This charming city is based in the heart of Minnesota Lake country, just beside the Mississippi River. The city is an excellent base for outdoor adventures, where you can try biking, hiking, and fishing amidst picturesque scenery. The city is practically on the banks of beautiful Brainerd Lakes and is the county seat of Crow Wing County. The town is best discovered on bikes through the trails of nature. The longest paved bike trail also touches the city–the Paul Bunyan Trail starts from the southern part of Crow Wing State Park. Various hiking trails are also spread throughout the city. You can also try fishing to catch varieties like sunfish, walleye, bass, and crappie. Soak in the beauty of the lakes or learn about the history of the town–you can expect lots of adventure to do in this town. Check out some fun things to do in Brainerd, Minnesota.
1. Explore the historic Northern Pacific Center
This enchanting set of buildings is located in the heart of the city and was built by Northern Pacific Railroad. Later, this set got registered in the National Register of Historic Places in the year 1989. It is actually a mixed-use complex which houses various kinds of businesses, from restaurants to art galleries. The place provides an interesting working place with historic value. Originally, these buildings were constructed by Northern Pacific Railroad in 1882 to construct and repair their own equipment.
Northern Pacific Center
Address: 1511 Northern Pacific Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Northern Pacific Center
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Make a splash at Three Bear Waterpark
This charming waterpark of Brainerd offers full-time entertainment for kids as well as adults. It has a number of water rides, like a grand splash pool, tube slide, body slide, and giant hot tubs. For the kids, there are separate slides like tot slide for the toddlers or plunge slide for slightly older kids. For a leisurely ride, float on the lazy river. After a heavy day of fun, grab some food and drink at the park’s The Grill & Bar. For a different genre of experience, you can try the multi-level laser tag and arcade games at the park.
Three Bear Waterpark
Address: 15739 Audubon Way, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Three Bear Waterpark
Opening hours: Thu: 4pm - 9pm, Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 12am - 12pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: From 17 USD
3. Visit the historic Brainerd Water Tower
The Brainerd Water Tower is an icon of this town. This historic water tower was the first all-concrete water tank that was used by a United States municipality. The tower, for its ornate turret and parapet, looks like a castle. The water tower is almost a century old, built around 1919 to 1922. It was used until 1959 to 1960, after which it served as one of the iconic attractions of the town. Since the last few years, the tower has been in need of serious repair. The tower was originally constructed by eminent architect L.P. Wolff.
Brainerd Water Tower
Address: 624 Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Brainerd Water Tower
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4. Plan a family picnic at Lum Park
This huge park consists of huge playground, camping area, picnic shelters, and a private beach. The 18-site RV campground is all set to provide a unique camping experience. There are also facilities like picnic tables, electricity, fire rings, and pavilions for a good day out. The park offers excellent views of Rice Lake, which is a part of the Mississippi River. Here, you can try activities like kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, etc. The park is located close to the shopping and dining areas of the city so you won’t be cut off from the urban world while enjoying the calm beauty of nature.
Lum Park
Address: 1619 NE Washington Street, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Lum Park
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
5. Delve into history at Crow Wing County Museum
Friday Fun Fact: The CWC Historical Society and Museum was built in 1917 and once used as the jail and Sheriff’s...
Posted by Crow Wing County, Minnesota on Friday, 27 September 2019
In a periodic home from 1920, you can have a glimpse of the history of this region. The building used to be a jail and home of the former sheriff. Nowadays, it has a small museum and library with historical photographs, books, and maps. The exhibits are spread over three floors, which give a glimpse of the history behind the railroad and mining industry and the former lumber industry. The lifestyle of that era is also featured in its various photographs and books.
Crow Wing County Museum
Address: 320 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Crow Wing County Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 3 USD
6. Engage in outdoor sports at Gregory Park
This charming community park is perfect for taking an evening stroll or enjoying various kinds of outdoor sports. There are two grand playgrounds, five tennis courts, and a basketball court. A pickle ball court is also available along with skating rink to practice skating. There are plenty of restrooms in the park for its visitors. The charming fountain adds a sleek touch in the entire scenario.
Gregory Park
Address: 511 N 5th St, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Gregory Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Hike through Kiwanis Park
A number of hiking trails are spread all around this beautiful park beside the Mississippi River. The paved walking path through the park leads towards picturesque Boom Lake. The park provides access to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, Buffalo Hills Trail, and Cuyuna State Trail. There are two picnic shelters, picnic tables, and grill facilities to spend a great time with your family. If you love fishing, there are two piers for fishing inside this park.
