Nestled in the center of Minnesota, the Brainerd Lakes region is amongst some of Minnesota's 10,000 Lakes. It is just a short 2-hour drive north of the cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other popular suburbs. With its rustic charm of the many cabins, gorgeous lakefront homes, large golf resorts, and charming campgrounds, it makes the perfect getaway.

Brainerd is widely known to be a summer destination, but it also offers various activities to do in any season. From boating to hunting, snowmobiling, walking, and biking, miles of trails, this area has something for everyone no matter what time of year.

I had never considered taking a travel nurse assignment in Minnesota; in all honesty, I thought to myself, what is in Minnesota besides the Mall of America?

After being presented with a job assignment in Brainerd, I decided to look more into what the area would offer.

I quickly learned just how many lakes Minnesota has just with a quick glimpse at the map; after all, it is the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Between the countless lakes, small-town charm with a tourist vibe and bustle in the summer, I knew this could be a beautiful location to spend the summer.

What to Do in the Area

Boating

With so many lakes in the area, spending time on the water is a must. I can promise there will not be any shortage of events in the area.

Our first summer in Minnesota, we had boat withdrawals after selling our boat back in Maine and came across Your Boat Club. Located just down the road in Nisswa, the Marina offers boat rentals daily, weekly, or seasonal packages. You can also find Your Boat Club locations throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and one in Illinois.

We joined one of the season-long memberships; this specific membership allowed us to rent a boat Monday-Thursday. Almost every week, we were out cruising the lake with many other fellow boaters. While you will find many fishing boats on the Gull Lake Chain, you will also find multiple families enjoying ski and pontoon boats. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing are just a few of the activities you will see many people enjoying.

Many resorts in the area offer boat rentals as well.

The Gull Lake chain includes the most well-known Gull lake and several other smaller lakes, all connected by channels. You will likely catch a glimpse of Minnesota's state bird, the beautiful common loon. They are excellent swimmers, but you may also spot them flying close above the water or nesting their young along the shore.

Biking

Brainerd is one of the top destinations for biking in Minnesota. The Paul Bunyan Trail is the longest paved trail in Minnesota and goes right through Brainerd/Baxter, Nisswa, and Pequot Lakes.

Fishing

Some of the best fishing in the state resides right here in the Brainerd Lakes region. With hundreds of lakes within a short distance, you will find plenty of fish, including walleye, large and smallmouth bass, crappie, and more.

Other activities

Nisswa Turtle Races - a tradition to the area. Every Wednesday during the summer, downtown Nisswa provides an opportunity to race turtles.

Some of my favorite other activities in the area include mini-golf, go-karting, and zip line tours.

Brainerd is also home to the Brainerd International Raceway, which draws in crowds throughout the summer for racing events. Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) has drag racing, superbike racing, and everything in between. In addition, BIR also offers on-site camping and weekends with live music. The Lakes Jam is a large outdoor music festival that draws in crowds from all over.

Just a short drive from the Brainerd Lakes region is the North Shore of Lake Superior. Here you will find some of the most stunning views nature has to offer in Minnesota. Waterfalls, hikes, camping, aerial lift bridge, Duluth, beaches, cute small towns all within a few hours.

Food & Beverage

One of my favorite about the Gull Lake Chain is the access to several restaurants by car or by boat.

The Quarterdeck resort, located in Nisswa, offers resort rooms overlooking the lake and a delicious menu at the Dockside 77 restaurant. You will find award-winning ribs and smoked meats smoked directly on site on the menu and many choices of walleye, the well-known freshwater fish.

Also located directly on Gull Lake in Brainerd is Ernie's on Gull. Accessible by car or by boat. Ernie's offers a little bit of everything for someone. If you're looking to cool off with a refreshing cocktail, put the "Greenie" on your list. Ernie's is known for their "Greenie," but you can also have an orangie, pinky, purplie, or bluey!

Cowboys is a bar and grill and a local favorite. In my opinion, they offer perhaps the best weekend brunch in all of the lakes region. The biscuits and gravy will leave your mouth watering for more. Cowboy's has an expansive burger and sandwich menu for lunch and dinner, which are all extremely good. Don't forget to tip your severs well as they are highly attentive and full of personality.

If you're looking for an upscale dinner, Sherwood Forest or Char Steakhouse at the Grandview Lodge will have fantastic food options, as well as a cozy cabin, feel.

Breweries

Brainerd is a growing hub for craft brew companies. You can enjoy several seasonal craft brews made right here in the Brainerd Lakes region from any of their outdoor patios. Try out Roundhouse, Big Axe, or Jack Pine Breweries, all located in the Brainerd-Nisswa area.

Shopping

If you're seeking quaint boutiques or the perfect gift shop, downtown Nisswa will have various stores within walking distance to stop and shop at.

In Baxter, right next door to Brainerd, you will find everything you are looking for. From home improvement stores such as Menards and Fleet Farm and large department stores such as Walmart and Target and Kohls to Best Buy and Kohls. Whatever your needs might be, you can find them right in Baxter.

Where to stay

As a tourist attraction for all seasons, the Brainerd Lakes region offers multiple ways to stay. The area proposes many resorts at various golf courses as well as lakefront family-owned resorts. You can also choose to stay within the thick beautiful woods at lodges and cabins large enough to accommodate the entire family. Seasonal campgrounds and Rv resorts also are bustling with activity during the summer months.

Minnesota may not be on your bucket list to stop and visit but from my fantastic experience, you should absolutely add it. I highly suggest visiting during the summer when you can enjoy the pleasant weather and take advantage of the many lake activities and the beauty of the lank of 10,000 lakes.

Nisswa, Minnesota