30+ things to do this summer in the BLA!

The kick off to Summer has begun and we're excited to get out there and enjoy it to it's fullest in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

Check out our list of 30+ things to get the fun started from local attractions, new businesses, community events and everyday activities below.

Attractions + to dos

Get On The Water | Boat, paddle, and enjoy your recreation of choice on one of the many Great Lakes in the area! Ask us about recommendations for many types of boat or water toy rental resources!
Paul Bunyan Land | Paul Bunyan Land is an amusement park located in Brainerd, Minnesota, on This Old Farm. Its trademark is the 26-foot-tall animated and talking statue of Paul Bunyan.
Safari North Wildlife Park | Safari North is a family friendly wildlife park were you can feed a giraffe or ride a camel and see animals from around the world! Brainerd, MN
Northland Kart Kountry | Northland Kart Kountry brings the best in family fun to the Brainerd area. Go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, bungee bounce, bumper boats, and more! Brainerd, MN
Whistling Wolf Mini Golf | Discover the lakes area’s newest 18 hole mini-golf. Located in a scenic wooded setting, with waterfalls, meandering stream, and pond. Play the World Famous “Northern Pike Hole." Hit your final shot into the outhouse and win a free game. Crosslake, MN
Pirate's Cove Golf | Pirate-themed mini-golf chain with 18-hole, landscaped courses set among waterfalls & caves. Brainerd, MN
Nisswa Falls Mini Golf | Opened June 2022 in Nisswa, MN!
Brainerd International Raceway | Brainerd International Raceway is a road course, and dragstrip racing complex northwest of the city of Brainerd, Minnesota. The complex has a 0.25-mile dragstrip, and overlapping 2.5-mile and 3.1-mile road courses. The complex also includes a kart track. Brainerd, MN
Brainerd Zipline Tour | Experience our 2.5 hour guided Zip Line Tour that consists of 7 zip lines, a suspended sky bridge, and an optional 50-foot free fall jump! Brainerd, MN
Gull Lake Cruises | Explore the tranquil waters of Gull Lake from a luxury yacht. Set Sail Today! Indoor and outdoor seating with two full service bars available. Gull Lake
Brew & Spirits Tour | We’re becoming well-known for our hub of tap and tasting rooms. Our breweries and distillery will satisfy your taste buds. Each has several types of beers and craft drinks that change seasonally. All the area breweries are family friendly and have outdoor patios. Check out our Local Breweries Blog Post here.
Nisswa Turtle Races | Races kicked off last week and are held every Wednesday throughout the summer. Registration begins at 1 p.m. right in downtown Nisswa by the Official Turtle Race track behind the Chamber building. For $4 racers can get registered, receive a Souvenir button, and one of the provided turtles. Nisswa, MN - Stop by and say hi to us at Woods to Water!
Crosby Bike Trails | The Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails are 30 miles of Red Gold that twist their way thru the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, the towns of Crosby, Ironton, Cuyuna and Rivertown. With dozens of purpose-built trails to choose from, everyone from beginner to pro can enjoy the breath-taking rides and overlooks. Cuyuna, MN
Go Golfing | If hitting the links is a summer vacation must-do, we have courses that will fit your budget and your style of play. Many of our courses are nationally recognized. And did you know that the Brainerd Lakes Area has more golf holes than lakes?!
Take a Hike | Being among nature is a great way to disconnect with the everyday craziness. Fortunately, we have miles of trails for you to do just that. Crow Wing State Park, Fritz Loven Park, Mayo Lake Nature Preserve, and the Northland Arboretum are a few great options!
Visit the Loon Center | The new Loon Center is located in the heart of loon habitat, the National Loon Center will offer visitors an intimate look at freshwater and Minnesota’s state bird. Crosslake, MN
Downtown Nisswa Shopping | Shopping in downtown Nisswa is a local + tourist favorite and we're excited to welcome a few new small businesses to the area including the newest clothing boutique, Lake Latitude. Nisswa, MN - Stop by and say hi to us at Woods to Water!
Nisswa Family Fun Waterpark | Need a break from the lake? Bring the family into the waterpark + pool in Nisswa. Nisswa, MN
Pequot Splash Pad | In the works - Stay tuned! Pequot Lakes, MN
Outpost | An extension of MN Traders Co. serving up gourmet soft serve creations, traditional scoop ice cream, nostalgic candy, grab and go picnic food, and a small selection of summer-essential retail goods. Opening Memorial Day Weekend!! Pequot Lakes, MN
MN Traders Co. | Heading into it's first full Summer season! Swing into Traders for coffee, lunch, weekend brunch + shopping to one of it's many upcoming events including the first ever Bobber Town Block Party on June 4th 3pm-9pm! Pequot Lakes, MN
Spend the day in Walker | Walker combines a perfect blend of history, culture, shops, and culinary options into a unique and wonderful downtown experience, all nestled against the backdrop of the Leech Lake area’s picturesque landscape. Walker, MN
Sit on a patio | We've rounded up a list of our favorite patios here.
Go thrift shopping | Support small businesses, local crafters, and secondhand shopping by visiting one of the many thrift + antique stores in the Brainerd Lakes.
Visit a farmer's market | Support locals! Shop weekly area Farmers Markets. (Nisswa, Walker, Brainerd to name a few!)

