Gull Lake, Minnesota is a gorgeous and welcoming place to enjoy year-round, but there’s something particularly appealing about a summer getaway this direction. Whether you’re one for outdoor adventure or you’re craving a relaxing and restorative vacation, Gull Lake has something wonderful waiting for you. From the lush terrain mazed with hiking trails to the clear waters that beckon boats, swimmers, and anglers alike, there’s something for everyone to enjoy under the summer sun. When you’re ready to pack a suitcase and make your way to Gull Lake, the following is your summer guide to making the most of the fun that awaits! Consider this a starting point to a one-of-a-kind summer in Gull Lake adventure that will certainly have you planning a return trip before you’ve even finished this first adventure.
Activities to Enjoy During Your Summer Getaway
Making the most of a summer adventure to Gull Lake, Minnesota often means focusing some fun on the water! Gull lake is a sprawling place to explore and discover something new and a great way to do just that at your very own pace is with a rental boat. Fortunately, those looking forward to time on the waves will find there plenty of options whether you’re up for renting a pontoon, kayak, canoe, fishing boat or something in between. Both Lake Fun Rentals in Nisswa and Your Boat Club Gull Lake in Lake Shore are great places to start your search when you’re ready to leave the land in distance and enjoy every second of your watery adventure. For the ultimate convenience, simply rent one of our vessels and it will be docked near your cabin. The Gull Lake Beach Resorts fleet features a variety of pontoon and fishing boats to meet any party’s needs.
Of course, if you’re a traveler who prefers a guided on-the-water experience with some flavor and fun to match, booking a cruise while you’re visiting in the summer is definitely the way to go! Gull Lake Cruises is a premier provider of sightseeing and dinner cruises in this area and is wonderful place to book an experience you won’t soon forget. Headquartered at 11000 Craguns Drive in Brainerd, Gull Lake Cruises is open daily from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm. Travelers who book a cruise through this company will enjoy options that make for a customized experience on the waves. Your Gull Lake escape will start with boarding a luxury yacht where you’ll find two levels and two separate onboard bars to enjoy while you sail. Day and evening dining and sightseeing cruises can be booked through Gull Lake Cruises whether you’re looking to make it a group event or prefer a private experience. The yacht’s spacious observation deck provides a place to take in unobstructed and undeniably scenic views of the surrounding landscape from a vantage point on the water. With Gull Lake Cruises, your sightseeing is taken to a new level of excellence with every trip.
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Add Some Adrenaline into the Mix
For those who prefer adrenaline-pumping fun built into their summer Gull Lake getaway, spending time at Brainerd Zip Line Tour is a must. Located at 9898 County Road 77 SW in Nisswa near the Mount Ski Gull Area, Brainerd Zip Line Tour is a tantalizing place to defy gravity and take your adventure to new heights. Touted as the very best way to see the Brainerd Lakes region, a zip line tour here promises to be an unforgettable adventure from start to finish. This 2.5-hour guided experience takes visitors across not one, but seven zip lines as well as a 50-foot free fall jump and a suspended sky bridge to top it all off. The views are impeccable, and the challenge is well-worth the effort just to get that bird’s eye view of the terrain. In fact, the zip line park boasts 15 miles worth of views from its elevated Mount Ski Gull vantage point. Those who visit Brainerd Zip Line Tour need to be at least 10 years old, weight 70-250 pounds and be wearing closed-toe shoes to enjoy the fun. A reservation is required in advance, and you’ll need to sign a wavier before you head off on your adventure!
Hike or Bike Your Way to Adventure
If you’re the type of traveler that prefers time on the ground rather than an elevated view, hiking or biking your way through a summer Gull Lake stay is sure to inspire. There are a variety of trails that wind through this region that are just right for trekking or cycling alike. The Paul Bunyan Access Trail is a great place to start your adventure if you want to customize your day on the route according to skill level and pace. Fritz Loven Park in nearby Lake Shore is a particularly appealing hiking destination while the Gull Lake Recreation Area hosts a multitude of trail access points in tandem with playgrounds, flower beds and lush scenery to enjoy.
