THE TOP TEN REASONS TO VISIT BRAINERD, MINNESOTA

We like to think that Brainerd, Minnesota and the Brainerd Lakes Area are as close to heaven as there is on planet earth. Whether it be shopping, boating and fishing, snowmobiling or just relaxing in the beauty of forests, lakes and clear skies, we have it all. Following are ten reasons to visit us, kick back and absorb all that paradise has to offer. This list is in no particular order.

10. Great shopping: The Brainerd Lakes Area sports wonderful opportunities from the numerous antique shops of Crosby to the unique gift shops in Nisswa and Pequot Lakes, to top notch clothing stores in Crosslake, or the many opportunities in Brainerd/Baxter. And be sure to stop at Morey’s for some of the best smoked fish you will ever eat.

9. First class restaurants: We have some of the best restaurants that Minnesota has to offer. Whether you enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, smoked foods, Asian cooking, progressive and innovative dishes or more traditional meals, you will find it here. Many of our local chefs are highly acclaimed and ready to please you.

8. Outdoor recreation: In-line skating, hiking, cross country skiing all await you in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Paul Bunyan Trail begins in Brainerd/Baxter and runs all the way to Bemidji. At this point over 80 miles are paved. There is also a gorgeous paved trail which winds around the Cuyuna Range mine lakes. There are also many official non-paved trails for ATV’s, mountain bikes and snowmobiles. We also have our yearly ice fishing contest on Gull Lake which draws well over 10,000 participants. Finally, other than Lake Superior the mine pit lakes offer the best opportunities for scuba diving in Minnesota.

7. Fantastic resorts, hotels and motels: There are many world class luxury resorts and hotels in the Brainerd Lakes Area, with complete service ranging from meeting rooms, great food, fishing to beautiful golf courses. But don’t forget the Brainerd area’s wonderful bed and breakfasts. There are also many smaller resorts with rustic cabins and cottages. And don’t forget those campgrounds. There are private, state and federal campgrounds that are fabulous. They fill up fast so book your reservation early.

6. Winter activities: We may have cold winters but it does not deter the hardy. Once the ice has cured on the area lakes, small villages of fish houses pop up. Many people prefer ice fishing and equip their fish houses with everything from grills, heaters, sofas to tv’s. The only limitation is one’s imagination. Be sure to see the yearly fish house parade in Aitkin each late November. And how about you snowmobilers? Crow Wing County and the Brainerd area have well over 100 miles of designated trails. Get your permits and break out your gear and sleds. Our trails and lakes are waiting for you. But whichever activity you chose, practice safety first and use good judgment.

5. Lakes in the Brainerd area: Did you know that there are over 400 lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Country? This is simply a fisherman’s dream waiting for your visit. Whether you seek panfish, great walleye action, bass, northerns or muskies this is the place to wet your line. Lake Mille Lacs is a veritable walleye factory. Also remember Minnesota’s newest lakes, the old open pit mines on the Cuyuna Range. They are well stocked with trout and afford wonderful fishing. And don’t forget the Mississippi River winds its way through this area. You are apt to find most any species foraging for the next meal. So hang your bare feet off the deck and in to the water and test your luck.

4. World class racing: Brainerd International Raceway is located on Highway 371 just north of Brainerd/Baxter. It is well known nationally for drag racing and is NHRA sanctioned. But it is multipurpose and has much more to offer including accommodations, camping, restaurant and many other types of racing. Give those kids a thrill and take them out to the race track. One visit and they will be hooked.

3. History: The Brainerd Lakes Area abounds with history. Visit Crow Wing State Park at the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers. What a view from the historic Chippewa Lookout, rich in history from our first inhabitants of this area. You can still find the famous woods trail which served ox cart traffic for transporting supplies between St. Paul and settlements in the Red River of the North area.

Also, check out the historic water tower at 6th and Washington in downtown Brainerd. Did you know that it was the first all concrete tank tower in the country? There are also dozens of other sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Are you aware that the Cuyuna Iron Range by Crosby/Ironton produced more than 106 million tons of iron ore between 1904 and 1984? The Cuyuna Range also had Minnesota’s worst mine disaster. On February 5, 1924 while blasting another underground shaft at the Milford Mine near Foley’s Pond, the walls gave way rapidly flooding the mine. Forty one miners perished. If you do nothing else while you visit this area, visit the Croft Mine Historical Park on the north edge of Crosby. Take a tour of the underground mine, see the one ton copper nugget in the interpretive center and learn the history of mining in Crow Wing County. Also, pay a visit to the Portsmouth Mine Lake overlook and witness Minnesota’s deepest lake.

2. Intrinsic beauty: Crow Wing and neighboring counties comprise quite simply one of America’s most beautiful areas. Our fall leaf change burst forth with vibrant yellows, golds and reds. Enjoy a bonfire on the beach while watching shooting starts or the northern lights dancing across clear, dark skies. Hear the call of the loon or observe a bald eagle swoop down to grab a fish and then perch in a large pine. Absorb the beauty of sparkling clear blue waters shimmering in the breeze or hike one of our many trails while searching for solitude and possibly our state flower, the showy lady slipper if you are lucky. Kick along a gravel road and find a beautiful agate. Just northwest of Ironton is a man made mountain from Iron Range spoils with a scenic overlook. By all means add this to your “to do list”. You can see a blue-green world for miles in all directions and it is breathtaking.

1. Wonderful and friendly people: Everybody has heard and knows about Minnesota nice. I have always thought that this could be Minnesota nicer for the Brainerd Lakes Area. The people here will embrace you and make you feel welcome no matter where you are from. We will share our experiences and hospitality. The welcome mat is out so pay us a visit. We love this area and are sure you will too.