Green Scene Farmers Markets Walker | begin June 2! Thursdays & Saturdays 9am-2pm

Nisswa Farmer's Market 8-12:30 Thursdays at the Nisswa Legion Parking Lot

Baxter Fridays 8-12:30 | Westport Shopping Center

Brainerd Tuesdays 8-12:30 | Franklin Art Center
Go berry picking | Support your Local Farmers and create sweet memories with your family by visiting a very picking farm. Double T Acres or Wallin's Strawberry farm are some local faves.
Watch the local water ski team! Family-friendly shows throughout the summer put on by the Brainerd Ski Loons!
Rent a bike or golf take a cruise! Up North Bike Rentals in downtown Nisswa provides a fresh way to explore Lake Country. E-bikes, surrey bikes, and bike trailers for big groups! Crosslake Bike Rentals is another great way to explore the trails if you are staying on that side of town - download the mobile app and rent by the hour.
Watch the local water ski team! Family-friendly shows throughout the summer put on by the Brainerd Ski Loons!
Charter sailboats, regattas and racing fleets at Gull Lake Yacht Club - Feeling ambitious? Sign up for youth and adult sailing lessons!
Outdoor yoga classes: Tumble and Yoga Outdoor Kids Class @Wildflower Chocolate, Nisswa Tuesdays 4:20-5pm starting June 21. | Moonlite Bay Yoga on the Docks with MN Yoga Journey every Saturday morning. | MN Traders Co. yoga in the park with Kayla Adkins every Wednesday 5:30pm and Saturday 10:30am. Elevate Yoga + Juicing pop ups at various locations (Just Juice + Danielle Arnold).
Looking to mix it up? Recreational vehicles! Kayaks, golf carts, side by sides, jet skis, pontoons or fishing boats - you name it, there's a spot to rent one. Ask us for recommendations or direction!
Meat Raffles: Nothing more Minnesotan. Snarky Loon Brewing: Sundays at 2:00 pm | Nisswa American Legion Fridays 4:30pm | Jenkins VFW Fridays 5pm | Be Merri at the Woods Seafood Raffle Tuesdays 6:30pm | Crosslake American Legion Fridays at 6:30pm

Events

Bobber Town Block Party | June 4th 3pm-9pm Live Music, food, fun! Brats and smoked sandwiches from the Smokestack Bbq's smoker trailer, Cash bar featuring GrayDuck Vodka, a guest appearance from Chad Greenway and more!

June 4th 3pm-9pm • Pequot Lakes, MN

Whitefish chain classic boat show | JUNE 18TH 10AM-4PM Gazebo bar, brats, burgers & Hot dogs on the deck, over 50 restored classic boats, and a boat parade. Take it all in and be sure to vote for your favorite!

June 18th 10Am-4Pm • Crosslake, MN - moonlite bay

Lakes Jam | June 22nd-June 25th Lakes Jam is an annual event that unites rock and country music fans from all walks of life and brings them to the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area.

