The opportunity to pack your bags, get out of town and swap out daily responsibilities for fun and entertainment is an opportunity nobody wants to pass up. Picking an amazing vacation destination often begins with setting your travel sights on a place that pairs scenic beauty, options for fun, and just as many moments dedicated to rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. If you’re a traveler with time set aside to discover and explore something new, setting your sights on a summer or fall in Brainerd, Minnesota is a must!
This inviting locale is loved by locals and visitors alike for its plethora of options for fun and spectacular natural beauty that’s made to match. Integrated into the greater Brainerd Lakes region of the state, this is a central Minnesota vacation destination that promises to be as intriguing for solo travelers with a heart for adventure as it is for couples looking to make the most of a romantic escape or families looking forward to spending quality time together somewhere new.
Whether you’re looking forward to time in the forested, hilly, and lake-centric great outdoors while you’re in town or can’t wait to make the most of the many world-class amenities that await, Brainerd is the best option when versatile vacation experiences top your priority list. When you’re putting the finishing touches on your itinerary be sure to add the following stops, activities, and attractions to the summer and fall fun so you can easily turn a great trip into an absolutely unforgettable experience that will have you coming back for more!
Things to Do While You’re Here: From Green Spaces to Waterparks
Wonderful weather is part of the lineup for those who venture towards Brainerd in the summer or fall. That makes it easy to want to spend as much time outdoors as possible with good reason! Fortunately for travelers with their sights set on this exciting destination, there are a variety of parks to choose from and enjoy that caters to a desire to make the absolute most of time in green spaces while you’re visiting.
Lum Park should definitely be on your list of must-visit places to enjoy during your escape this summer or fall in Brainerd. Situated at 1619 NE Washington Street, this spacious destination is visited by some in the name of camping fun but for others, it’s simply a place that offers up tranquility and opportunities for recreation in equal measure. Lum Park hosts lush green spaces, towering trees that give visitors plenty of inspiration for a picnic as well as easy water access for those who prefer to spend a warm afternoon on the waves casting a line and waiting for something good to bite! If you’re feeling more like working on that summer tan, Lum Park hosts a public beach where you can grab a chair, settle in and soak up the rays without interruption. While some may choose to swim, Lum Park is also a place where you can enjoy some friendly competition if you’re up for that too. The park hosts a wonderful disc golf course as well as a volleyball court. If you happen to be traveling here with little ones, make the most of time on the playgrounds which are sure to please.
Gregory Park is another great option if you’re in the mood to stroll the trails, enjoy the scenery and let little ones play! Gregory Park is located at 511 N. 5th Street and is easy to spot thanks to the massive central water fountain that has long been one of its most intriguing defining features. Gregory Park hosts a variety of playgrounds that will keep kids entertained throughout the afternoon and is also home to basketball and tennis courts for those that are looking to put their athletic skills to the test during a visit! Towering trees throughout the park make for great climbing experiences too!
If you happen to be in town when summer temperatures start to rise, swapping out your green parks for some of Brainerd’s best waterparks is a good way to go! While these are perfect places to cool off mid-summer, they’re just as fun in the fall before cooler weather rolls into Minnesota. Start your waterpark adventures with a trip to Three Bear Waterpark. Situated within the parameters of a hotel at 15739 Audubon Way, Three Bear Waterpark is the perfect place to curb a craving for swimming, sliding, and adrenaline-pumping fun for the entire family! This indoor waterpark includes access to incredible waterslides, tubing adventures, a lazy river, and hot tubs for a luxurious touch too. If you happen to work up an appetite during your visit, there’s an on-site eatery that will help visitors refuel with ease. The waterpark is open to those without a hotel reservation Sunday through Thursday and the cost to enjoy time here is $14.99 per person.
Those looking for even more in the way of waterpark fun will want to make time on the itinerary for a day at the Paul Bunyan Waterpark too! Located at 6967 Lake Forest Road, the Paul Bunyan Waterpark is a family-focused destination where visitors can make the most of a massive indoor complex dedicated to one-of-a-kind waterslides, time on the lazy river, hot tubs, pools designated for swimmers of all ages, and even options for water basketball. This waterpark expands to dry land and hosts access to an arcade as well as outdoor volleyball courts when you want to mix and match the fun.
Get into Nature: Hiking Trails and Bike Rentals
Finding time to get into nature and enjoy the wonder of it all isn’t hard to do when you’re in Brainerd. This destination boasts plenty of natural beauty to explore and discover, particularly for those who are excited to lace up their boots and hit the hiking trails! While a hike during the summer in Brainerd is sure to inspire, there’s something special about a fall trek when the leaves are changing colors. Either way, you’ll have plenty of options and routes to relish when you’re excited to get more into the great outdoors.
