Woods to Water Blog - Emma Gruber's Blog

A three day Gull Lake getaway feat. Love Lake Manor

[BLOG CONTENT WRITTEN BY TAYLOR HILDRETH + ADAPTED FROM TAYLORJOHILDRETH.COM.]

Summer adventures are right around the corner, and what better way to get away than to one of Minnesota’s premier chain of lakes - the Gull Lake Chain? This beautiful Minnesota destination offers a variety of activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike. 

The Brainerd Lakes Area (Gull Lake Chain) is located just over two hours north of the Twin Cities, making it the perfect cabin week away after what might be the longest winter ever. Trust me, you’ve earned the trip. 

As someone who both lives in the BLA & has had the opportunity to participate in a few local staycations here’s how I’d spend…

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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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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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[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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Winter is in full force in Minnesota, let's take advantage of every minute of it!

Lakes are starting to fill up with ice fishermen and snowmobiles have hit the trails. Hunters have just a little over a week to fill an archery tag with that season ending on December 31st. Local ice reports are saying that there is solid ice but all this snow calls for some slushy conditions. With the cooler temps recently, it should help. Many anglers report a good walleye bite on Gull and Pelican. Shiners and rainbows have been doing well. Crappies are also starting to hit on some of the smaller local lakes as well.

I can’t help but to think about spring and food plot season already as deer hunting season is coming to an end. I am already planning my food plots…

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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 the most wonderful time of the year (at least we think so!)

Check out upcoming events in the Brainerd Lakes area in the month of December.


Brunch with santa at MN traders | sunday december 18th 9am-1pm

Join us for an all-day Brunch with an appearance from Santa himself! Bring the whole family, kids are welcome to come chat with Santa at the fireplace white everyone enjoys an easy Sunday morning Brunch from our menu!

SERTOMA WINTER WONDERLAND 2022 | BRAINERD NORTHLAND ARBORETUM December 7-10, 14-17, and 21-31

Breathtaking lights, reflecting off of the sparkling white snow and strung into captivating displays will delight visitors as they drive through the Sertoma Winter…

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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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