June 22-25th • Brainerd, MN

Nisswa Freedom Days Celebration | Enjoy great shopping, food, live music and more fun all day! New this year: FIREWORKS

July 3rd • Nisswa, MN

Stars & Stripes Days | Celebrate our nation’s independence on July 3rd & 4th in Pequot Lakes! You’ll find fun activities for the whole family at Stars & Stripes Days, Minnesota’s BEST small town Independence Day celebration!

July 3-4th • Pequot Lakes, MN

Bean Hole Days | July 12-13, 2022 Come and celebrate Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes! This one-of-a-kind event is rootin' tootin' good fun for the whole family!

July 12-13 • Pequot Lakes, MN

The Gull Lake Classic at Bar Harbor | The Gull Lake Classic Show is August 27th from 9-4pm. The marque feature of the show this year is Canadian Boats however all builds are welcome.

August 27th | 9-4pm • Lakeshore

Here for Good Market - Brainerd | The downtown Brainerd Colalition kicked off it's second season of this event with local growers and makers, live music, food, family-friendly activities, artist demos and games. Every Tuesday from 3-6pm June 7 - August 30th in downtown Brainerd.

Tuesdays June 7 - August 30th | 3-6pm • Downtown Brainerd

Read our 2021 Summer Bucket List blog post here.

Ready, Set, Summer!

Posted by Colton Maher on May 20th, 2022

Stay, Play, B.L.A. - a blog

The kick off to Summer has begun and we're excited to get out there and enjoy it to it's fullest in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

Check out our list of 30+ things to get the fun started from local attractions, new businesses, community events and everyday activities below.

Attractions + to dos

Get On The Water | Boat, paddle, and enjoy your recreation of choice on one of the many Great Lakes in the area! Ask us about recommendations for many types of boat or water toy rental resources!

Paul Bunyan Land | Paul Bunyan Land is an amusement park located in Brainerd, Minnesota, on This Old Farm. Its trademark is the 26-foot-tall animated and talking statue of Paul Bunyan.

Safari North Wildlife Park | Safari North is a family friendly wildlife park were you can feed a giraffe or ride a camel and see animals from around the world! Brainerd, MN

Northland Kart Kountry | Northland Kart Kountry brings the best in family fun to the Brainerd area. Go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, bungee bounce, bumper boats, and more! Brainerd, MN

Whistling Wolf Mini Golf | Discover the lakes area’s newest 18 hole mini-golf. Located in a scenic wooded setting, with waterfalls, meandering stream, and pond. Play the World Famous “Northern Pike Hole." Hit your final shot into the outhouse and win a free game. Crosslake, MN

Pirate's Cove Golf | Pirate-themed mini-golf chain with 18-hole, landscaped courses set among waterfalls & caves. Brainerd, MN

Nisswa Falls Mini Golf | Opened June 2022 in Nisswa, MN!

Brainerd Zipline Tour | Experience our 2.5 hour guided Zip Line Tour that consists of 7 zip lines, a suspended sky bridge, and an optional 50-foot free fall jump! Brainerd, MN

Gull Lake Cruises | Explore the tranquil waters of Gull Lake from a luxury yacht. Set Sail Today! Indoor and outdoor seating with two full service bars available. Gull Lake

Go Golfing | If hitting the links is a summer vacation must-do, we have courses that will fit your budget and your style of play. Many of our courses are nationally recognized. And did you know that the Brainerd Lakes Area has more golf holes than lakes?!

Take a Hike | Being among nature is a great way to disconnect with the everyday craziness. Fortunately, we have miles of trails for you to do just that. Crow Wing State Park, Fritz Loven Park, Mayo Lake Nature Preserve, and the Northland Arboretum are a few great options!

Visit the Loon Center | The new Loon Center is located in the heart of loon habitat, the National Loon Center will offer visitors an intimate look at freshwater and Minnesota’s state bird. Crosslake, MN

Downtown Nisswa Shopping | Shopping in downtown Nisswa is a local + tourist favorite and we're excited to welcome a few new small businesses to the area including the newest clothing boutique, Lake Latitude. Nisswa, MN - Stop by and say hi to us at Woods to Water!

