Brainerd: A Snowmobiling Mecca

Brainerd:

a Snowmobiling Mecca

by Joel Kunz

Not just a summertime family vacation destination, Brainerd is a great place to enjoy winter activities and has resources for every winter activity imaginable. Brainerd is a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota with a population of 14,395 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat, and one of northern Minnesota’s largest cities. Located at the south end of the vast Paul Bunyan Trail, Brainerd is a perfect destination when planning a snowmobiling outing or vacation. Conveniently located in central Minnesota, the Brainerd Lakes area is easy to get to but hard to leave.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail with its connecting snowmobile trails are a one-of-a-kind resource with endless miles of groomed riding trails that are just right for any level of enthusiast. It has everything a snowmobiler could want in a snowmobile vacation—from beginner to advanced, the Paul Bunyan Snowmobile Trail has something to offer. Weave your way from Brainerd on the south end to Bemidji on the north. Passing through many communities along the way, you’ll always find the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner and fill your gas tank.

If you’re planning a Minnesota winter snowmobiling vacation in the Brainerd Lakes Area, the Paul Bunyan Trail has beautiful and affordable lodging possibilities en route, with over 14 “trail towns” located on the trail. With the vast amount of lodging possibilities available, you won’t find it hard to accommodate what you are looking for; from family vacations, family reunions, girls or guys weekend getaways, as well as a romantic weekend for two! After a long and exhilarating day on a Minnesota snowmobile trail, there’s nothing like curling up in front of a warm fire and relaxing or enjoying dinner at one of the area’s great restaurants.

New to snowmobiling and interested in something fun in the outdoors? Travel light and rent your winter gear from one of the many local businesses specializing in snowmobile rental. Many of the Brainerd winter rental companies even have a selection of boots, gloves, and winter snow gear to keep you comfortable while enjoying your new favorite winter activity. The local snowmobile clubs provide maps and there is plenty of information available online. The following is a list of “trail towns” and mileage provided by paulbunyantrail.com.

Brainerd, MN Mile 0.0 While not located on the trail, Brainerd is the largest city in the trail region, and is located where the trail begins. Brainerd has many services likely to be sought out by trail users.

Photo: Mark Kavanaugh

Baxter, MN Mile 0.0 The southern Trail Head is located in Baxter at the trail’s intersection with Excelsior Road. There is a 150-car lot across the street at the Northland Arboretum!

Merrifield, MN Mile 9.0 Merrifield Lions shelter has public bathrooms, as does the North Long Lake public access, which has a large parking lot as well.

Nisswa/Lake Hubert, MN Mile 14.8 Located just south of Nisswa is Lake Hubert. The Lake Hubert rest stop has an information board and benches. Nisswa has public restroom facilities adjacent to the trail, housed in the same building as the Chamber of Commerce.

Photo: Mark Kavanaugh

Pequot Lakes, MN Mile 21.0

Photo: Mark Kavanaugh

The community of Pequot Lakes offers you public parking lots adjacent to the trail on the north and south side of town. Trailside Park hosts a picnic shelter and a band shelter right next to the trail.

Jenkins, MN Mile 24.0 Gateway to the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, Jenkins is located north of Pequot Lakes and is a great place for all of a trail user’s needs.

Pine River, MN Mile 30.0 The city of Pine River has a parking lot adjacent to the trail. The Chamber of Commerce is in the process of putting up a new facility on the trail. This new structure will have bathrooms.

Backus, MN Mile 38.8 Backus boasts a parking lot, beachside park, running water, and lavatories all adjacent to the trail.

Hackensack, MN Mile 46.4 In the Hackensack area you will find public restrooms on the trail and water available.

Walker, MN Mile 63.2 Walker is nestled on the western shore of giant Leech Lake and near the Chippewa National Forest. Walker is a popular destination.

Benedict, MN Mile 71.0 Benedict is located just between Walker and Laporte on the Paul Bunyan Trail. It includes a rest area with pull-off, information board and picnic tables.

Laporte, MN Mile 76.2 With a population of 101, Laporte is the smallest incorporated city on all the trail. A good rest stop with parking spaces, and grocery store and a gas station/ convenience store. Guthrie, MN Mile 82.4 Guthrie has one of the most attractive city parks located along the Paul Bunyan Trail and is a must stop for any trail user. Guthrie has ample parking and offers a peaceful, shady rest stop under towering pines.

Nary, MN Mile 87.6 Nary has a few scattered houses and a gently rolling landscape with limited parking. Nary is the perfect place to rest up for the beginning or end of any ride.

Bemidji, MN Mile 97.2 The trail enters Bemidji in a residential area, with bike route on the street for a few blocks. As it crosses Paul Bunyan Drive S/MN Hwy 197, two routes are available to reach the northern trail head: the on-street 1st Ave to Gould Avenue, or the south shore trail passing near the Hampton Inn and The Sanford Center. The trail skirts the shore of Lake Bemidji, crosses the Mississippi River as it exits Lake Bemidji and arrives at the trail head in Lake Bemidji State Park.

There you go, a nice day’s ride from your Brainerd starting point. Come visit, you should find plenty to do and enjoy. Remember…easy to find but hard to leave.

For info visit: www.brainerd.com, www.paulbunyantrail.com or www.brainerdlakesareasnowmobiletrails.com

Honor and Ride!

Join MnUSA for the 14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Ride PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

Photo taken by: Michelle Van Hee

All veterans are welcome to enjoy a day snowmobiling, including one night’s lodging and meals. Bring your own sled or if you don’t have equipment, there will be snowmobiles, helmets, and clothing available.

Co-sponsored by MnUSA, and MSEAF Contact Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA) 7040 Lakeland Avenue N., Suite 212, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 866-811-7669 | email: mnveteransride@gmail.com website: mnvetsnowmobileride.org