Minnesota is known for its harsh winters, but what people don’t know is how beautiful Minnesotan summers can be. The Brainerd Lakes Area consists of three towns; Brainerd, Baxter and Nisswa. It is a safe area with many lakes and forests. It is an area of about twenty five square miles. With less than 25,000 residents; the Brainerd Lakes Area is the perfect escape from the big city. Gull Lake is a splendid way to begin a vacation. The water is perfect for every water activity imaginable and the food is fantastic. The best way to enjoy Gull is to put a boat in near Ernie’s restaurant and spend the day fishing, skiing, swimming and tanning. Relaxing on Ernie’s deck enjoying a walleye sandwich is the ideal way to end the day.
Spending time on the multiple lakes is not the only activity to do. The legacy golf course is world-renowned. Experienced golfers will love the course and beginners will love the opportunity to be coached by one of the best instructional golf coaches, Chris Foley. Pirates Cove Adventure Golf and Billy Bones Raceway are great ideas for a family outing. Kids will also love all the waterparks. Out of the three waterparks, Three Bear Lodge is great for younger ages while the Arrow Wood, which boasts a hologram waterslide, is perfect for the older kids.
People who want a little culture can stop by the Franklin Arts Center or the Brainerd Historical museum, both located in downtown Brainerd. For thrills, diving the Cuyana Mine Pits, enjoying a paintball fight or experiencing a race at the Brainerd International Speedway should do the trick. Parents beware; Brainerd International Speedway can become very rowdy at night. Lakes are not the only fun outdoor activities. The Northland Arboretum is beautiful and the Safari North Wildlife Park is brand new. The Paul Bunyan State Trail goes right through Brainerd all the way to Nisswa.
Most people visit the Brainerd Lakes during the summer because there’s more to do. However, during the winter Ski Gull is open and so is Wolf Moon Kennel and Dogsled Rides. Adults will love The Last Turn Saloon and couples should spend at least one dinner at Iven’s on the bay. Not only are there great attractions and restaurants, but there are also great people in the area. Miss Minnesota Rebecca Yeh lives in Brainerd as does a Baton Death March survivor named Walt Straka.
The Brainerd Lakes Area is the perfect place to spend any vacation for adults and kids alike. Once people experience the wonder that is the Brainerd Lakes they keep coming back. That is why during the fourth of July the Brainerd Area population swells to nearly 40,000. So come and enjoy my small town community because we have much to offer.
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