Nisswa Family Fun Waterpark | Need a break from the lake? Bring the family into the waterpark + pool in Nisswa. Nisswa, MN

Pequot Splash Pad | In the works - Stay tuned! Pequot Lakes, MN

Outpost | An extension of MN Traders Co. serving up gourmet soft serve creations, traditional scoop ice cream, nostalgic candy, grab and go picnic food, and a small selection of summer-essential retail goods. Opening Memorial Day Weekend!! Pequot Lakes, MN

MN Traders Co. | Heading into it's first full Summer season! Swing into Traders for coffee, lunch, weekend brunch + shopping to one of it's many upcoming events including the first ever Bobber Town Block Party on June 4th 3pm-9pm! Pequot Lakes, MN

Spend the day in Walker | Walker combines a perfect blend of history, culture, shops, and culinary options into a unique and wonderful downtown experience, all nestled against the backdrop of the Leech Lake area’s picturesque landscape. Walker, MN

Sit on a patio | We've rounded up a list of our favorite patios here.

Go thrift shopping | Support small businesses, local crafters, and secondhand shopping by visiting one of the many thrift + antique stores in the Brainerd Lakes.

Visit a farmer's market | Support locals! Shop weekly area Farmers Markets. (Nisswa, Walker, Brainerd to name a few!)

Go berry picking | Support your Local Farmers and create sweet memories with your family by visiting a very picking farm. Double T Acres or Wallin's Strawberry farm are some local faves.

Watch the local water ski team! Family-friendly shows throughout the summer put on by the Brainerd Ski Loons!

Watch the local water ski team! Family-friendly shows throughout the summer put on by the Brainerd Ski Loons!

Charter sailboats, regattas and racing fleets at Gull Lake Yacht Club - Feeling ambitious? Sign up for youth and adult sailing lessons!

Looking to mix it up? Recreational vehicles! Kayaks, golf carts, side by sides, jet skis, pontoons or fishing boats - you name it, there's a spot to rent one. Ask us for recommendations or direction!

Meat Raffles: Nothing more Minnesotan. Snarky Loon Brewing: Sundays at 2:00 pm | Nisswa American Legion Fridays 4:30pm | Jenkins VFW Fridays 5pm | Be Merri at the Woods Seafood Raffle Tuesdays 6:30pm | Crosslake American Legion Fridays at 6:30pm

Events

Bobber Town Block Party | June 4th 3pm-9pm Live Music, food, fun! Brats and smoked sandwiches from the Smokestack Bbq's smoker trailer, Cash bar featuring GrayDuck Vodka, a guest appearance from Chad Greenway and more!

June 4th 3pm-9pm • Pequot Lakes, MN

Whitefish chain classic boat show | JUNE 18TH 10AM-4PM Gazebo bar, brats, burgers & Hot dogs on the deck, over 50 restored classic boats, and a boat parade. Take it all in and be sure to vote for your favorite!

June 18th 10Am-4Pm • Crosslake, MN - moonlite bay

Lakes Jam | June 22nd-June 25th Lakes Jam is an annual event that unites rock and country music fans from all walks of life and brings them to the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area.

June 22-25th • Brainerd, MN

Nisswa Freedom Days Celebration | Enjoy great shopping, food, live music and more fun all day! New this year: FIREWORKS

July 3rd • Nisswa, MN

Stars & Stripes Days | Celebrate our nation’s independence on July 3rd & 4th in Pequot Lakes! You’ll find fun activities for the whole family at Stars & Stripes Days, Minnesota’s BEST small town Independence Day celebration!

July 3-4th • Pequot Lakes, MN

Bean Hole Days | July 12-13, 2022 Come and celebrate Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes! This one-of-a-kind event is rootin' tootin' good fun for the whole family!

July 12-13 • Pequot Lakes, MN

The Gull Lake Classic at Bar Harbor | The Gull Lake Classic Show is August 27th from 9-4pm. The marque feature of the show this year is Canadian Boats however all builds are welcome.

August 27th | 9-4pm • Lakeshore

Here for Good Market - Brainerd | The downtown Brainerd Colalition kicked off it's second season of this event with local growers and makers, live music, food, family-friendly activities, artist demos and games. Every Tuesday from 3-6pm June 7 - August 30th in downtown Brainerd.

Tuesdays June 7 - August 30th | 3-6pm • Downtown Brainerd

Read our 2021 Summer Bucket List blog post here.

Ready, Set, Summer!

Leave A Comment