Crow Wing State Park is a good place to start if you’re looking to enjoy a more leisurely trek and could stand to pair it with some great views too! Crow Wing State Park is situated at 3124 State Park Road and enjoys a location at the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers. This former frontier town is today a great place to enjoy lush surroundings, follow the pathways, keep your eyes peeled for birds and savor waterfront views too. If you’re willing to incorporate some stairs into your experience, this destination provides a route to Chippewa Lookout where you can take in the Mississippi River sights from a new vantage point.
A hike through Pillsbury State Forest is also a welcome option for those who have a bit more experience on the trails and are excited to push their limits a little more. Pillsbury State Forest is located off of County Road 77 in Brainerd. The trails at this locale are loved for their trajectory through heavily forested terrain made up of both coniferous and deciduous trees. As you make your way along the pathways that call Pillsbury State Forest home, you’ll encounter a collection of lakes and ponds as well as a plethora of wildflowers and wildlife including deer and beavers.
While walking your way through a summer or fall getaway to Brainerd is sure to be an inspiring activity, there’s plenty of options for those who prefer to hit the trails on two wheels as well. Renting a bike and exploring the vast terrain is a great way to enjoy your surroundings and a wonderful option for those who are looking to cover more ground in less time. Both Muddy Bikes and Easy Riders Bicycle and Sports are great choices for those who are looking to take things at their own pace on the trails. For visitors hoping to amp things up a bit and find themselves leaning towards dirt bikes or motorized adventures, a rental selected at Brothers Motor Sports in Baxter is likely the way to go.
Family Fun Activities
Brainerd is an exceptional vacation destination in both the summer and fall seasons for families that are excited to get out of town and enjoy some well-earned time together enjoying activities that cater to visitors of all ages. When you’re here, there’s definitely no shortage of options for activities to choose from that keep a family-friendly focus top of mind.
Begin your family-fun adventure in Brainerd by heading over to the Safari North Wildlife Park. Situated at 8493 MN-371, the Safari North Wildlife Park is the perfect place to get up close with some of the world’s most exotic creatures and learn more about conservation efforts that are keeping endangered species thriving too. Open from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily, the Safari North Wildlife Park is home to hundreds of animals including lemurs, giraffes, kangaroos, and beyond. Tour the wildlife park in traditional style or sign up for an up-close encounter when you’re hoping to learn more about some of these amazing creatures.
If adrenaline-pumping fun is more your family’s style, you’re in luck with a trip to Brainerd and the ever-popular Northland Kart Kountry experience! This oasis of fun features a fantastic go-kart track where family members can put their driving skills to the test in some friendly competition that’s sure to thrill. Located at 17568 MN-371, Northland Kart is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. offering up a flexible scheduling option so you can race whenever you’re in the mood to do so!
When you’ve crossed the go-kart finish line, slow things down a bit by heading over to Pirates Cove Adventure Golf with the entire family. Situated at 17992 MN-371, Pirates Cove Adventure Golf is a pirate-themed 18-hole putt-putt experience that everyone is sure to enjoy. This stop comes complete with waterfall and cave features within the whimsical and meticulously maintained landscape. The course is open from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. daily for those ready to grab a club and get that hole-in-one.
Lakeside Beaches to Check Out
A trip to Brainerd Country can hardly be considered complete without some time on the sand. This area hosts a wide variety of lakeside beaches to check out that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just enjoying time soaking up the sun and building sandcastles.
The Whipple Beach Recreation Area is a good place to find yourself when you’re looking for outdoor options that are paired with a view. Located at 14441 Oakwood Drive in Baxter, Whipple Beach offers visitors access to an inviting stretch of shoreline paired with benches, a fishing pier, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and more! Customize your time on the sand to fit your preferences and feel free to breathe easy in this scenic locale.
Restaurants to Enjoy
Finding fantastic places to dine is half the fun of any trip and your summer or fall travels to Brainerd are no exception to the rule! If you’re here and find yourself craving some savory American fare in a setting that speaks to a touch of old-time nostalgia, be sure to head over to the Northwind Grill at 603 Laurel Street. This inviting eatery serves up burgers, sandwiches, and home-style favorites in abundance and invites guests to settle in a cozy booth while they make the most of the menu options. Counter seating is available here too and the service is known for being friendly!
Places to Stay in Brainerd
For all of the fun and excitement a trip to Brainerd promises to bring, there’s something exceptionally wonderful about knowing you’re booked into rental accommodations that keep you close to the places you can’t wait to explore. Visitors who partner with Gull Lake Beach Resorts can customize their stay to fit their needs and exceed expectations too. Many of our properties feature open-concept design and offer up waterfront views paired with tasteful furnishings, fantastic fireplaces, and full kitchens for those moments when you’re not dining out. Reach out today to learn more about our many property options and to begin planning your summer or fall getaway to Brainerd!
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