Kiwanis Park
Address: 1101 E River Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
8. Enjoy a day with animals in Safari North Wildlife Park
The unique Safari North Wildlife Park was created by the Vogel couple in the year 2014. It is home to many exotic animals. Here, you can see raccoons, skunks, porcupines, big cats, alligators, llamas, kangaroo, and more. The main aim of Kevin Vogel and his wife Kelly is to promote the conservation of wildlife. Kelly and Kevin together have over 50 years of experience working with exotic animals. Thus, they have created a safe and secure home for them. Here, you can hand-feed the animals as they love to eat treats given by the visitors. There are plenty of spaces for the kids to play or enjoy an ice-cream or snacks under the tree.
Safari North Wildlife Park
Address: 8493 MN-371, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Safari North Wildlife Park
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 14.99 USD
9. Experience the thrill of car-racing at Brainerd International Raceway
If you are obsessed with cars and speed, you must visit Brainerd International Raceway. This racetrack is the largest one in the Upper Midwest. It also offers the most diverse motorsports, like superbike racing, road racing, endurance racing, drag racing, drifting, autocross competitions, and snowmobiles racing. You can also learn basics in BIR Performance Driving School. It also organizes one-day classes to train people to handle high-speed driving.
Brainerd International Raceway
Address: 5523 Birchdale Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Brainerd International Raceway
10. Get amused at Paul Bunyan Land
The amusement park Paul Bunyan Land is famous for its giant-sized talking statue of Paul Bunyan. This statue calls every child by their name as soon as they enter in this park. There are around 27 rides available for the children like Tilt-a-whirl, Ferris Wheel, Frog Hopper, Ghost Mine, Merry Go Round, Flight Commander, and more. Established in the year 1954, it also has a model village called Pioneer Village which houses relics from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Paul Bunyan Land
Address: 17553 MN-18, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Paul Bunyan Land
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 21.95 USD
11. Dine with excellent views of the marina at Ernie's on Gull
This typical American steakhouse and bar is located beside the beautiful Gull Lake. It has a charming patio where you can sit and eat with the view of the marina. If you are lucky, you can also catch up with some live music. The restaurant is named after its founder, Ernie Ritari, an immigrant from Finland. He had established a camping and fishing resort on the east side of Gull Lake. Today, it is run by brothers Chris and Mike Foy. Ernie’s on Gull serves a special Prime Rib, which is available every Friday and Saturday night.
Ernie's on Gull
Address: 10424 Squaw Point Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Ernie’s on Gull
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am
12. Grab some beers at Roundhouse Brewery
Located in the retired Brainerd railyard, Roundhouse Brewery is a place to grab some excellent beers. The authentic historic setup is maintained to date. It used to be a roundhouse for the trains. Here, you can also get acquainted with the brewing process of these beers. Roundhouse Brewery wonderfully brings two elements together–beer and history.
Roundhouse Brewery
Address: 1551 Northern Pacific Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: Roundhouse Brewery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat : 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
13. Take a cruise on Gull Lake
The city of Brainerd is located beside beautiful Gull Lake. You can explore this beautiful lake and its surrounding area on a luxury cruise. Cruise on the North Star, which has an outdoor observation deck and a comfortable inner salon. There are two bars on the cruise which serve excellent wines and beers. Local specialty food items are also available on the cruise. You can also opt for a private chartered yacht for any events or weddings.
Gull Lake Cruises
Address: Cragun’s on Gull, 11000 Cragun’s Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401
Website: Gull Lake Cruises
14. Explore dirt track racing at North Central Speedway
For a unique experience of racing, you can try the North Central Speedway. The entire racetrack is designed for dirt track racing. This unique activity can be tried only during summertime, from April to October. Every Saturday night they host races where you can experience the thrill. North Central Speedway was established in the year 1956 and is owned by Cliff Sasker.
North Central Speedway
Address: 9651 MN-371BUS, Brainerd, MN 56401, United States
Website: North Central Speedway
15. Shop till you drop at Westgate Mall
Posted by Westgate Mall on Saturday, 28 October 2017
Your trip to this city won’t be completed without a dose of serious shopping. Visit this one-level strip mall which has a great collection of clothing, beauty products, and healthcare products. You are sure to find every item you desire under one roof. Some international brands can be found here along with local ones. End your Brainerd visit perfectly with a fulfilling shopping trip here.
Westgate Mall
Address: 14136 Baxter Dr, Brainerd, MN 56425, United States
Website: Westgate Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am – 9pm; Sat: 10am – 6pm; Sun: 12pm – 5pm
The city of outdoor activities
The city of Brainerd offers numerous outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and more. Family activities can also be enjoyed, like a lake cruise, picnic, or a visit to the local museums. Altogether, this city great to visit at any time of the year.
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