Area guide | Page #3

The inside scoop on where to go, what to do or where to find the best of the best in the area cross category.

A spotlight on Loonstar Lodge in Crosby, MN.

[blog content written by Taylor Hildreth + adapted from taylorjohildreth.com.]

Welcome to Crosby, Minnesota. A small former mining town that is arguably the most up-and-coming tourist destination in Minnesota. In the last seven years, this town has expanded, added new additions of shops and restaurants, and has become a must-ride mountain biking location. If you’ve been able to explore this area, you already know what a gem it is, and I’m sure you’re already planning a trip back ;) if you haven’t made an adventure throughout Cuyuna/Crosby, it’s a must-add to your Minnesota bucket list. Located about 20 minutes from Brainerd, MN and just over two-hours from the Twin Cities, Crosby is in a great…

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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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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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[insert negative temps]   

WINTER IS HERE, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOUR GOALS OF HOMEOWNERSHIP HAVE TO BE PUT ON HOLD. OUR VERY own woods to water agent PAUL AUGUSTINACK ANSWERS A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO THE WINTER HOUSING MARKET!

"Should I wait until Spring to buy?"

→ As long as you don't mind moving in the cold, the winter in our area is actually a great time to buy. Sellers selling during the winter often have a reason or some motivation to get a home sold, which can be leveraged to help negotiate. There are also normally fewer buyers shopping during the holidays and winter months. Fortune favors the brave in the case of moving through the winter. According to many local lenders, the pre-approval applications have slowed way…

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Brainerd boat show

March 10th-12th at the Northern Pacific Center. See their facebook page for more info. 

ST. PATRICKS DAY Celebration 

Saturday, March 11th in downtown Brainerd, MN. See their facebook page for more event information!  

49th annual CROSSLAKE st. patricks day parade & celebration 

Saturday, March 18th in Crosslake, MN.  All events scheduled to change. View the Crosslake Chamber website for more info and the most up to date schedule!  

Thursday, March 16 

9AM // 1st clue released to guide you to the Lost Pot O' Gold

Friday, March 17

9AM // 2nd clue released to guide you to the Lost Pot O' Gold

Saturday, March 18 

9AM // 3rd and final clue released to guide you to the Lost Pot O'Gold

9AM // 9th Annual…

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It's time to deck the halls! We've rounded up a list of the best places in the BLA + beyond to find the perfect tree.

CUT YOUR OWN

Wee Tree Christmas Tree Farm
13291 Galaxy Rd, Royalton, MN 56373
Featuring Christmas trees, greenery + gifts 
"cut your own christmas tree"
7531 Wetherbee Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401

PRE-CUT ONLY 

COPPER CREEK GARDEN CENTER + MARKET 
24735 MN-371, NISSWA, MN 56468

ERICKSON'S GREENHOUSE 
1004 SE 13TH ST, BRAINERD, MN 
LANDSBERG NURSERY 
16460 HIGHWAY 371 NORTH BRAINERD, MN

PRE-CUT AND CUT YOUR OWN OPTIONS 

JB CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
22591 153rd St, Pierz, MN 56364 
Hinkemeyer Tree farm
12675 22nd Ave NE, Rice, MN 56367
Grab your tree and enjoy sleigh rides and treats while…

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The rut is in full swing and tags are being filled throughout the BLA.

I have seen lots of chasing, fighting, and mid-day cruising from some nice deer! The key to hunting November is stand time. Rifle season kicked off last weekend and some hunters are lucky enough to get three weekends of rifle hunting depending on your zone. Don't forget about muzzloader and late season archery to follow. If you haven't filled a tag yet, you still have time! 

The rut has been picking up in the north woods which is right on schedule. For those who think it has come and gone... it has not. Statistically does are bred around the same time every year, due to fawns being born later in the spring to survive. Hunters will also experience a "2nd" rut in December! Still…

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The Holidays are upon us – nothing better than kicking off the season in 'Minnesota's best small town'!

Save the date for the nisswa city of lights event on Nov. 25th!

For more information as it's released, follow the Nisswa City of Lights event page and Woods to Water social pages.

Schedule of events updated as of November 11th.

Best Christmas Ever

Nominations are now closed and we're nearing family selection time with the amazing non-profit we've partnered with this holiday season, Best Christmas Ever. Be sure to stop by the Woods to Water office in Nisswa during the lighting event for some holiday cheer — grab a gift tag off our giving tree to support Best Christmas Ever! You can also donate directly through our kindful link. 

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Nothing says Minnesota like a good meat raffle.

 Here’s your guide to winning big in the BLA. We’ll MEAT you there!

MONDAY

FIFTY LAKES BAR & BOTTLE SHOP 

Raffles every Monday! Ticket sales start at 4:00pm and raffle at 5:30pm

YE OLD PICKLE FACTORY 

Mondays at 5:00pm 

TUESDAY

PEQUOT LAKES AMERICAN LEGION 49

Raffle begins at 5:30pm

WEDNESDAY

LUCKY'S TAVERN 

Wednesdays + Thursdays at 6:30pm 

THURSDAY

B*mERRI GASTROPUB 

Every Thursday night through the end of the year. Ticket sales start at 5:30pm and are drawn at 6:30pm. Tickets are $1 each and support the Northern Lakes Lightning youth hockey team. 

THE DEERSTAND 

Thursday nights at 6:30pm and Saturday afternoons at 3pm.

SIDETRACK BAR & GRILL 

…

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Whether you're looking for TRICKS or TREATS, here's your guide to all things Halloween happening this week around town: 

  • Oct 28th + 29th Haunted Hidden Hallows at Paul Bunyan Land from 7-10PM. Haunted house: $14, Corn Maze: $18, both attractions for $28. 

  • HALLOWEEN PARTY at ye old pickle factory IN NISSWA OCT 29TH FROM 8PM-MIDNIGHT featuring live music from the nissfits 

  • GRANDVIEW LODGE SPOOKTACULAR OCT 28TH-30TH. FOR GUESTS OF THE B.L.A STAYING AT GRAND VIEW LODGE. 

  • haunted bobbertown bungalows IN PEQUOT LAKES. October 28, 29, 30, 31 from 7:00PM-9:00PM.

  • NISSWA FIRE HAUNTED BARN & HAYRIDES at the nisswa fire station. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH. "Not So Scary HOURS" from 5-7PM (No Live Spooks) and "Scary Hours"…

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