Woods to Water Blog - Blog Archive: January, 2023

The Paul Bunyan State Trail: Connecting the Brainerd Lakes Area + beyond.

History 

The first 50 miles of this multi-use, recreational trail from Brainerd/Baxter to Hackensack, MN was paved with asphalt and opened in October 1983. The trail pathway follows the original railroad line built in 1893 by Burlington Northern and is now among the longest paved trails in the nation at approximately 115 miles.

Popular Activities on the Trail 

  • Biking 

  • E-Biking 

  • Rollerblading 

  • Hiking/walking 

  • Snowshoeing 

  • Cross Country Ski 

  • Snowmobiling 

Trail Towns 

  • Brainerd 

  • Baxter 

  • Merrifield 

  • Nisswa 

  • Pequot Lakes 

  • Jenkins 

  • Pine…

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Mid Winter Outdoor Update: The BLA is an outdoorsman’s paradise.

 
...EVEN IN THE WINTER! ICE FISHING, SNOWMOBILING, PREDATOR HUNTING, SNOWSHOeING AND SHED HUNTING ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITES!

The local fishing reports are still reporting good crappie bites at evening/night, as well as some walleye. Ice fishing can get a little tougher during the middle of winter. Try moving out a little deeper or finding some good structure to set up on. During the day, one of my favorite things to do with a group of friends or family is set up a bunch of tip ups in the shallows. I like to use big suckers and shiners for a good pike and bass bite — and if you are lucky sometimes a walleye! 

There's tons of outdoor events happening in our area this winter —…

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There's plenty of fun to be had in the Brainerd Lakes Area during the winter. Check out our list of fun activities below to get outside and enjoy the TRUE NORTH.

Sledding, Tubing, Snowboarding and Downhill Skiing

The Brainerd Lakes Area offers excellent downhill skiing, snowboarding, and some of Minnesota’s best tubing with one of the largest tubing hills in Minnesota at Mount Ski Gull located just a short drive north of Brainerd and Baxter.

BIG SEV SLEDDING | BRAINERD

Sledding hill located at Hitch-Wayne Park off South Seventh Street. Sleds available for public use. 

FRITZ LOVEN PARK | LAKE SHORE

Bring your own sled and take a visit to Fritz Loven park for its awesome free to the public sledding hill located near the park on top…

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