Brainerd

Paul Bunyan State Trail is a 115-mile-long recreational rail trail that stretches from Lake Bemidji State Park to Crow Wing State Park in north-central Minnesota. This trail is Minnesota’s longest state trail, and also the country’s longest continuously paved rail trail. When the trail isn’t covered in snow, it’s ideal for outdoor recreational activities that include walking, running, skateboarding, biking, hiking, and rollerblading. During the winter the trail provides the perfect opportunity for snowmobiling on some of Minnesota’s famously fresh, powdery snow. Visitors will enjoy the vibrant flower blossoms during the spring, the marvelous display of color offered by the trees in the fall, and the abundant wildlife that can be viewed all year long.

Brainerd, MN, Phone: 651-296-6157

Safari North Wildlife Park is a private zoo and conservation center situated just off of State Highway 371 in Brainerd, Minnesota. The park aims to promote preservation and conservation through affordable, safe, and memorable experiences within a quality educational environment. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the park’s hundreds of animal species that include primates, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The continent-inspired exhibits include Australia, South America, Asia, Africa, and North America – with their respective animal species. Popular animal enclosures to explore include the grizzly bears, bald eagle, giraffe, striped hyena, kangaroo, white Bengal tigers, spotted leopard, and black leopard. The zoo has a gift shop and a snack shack equipped with sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and slushies.

8493 State Highway 371, Brainerd, MN, Phone: 218-454-1662

Gull Lake is a beautiful lake situated in Cass and Crow Wing Counties, near Baxter and Brainerd, Minnesota. The lake is the largest in the area and boasts the largest shoreline to go along with it. The area around the lake is highly developed with residential and commercial properties, including 19 resorts. Gull Lake plays host to the annual Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza, a fun, charitable, ice-fishing contest featuring over 20,000 ice-fishing holes. There are a variety of exciting lake activities to enjoy that include riding wave runners, boating, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, fishing, and swimming. No matter the time of year, Gull Lake is fun for the entire family.

The Upper Midwest’s largest racetrack, Brainerd International Raceway is a racing complex offering road courses and a dragstrip in Brainerd, Minnesota. The complex features an incredibly diverse motorsports schedule that includes car shows, cruising events, drifting and autocross competitions, Superbike racing, endurance racing, road racing, and drag racing. The complex is even equipped with a small lake for watercross – snowmobile racing on open water. The big event everyone waits for is Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. It happens each August. The best drag racers in the world drive some of the fastest dragsters in the world in front of thousands of energetic fans. Those brave enough to camp in the complex’s infamous Zoo Campground are sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience.

5523 Birchdale Road, Brainerd, MN, Phone: 218-824-7223

If you are traveling with kids:

Paul Bunyan Land is a roadside amusement park with a historic village situated along State Highway 18 in Brainerd, Minnesota. The amusement park has been creating wonderful memories since opening in 1954, and has been a popular attraction for locals and visitors in the Brainerd Lakes region. The park features several carnival-style rides that include the Ferris Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, Space Shuttle, and Mini Himalaya. Patrons will also have the opportunity to explore Pioneer Village, one of the largest collections of antiques in the state, where they’ll experience historical relics from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Paul Bunyan Land offers visitors a day filled with unique attractions, fun rides, and interesting Minnesota history.

17553 State Highway 18, Brainerd, MN, Phone: 218-764-2524

Mount Ski Gull is a ski resort located in the Pillsbury State Forest overlooking Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota. The resort operates as a registered non-profit, putting the focus on providing affordable and equal accessibility to all who wish to experience Mount Ski Gull. There’s also an emphasis on offering challenging activities in an environment that’s both fun and healthy, that will empower young people to develop competency, confidence, and compassion. During the winter months the resort offers ideal conditions for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing – all in one location. The resort is equipped with a lodge where patrons can get hot coco and bite to eat, as well as grab ski, snowboard, and tube rentals.

9898 County Road 77 Southwest, Nisswa, MN, Phone: 218-963-7587

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

Mille Lacs Lake is situated within Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, and Aitkin Counties in Minnesota, and recognized as the state’s second largest lake. The lake sprawls out to an impressive 132,516 acres, has a maximum depth of 42 feet, and features two islands that comprise Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge – the country’s smallest wildlife refuge. Fishing here is incredible, as the lake is teeming with fish species that include walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, muskie, and others. The lake is also perfect for water activities that include boating, jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, and swimming. Visitors will enjoy fresh Minnesota air, beautiful blue skies, and breathtaking views during their trip to the lake.

Northland Arboretum is a non-profit nature reserve and arboretum situated about a mile from downtown Brainerd, Minnesota. The arboretum has dedicated its focus to ensuring the community is both aware and involved in critical aspects of nature. All year round the arboretum boasts magnificent displays of nature and beauty, offering well-manicured trails for peaceful walks, hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. During the summer, visitors can learn about plants, animals, and recycling at one of the arboretum’s weekly nature talks. The arboretum even offers a fun scavenger hunt for patrons to enjoy, they’ll win prizes for finding the golden rock. Whether for outdoor recreation, a little relaxation, or to learn about nature, the arboretum has a little something for everyone.

14250 Conservation Drive, Brainerd, MN, Phone: 218-829-8770

Visitors will find Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum and Library located in the heart of downtown Brainerd, Minnesota. The museum has been keeping record of Crow Wing County history for the last 91 years. The structure is comprised of three floors featuring unique exhibits that include displays of lumber, railroad, and mining industries. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a completely restored home whose history dates back to the early 1900s. Patrons will also have the chance to dive into history at the museum’s research library, complete with hundreds of historical books, maps, and photographs. Visitors to the Brainerd, Crow Wing County area will definitely want to add this historical gem to their list of stops.

320 Laurel Steet, Brainerd, MN, Phone: 218-829-3268

Ernie’s on Gull is a casual, American restaurant situated on the shores of Gull Lake, just steps from Gull Point in Brainerd, Minnesota. The restaurant features a sensational menu that embraces many of the area’s staple dishes expertly prepared by the Executive Chef and their talented culinary team. The divers menu provides a wide variety of options for diners to choose from, and is constantly being updated as the restaurant moves from one season to the next. Visitors will enjoy menu favorites ranging from Hand-Cut Walleye Fingers to Avocado Tacos to Bacon Brussel Sprouts to their famous Lobster Bisque. As they dine, guests will take in breathtaking views of the lake while receiving exceptional service from the restaurant’s friendly staff.

10424 Squaw Point Road, Brainerd, MN, Phone: 218-829-3918