keller Williams Team in MN 2018-2022! We specialize in selling and listing properties across the Brainerd Lakes Area. In the heart of the Whitefish Chain, Crosslake, MN.
Positive Realty
(218) 829-1777
www.PositiveRealty.com
15244 State Hwy 371, Baxter, MN 56425
Positive Realty is locally owned and operated with offices in Brainerd/ Baxter and Nisswa. Serving the Lakes Area with integrity since 1979.
Sue Lehman, RealtorWeichert Realtors
(218) 838-4159
www.suelehmansells.com
17122 Hwy 371 N, Brainerd, MN 56401
An award-winning, trusted agent who has a passion for helping others, and who’s willing to go the extra mile. When buying, selling, or both, give Sue a call.
Brainerd MonumentSunburst Memorials
(218) 293-5090
www.SunburstMemorials.com
615 Washington St NE, Brainerd, MN 56401
We deliver the finest quality granite memorials with a forever guarantee. Helping families love, honor and remember since 1917.
Christmas Point
(218) 828-0603
www.christmaspoint.com
14803 Edgewood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Christmas Point is locally owned and family operated. With 26,000 square feet, we provide our customers with a one of a kind shopping experience.
Common Goods
(218) 824-0923
www.commongoodsmn.org
16227 State Hwy 371, Brainerd, MN 56401
A trendy thrift store supporting local non-profit Bridges of Hope, with locations in Baxter 218824- 0923, Crosby 218-772-2999, & Crosslake 218-692-7682. Find us on Facebook.
Copper Creek Garden Center & Landscapes
(218) 961-1294
www.coppercreeklandscapes.com
24735 Hwy 371, Nisswa, MN 56468
Come see us at our Market & Garden Center – find all your plants & garden essentials. Join us for seasonal shopping, events, workshops, more.
Cub Foods
(218) 828-4601
www.cub.com
14133 Edgewood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Locally owned and newly remodeled full-service grocery store with complete deli, bakery, and pharmacy. Numerous items available for catered events: cake, flowers, food and more!
Emily’s Books
(218) 825-0495
www.facebook.com/ emilysusedbooks
18318 State Hwy 371, Brainerd, MN 56401
“We are bigger than we look!’’ A total of six rooms and a loft with over 100,000 well organized books and a nice friendly staff!
Ideal Green Market Cooperative (218) 543-6565
www.idealgreenmarket.com
34988 County Rd 39, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
The lakes area’s best selection of organic produce and locally raised meat. Farmers Markets: Saturdays -Memorial Day to Labor Day 9am-1pm. Community owned food cooperative.
Morey’s Seafood Markets (218) 829-8248
www.moreysmarkets.com
15811 Audubon Way, Baxter, MN 56425
Two retail locations, Baxter & Motley. Gourmet grocery, fish, seafood, gifts and more! Ready to eat snacks. Famous smoked fish. Baxter summer lunch.
Party Time Rental
(218) 829-6300
www.partytimerentalmn.com
4750 White Gables Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
Party Time Rental is BLA’s resource for canopies, tents, tables/chairs & more for every occasion, big or small. Providing quality products & excellent service!
Pequot Lakes Supervalu
(218) 568-5001
www.pequotlakessupervalu.com
30581 Patriot Ave, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
We offer a full service deli with seating area and WiFi, groceries, fresh produce, prime cuts of meat, and gas station for a one-stop shop.
Schaefer’s Foods
(218) 963-2265
www.SchaefersFoods.com
Hwy 371, 23962 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
Schaefer’s Foods offers top-quality meats, bakery, produce, groceries and a home-style deli. Our friendly staff, carry-out and great selection make us a local favorite!
The Chocolate Ox (218) 963-4443
www.thechocolateox.com
25452 Main St & Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, MN 56468
Where every aisle is a candy aisle. 28 ice cream flavors, nostalgic candies, chocolate truffles, 48 flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans, and much more!
The Office Shop (218) 828-9000
www.theofficeshopinc.com
712 Maple St, Brainerd, MN 56401
For your business & home! Office supplies, furniture, copiers, fax & copy service, a business center with Wi-Fi, and computer access! Downtown Brainerd & Aitkin.
Elevate Wellness
(218) 579-9500
www.elevatewellnessmn.com
15133 Edgewood Dr Suite 330, Baxter, MN 56425
Look and feel your best! FDAcleared red light bed, halo therapy, 3D body scans, whole body vibration, lymphatic compression, infrared sauna, and oxygen bar.
Nisswa Sauna Rental (218) 214-9409
www.nisswarental.com
PO Box 218, Nisswa, MN 56468 Lakes area’s premier sauna rental. Relax in one of our authentic, wood-fired, cedar, mobile saunas and experience the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Book online.
Custom Boat Lift Vinyl (218) 562-5330
www.customboatliftvinyl.com
31329 Cherokee Trail, Breezy Point, MN 56472
Custom vinyl tops for all makes & models of boat lifts. Offering the largest selection of materials and colors available. Customizable, premium brands & quality.
Lake Fun Rentals (218) 961-0000
www.brainerdboatrentals.com
7993 Interlachen Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
Boat, pontoon & tritoon rentals. Brand new, top-notch equipment. Family owned/operated. Rent on Gull Lake or delivered throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Larry’s Lake Rentals (218) 244-1700
www.larryslakerentals.com
Larry’s Lake Rentals provides quality pontoon, tritoon and fishing boat rentals loaded with upgrades and accessories. Reserve your rental now! Veteran owned and operated.
Whitefish Chain Yacht Club (612) 940-3407
www.wcyc.info
PO Box 377, Crosslake, MN 56442
WCYC promotes boating and water safety for lake residents and visitors on the beautiful Whitefish Chain. Visit www.wcyc.info to learn more and join our organization.
Crosslake Presbyterian Church (218) 692-4769
www.crosslakepres.org
14444 Daggett Pine Rd, Crosslake, MN 56442
An ecumenical congregation who welcomes you to worship with us in person or online on Sunday mornings. Please visit our website for up-to-date details.
Heritage Church (218) 829-3209
www.iamheritage.org
13242 Berrywood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Heritage Church. Loving one more to Jesus & encouraging one another to grow! Gatherings: Wednesday, 6:30 pm; Sundays: 8:30 am, 10:00 am, & 11:30 am. Youth & children! Coffee bar!
The Pulse 104.3 FM (218) 568-4422
www.thepulse.mn
31287 Brunes St, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
The Pulse plays contemporary Christian music & shares daily hope & encouragement.
The Word 102.7 FM (218) 568-4422
www.theword.mn
31287 Brunes St, Pequot Lakes, MN 56442
Start the day with our encouraging & fun morning show, Kvamme & Co., & stay for Biblical teaching, music, & talk throughout the day.
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