Celebrate Labor Day + Kick Off Fall with Woods to Water

Posted by Colton Maher on August 25th, 2025

Celebrate Labor Day + Kick Off Fall with Woods to Water

The last long weekend of summer is here! Whether you’re catching live music, teeing off at a PGA Tour Americas event, or sneaking in one last lakeside getaway, the Brainerd Lakes Area is packed with ways to celebrate Labor Day week.

We’ve rounded up the highlights across Nisswa, Crosslake, and Pequot Lakes so you can plan your perfect weekend.

FEATURE EVENT: CRMC Championship – PGA Tour Americas

When: Thursday–Sunday, Aug 21–24, 2025
Where: Cragun’s Legacy Courses, Brainerd

World-class golf comes to the Lakes Area! Book the BLA is proud to be a community sponsor of the CRMC Championship, part of PGA Tour Americas. Don’t miss this premier event showcasing top golfers on one of…

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March Madness! 51st Annual St Patrick's Day in Cross

Posted by Colton Maher on March 6th, 2025

st patty's in crosslake, mn - an annual tradition

As the weather warms up and the Brainerd Lakes Area begins to bloom, there’s no better time to enjoy the seasonal celebrations that bring the community together. One of the most highly anticipated events of the spring is the Crosslake St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration. This annual event is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, featuring a festive parade, lively activities, and lots of Irish spirit! 

51st ANNUAL ST PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | Crosslake, MN

The 51st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration in Crosslake will be taking place on Saturday, March 16, 2025. It’s the perfect way to embrace the excitement of the season and enjoy the charm of one…

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Autumn Up North

Posted by Colton Maher on September 10th, 2024

ACBS Vintage Boat Week and International Show

SEPT 11 - SEPT 14 | BAR HARBOR SUPPER CLUB, NISSwa, MN

The Antique & Classic Boat Society's International Boat Show will return to Gull Lake September 8-15, 2024. The 49th edition of this renowned gathering is themed "Woods And Water II" and will again be situated at the famous Bar Harbor Supper Club in Lake Shore, Minnesota. The ACBS International Boat Show consistently draws some of the top vintage boats in the world. The opportunity to see over 100 of the finest boats on the planet assembled in one place will make this an extraordinary show! Don't miss it. See the event page for details. 

Cheers to 3 years - Anniversary Party at MN Traders Co.

SEPT 14 | MN…

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Outdoorsman Update: Issue 21 | Spring on the horizon

Posted by Colton Maher on February 13th, 2024

Spring on the Horizon 

With the mild winter we have had so far, it sure feels like spring is near! February presents a lot of great outdoor opportunities!  

ICE FISHING ANGLERS REPORT A SLOWER BITE WITH LIVE BAIT STILL DOING THE BEST.

Ice conditions are changing daily so make sure to get the local report from bait shops and local guides before you go.

It’s time to "get sheddy" as my good friends at Domain say! February is go time for shed hunters. Bucks are losing their headgear daily. With these mild temps, it sure makes putting on the miles more enjoyable. While shed hunting I take the opportunity to do some scouting and look at all the sign from the past fall. I have been out a few times doing some TSI (Timber Stand Improvements) work…

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MARKET IN A MINUTE: Embrace the Chill

Posted by Colton Maher on January 24th, 2024

Content by Isaiah Moengen, Woods to Water Agent. Photo by BlazeAir Productions 

Winter may bring a chill to the air, but for savvy homebuyers, it also ushers in a season of unique opportunities in the real estate market. In this blog post, we'll explore a valuable off-season tip for buyers – one that encourages embracing the chill and turning the winter months into a prime time for finding your dream home. 

THE OFFSEASON ADVANTAGE

House hunting during the colder months may not be as popular, but it comes with its advantages. Sellers looking to make a move during winter might be more motivated, presenting an opportunity for buyers to negotiate favorable terms, including potentially flexible pricing. 

UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Winter can…

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How to "Up North": Winning Big This Winter

Posted by Colton Maher on January 15th, 2024

It's finally Winter in the North. Can you feel it? 

brave the cold for a game of bingo, trivia, or a good old-fashioned local meat raffle. See ya there?

BINGO 

Wednesdays | ERNIE'S ON GULL | EAST GULL LAKE, MN 

Join for Bingo and grab a smash burger and any tap beer for $12 bucks through the Winter season. Visit their Facebook page for more info.

 

Wednesdays | nisswa American legion | Nisswa, MN 

Each week starting at 6:30pm. Check their calendar and Facebook page for updates. 

 

Thursdays + saturdays | The Commander | Breezy Point, MN 

Thursdays at 6:30pm & Saturdays at 2pm upstairs at The Commander in Breezy. Full menu + bar offerings as well! View a full list of their events. 

 

THURSDAYS | snarky loon…

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Beat cabin fever: Your guide to Winter in the Lakes Area

Posted by Colton Maher on December 22nd, 2023

*PLEASE NOTE WITH THE UNSEASONABLE WEATHER, WE RECOMMEND YOU CHECK EVENT PAGES FOR UPDATES LEADING UP TO THE EVENT DATE FOR CANCELLATIONS, ETC. 

Breezy Point Ice Fest 

JANUARY 5TH + 6TH | BREEZY POINT RESORT, BREEZY POINT, MN 

Enjoy specialty drinks, great food, and ice skating on Breezy Bay with a full schedule of events. See more info on their Facebook page. 

Haapajoki Memorial Cup 

JANUARY 6TH | BAXTER, MN 

The Jake Haapajoki Memorial Cup is a 3 on 3 hockey tournament in memory of Jake Haapajoki who took his life in 2018. Jake was a bright, loving, and caring kid who could always make everyone laugh. In his memory, the tournament raises money for suicide prevention and awareness and funds a scholarship to give to students at…

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Must Do Before Summer Ends!

Posted by Colton Maher on July 29th, 2022

Summer is floating away in the BLA!

Check out our top 10 MUST DOS before the end of the month below:

1. Go Sit on a Patio

2. Jump in the lake

3. Do a Watersport

4. Bike The Trails

5. Pick Berries

6. Visit The Zoo

7. Go To The Waterpark

8. Go Camping

9. Visit The Crow Wing County or State Fair

10. Check out the New Nisswa Falls Mini Golf Course

Have fun and soak up Summer!

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HEAD NORTH FOR THE 4TH

Posted by Colton Maher on July 1st, 2019

 

For me, the 4th of July brings to mind nostalgic memories of Lake Country; small town parades, pork on a stick, sunburned skin from too much lake time. The energy, excitement and pure bliss in this area, especially over the 4th of July is nothing short of contagious - once you experience “the 4th up north”, it’s just something you want to be a part of, over and over again. Even once we moved out of the area, year after year we would “head up north” or return home to celebrate the 4th of July - it’s where we always wanted to be. We love celebrating these childhood memories over and over and now we have the opportunity to pass these traditions on to our own little family.

Holiday events such as these are important to us on so many levels. They…

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