Brainerd Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota, Brainerd is a charming city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Brainerd is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its picturesque lakes, lush forests, and rolling hills, it's no wonder that Brainerd is often referred to as the "Gateway to the North."

One of the main draws of Brainerd is its abundance of lakes. With over 500 lakes in the surrounding area, it's a paradise for fishing, boating, and water sports. Whether you're an avid angler looking to reel in a trophy walleye or a family looking to spend a relaxing day on the water, Brainerd has a lake for everyone. Gull Lake, one of the largest and most popular lakes in the region, offers crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Brainerd is home to world-class golf courses and thrilling adventure parks. The Brainerd International Raceway attracts motorsport enthusiasts from around the country with its high-speed races and thrilling events. If you prefer a slower pace, the area also boasts several top-notch golf courses, where you can tee off surrounded by stunning views of the countryside.

Brainerd is also a haven for history buffs. The city has a rich heritage dating back to the late 1800s, and many of its historic buildings and landmarks have been preserved for visitors to explore. The Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that highlight the area's Native American heritage, pioneer era, and logging industry.

When it comes to dining, Brainerd has a vibrant culinary scene that caters to all tastes. From cozy cafes serving up homemade comfort food to elegant restaurants specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, there's something for every palate. Be sure to sample the local delicacies, such as walleye, wild rice, and juicy Minnesota-grown berries.

Alternative names: Founded: 1870 (154 years ago)Population: 13.4 thous.Area: 12.84 mi²Elevation: 1211 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°21'30"N, 94°12'6"W

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MinnesotaUnited States

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Brainerd Top Attractions

Brainerd Attractions - What to See and Explore

Brainerd offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Paul Bunyan Land, Franklin Arts Center, Crow Wing County Courthouse and Jail, Northland Arboretum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Theme park • Amusement park
Paul Bunyan Land
Nestled in the heart of Crow Wing County, Minnesota, Paul Bunyan Land is a family-friendly amusement park that brings to life the tall tales of the Northwoods. This enchanting park is centered around the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his trusty blue ox, Babe...
Art gallery • Museum • Gothic Revival architecture
Franklin Arts Center
Franklin Junior High School is a historic former school building in Brainerd, Minnesota, United States. The core sections were built in 1932 and extensions were added on in 1954 and 1962. The school closed in 2005.
Museum
Crow Wing County Courthouse and Jail
The Crow Wing Historic County Courthouse, in Brainerd, Minnesota, United States, is a Beaux-Arts courthouse built in 1920. The building, along with its adjoining jail, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Natural attraction • Hiking trail • Park
Northland Arboretum
The Northland Arboretum is a 583-acre non-profit arboretum and nature reserve in Brainerd, Minnesota, United States. The arboretum was founded in 1972 when the Brainerd Landfill closed; that original 40-acre landfill site now supports a grassland.
Bridge
Washington Street Bridge
The Washington Street Bridge was built 1932–1934 in Brainerd in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It carries four lanes of Minnesota State Highway 210 across the Upper Mississippi River.
Romanesque architecture
Parker Building
The Parker Building is a historic commercial building located in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Tower
Brainerd Water Tower
The Brainerd Water Tower is located at Sixth and Washington in Brainerd in the U.S. state of Minnesota. Built in 1918, it was the first all-concrete elevated tank used by a municipality in the United States; even though it was replaced in 1960, it remains standing as an icon of the town.
Library
Brainerd Public Library
The historic Brainerd Public Library is a Carnegie library built in 1904. The building is located at 206 7th Street North in Brainerd, Minnesota, United States, and is in the Classical Revival architectural style using granite and brick.

Day trips

Brainerd – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Brainerd, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Garrison Concourse Wayside Park (Garrison), Mille Lacs Indian Museum (Onamia), Charles A. Lindbergh State Park (Little Falls).

19 milesE
Sculpture, Park
Garrison Concourse Wayside Park, Garrison
The Garrison Concourse is a roadside park on Mille Lacs Lake in Garrison, Minnesota, United States. The site consists of a wide parking area and scenic overlook projecting out into the lake, plus landscaped parkland along the shore in both directions.
25 milesSE
Specialty museum, History museum, Shopping
Mille Lacs Indian Museum, Onamia
The Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post is a museum dedicated to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's history, culture, and contemporary life. It officially opened to the public on May 18, 1996. Located in Onamia, Minnesota, United States, it is one of the 26 historical sites and museums run by the Minnesota Historical Society.
29 milesS
Museum, History museum
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, Little Falls
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is a 569-acre Minnesota state park on the outskirts of Little Falls. The park was once the farm of Congressman Charles August Lindbergh and his son Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator.
28 milesS
View point, Dam
Little Falls Dam, Little Falls
Little Falls Dam is a hydroelectric dam across the Mississippi River in the city of Little Falls, Minnesota, United States.
37 milesSE
National park
Father Hennepin State Park
One of the main highlights of Father Hennepin State Park is its picturesque hiking trails that wind through the park's diverse landscapes. Visitors can embark on a leisurely stroll through the woods, or challenge themselves with more rugged terrain, all while taking in...

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Best Time To Visit Brainerd

Learn when is the best time to travel to Brainerd weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July, August and October are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in June and July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Brainerd?

The top attractions to visit in Brainerd are:

What is the best time to visit Brainerd?

June, July, August and October are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.