Top 10 Things To Do in the Brainerd Lakes Area

Easy access to activities is one of the top benefits of resort vacation home ownership. You will find an abundance of recreation and fun for the whole family at the Evolution Resort Real Estate properties. This, coupled with the Brainerd Lakes Area as your backyard, means the ideal vacation home destination. See our top ten ideas below!

1. Lake Days

Fishing, Boating, Jet-Skiing, Water-Sking, Floating, Pontooning

  • Breezy Belle
    Breezy Point Resort is home to this unique cruise experience in the form of a genuine paddle-wheeler excursion boat, the Breezy Belle. Over 4000 passengers have enjoyed Belle’s relaxing cruises on beautiful Pelican Lake.
  • Gull Lake Cruises
    Set Sail! Two bars, two levels, and one unforgettable Gull Lake experience on a magnificent luxury yacht. Day and evening dining and sightseeing cruises, as well as private charters for any occasion, offer guests the opportunity to savor the area’s finest cuisine, fine wines, domestic and premium beers, or signature cocktails while relaxing the day away.

Rent a Boat, Jet Ski, Kayak, Paddle Board, or Floating Foam Pad

2. Hiking and Biking

Paul Bunyan Trail
Enjoy hiking and biking the Paul Bunyan Trail. The trail is 120 miles long, making it the longest MN trail, with over 1,000 caches hidden along the trail. The Paul Bunyan Trail connects the Heartland Trail, the Blue Ox Trail, and the Cuyuna State Trail. Random trivia: It is the country’s longest, continuously paved rail trail.

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
One of Minnesota’s top mountain bike trail systems! There are 70 miles of singletrack trail spread across 800 acres with 16 pristine mine lakes and 25 miles of natural shoreline. This is unique opportunity to explore the site of an original mining operation.

Gull Lake Trail
Coming soon! This 21-mile, 10-foot wide multi-use trail will meander around Gull Lake, passing through the communities of East Gull Lake, Fairview, Lake Shore, and Nisswa.

Other areas to hike and bike include: Crow Wing State Park, Fritz Loven Park, Northland Arboretum, and the Pillsbury State Forest.

3. Golf

Brainerd Lakes Area is the golf mecca of Minnesota. There are 30 beautiful courses dotting the Gull Chain of Lakes, including several mini-golf courses. There is a course for every skill level.

Learn more about all the courses, their status, and our world-class golf destination at
https://visitbrainerd.com/golf-courses-in-brainerd-mn/.

4. Brainerd Zip Line

Experience an exciting 7-Line Zipline Tour. The thrilling Brainerd Zip Line Tour is a fun and exciting outdoor adventure. Experience 15-mile views on seven zip lines and their 65′ adrenaline-pumping suspension bridge.

5. Brewery Tours

6. Brainerd International Raceway

Another adrenaline-pumping and fast-action adventure! The Brainerd International Raceway has racing events throughout the summer, including drag racing, superbike racing, and the Performance Driving School, where you can drive a race car at 130 mph around the race track.

7. Brainerd Ski Loons

Don’t miss the gravity-defying Brainerd Ski Loons! Visit Lum Park in Brainerd to see this entertaining waterski show with pyramids, ballet lines, kids’ ski lines, doubles, and trios. You will love the finale with high-flying stunts off the ski jump. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs or blanket, concessions are available, and admission is free.

8. Shopping

  • Nisswa
    Enjoy strolling Main Street in Nisswa and visiting all the unique shops. You will find special gifts for everyone, including yourself!
  • Pequot Lakes
    Hop on your bikes and ride the Paul Bunyon Trail up to Pequot Lakes for more quality and beautiful shops.
  • Northern Pacific Center
    The Northern Pacific Center is Brainerd’s historic railroad district turned one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience.

9. Nisswa Historical Society

The Nisswa Historical Center and Museum include the historic Pioneer Village, Depot, and Caboose. Take a self-guided tour of Pioneer Village and glimpse life at the turn of the century.

Relax by the Heritage Garden, which is filled with native plants, while the kids play on the Caboose. There is also a small gift shop filled with local arts and crafts.

10. Paul Bunyan Land

Our iconic Paul Bunyan Land Amusement Park, where a 26-foot-tall Paul Bunyon has greeted kids by name since 1954, is a must-visit. Have fun exploring 27 different rides and another Pioneer Village! Start or continue this tradition for generations.