Find Your Fishing Stride on Gull Lake
For avid anglers excited to get out on the water and cast a line, Gull Lake is a gorgeous and lucrative place to wait for a bite. Many anglers come here with plans to make it a solo adventure on the water, but chartered fishing experiences are just as easy to access when you’re in town over the summer. Boggs Fishing Adventures in Lake Shore, Walleydan’s Guide Service in Nisswa and Todd Andrist in Brainerd are all great places to start when you’re looking for a guided fishing experience where gear is included in the booking cost. No matter which company you select, anglers will find that the waters of Gull Lake are stocked with a variety of exciting species including pan fish, walleye, and northern pike just to name a few.
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Focus on the Family Fun
When your summer getaway to Gull Lake happens to be in the company of the entire family, having some family-friendly stops to add to the itinerary is essential. Luckily, Gull Lake and the surrounding communities are packed with places to enjoy when you’re traveling with adventurers of all ages and interests. Consider heading over to Northland Kart Kountry Family Fun Park when go-karting sounds like just your family’s style. This stop is a great place to let everyone get behind the wheel and engage in a little friendly competition on the track. Northland Kart Kountry even has lower-powered junior karts to help younger kids get in on the fun safely. When you’ve had your fill of excitement on the track, this stop also hosts a 23-foot climbing wall with five different routes to choose as you make your way towards the top. Between the basketball trampoline area and the 18-hole mini golf course, you’ll find it easy to linger at Northland Kart Kountry and possibly return a time or two during your stay!
On a mild weather day, mini golf options can be expanded at places like Pirates Cove near Gull Lake. Pirates Cove Adventure Golf is located at 17992 MN-371 in Brainerd and provides guests with two 18-hole courses of fun in a pirate-themed space that’s sure to delight. The course comes complete with waterfalls and caves dotting the terrain and is a great place to bring golf enthusiasts of all ages. This stop is a budget-friendly choice as well if you’re traveling with little ones because all kids three and under play for free!
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind way to enjoy the weather and Minnesota views with the family, head over to Pine River Stables at least once during your visit and enjoy some time on the trails. Located at 2301 40th Avenue SW in Pine River, these stables are open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Here, visitors will have access to over 240 acres of lush terrain where they can learn to ride or simply enjoy the adventure if they’re experienced. The stables are home to over 130 trained horses and on-site staff are equipped to give lessons, introduce riding equipment, and guide you and your crew on a one-of-a-kind excursion via horseback. Trail rides here offer up a chance to enjoy wildlife spotting along the way. Commonly spotted creatures include everything from deer and otters to porcupines and more.
Attractions to Check Out
For those summer travelers who are looking to cool off beyond the waters of Gull Lake, making time for a trip to the Nisswa Family Fun Waterpark is always a good choice. Situated at 4871 Co Road 77, this stop is open daily between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm in the summer. From the many rides and attractions to the waterslides and splash pools, time here is a chill experience that’s always well-spent. This is a popular summer stop for many visitors so be sure to show up early to get the best poolside spots and to make the most of the fun.
If you’re a summer adventurer who’s looking for moments during your getaway to really connect with nature, making time for a visit to Pillsbury State Forest will be a highlight of your stay. The terrain here is truly inspiring, and the protected landscape is home to a wide variety of thriving creatures and habitats too. The forest was first designated protected land in 1900 and continues to capture the minds and imaginations of visitors year after year. Settled into the heart of Cass County, Pillsbury State Forest is a great place to hike, bird watch, or bring a camera and capture the view if photography is your passion.
When you’re a Gull Lake summer visitor with a passion for the past, history comes to life with a visit to the Crow Wing County Historical Society. Located at 320 Laurel Street in Brainerd, this museum is a must for anyone looking to learn more about the Gull Lakes region’s rich past. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm and hosts a wide variety of exhibits and displays that tell the story of this area in a unique way. Historical pamphlets, books, records, photographs, and videos are available to browse when you’re looking to bring the past to life in vivid style.
Restaurants to Savor During Your Stay
Taking time to unwind, relax, and plan for moments of fun in Gull Lake during the summer is easy to do. However, it’s bound to lead to an appetite that needs attending at one point or another. Fortunately, those who can’t wait to savor a stay will find that Gull Lake is packed with flavorful stops to check out when cravings come calling. When your adventures have you longing for a relaxed place where you can order up everything from pizza and Mexican dishes to traditional Minnesota favorites, a stop at Zorbaz is sure to please. Found at 8105 Lost Lake Road in Lake Shore, this restaurant is open daily from 11:00 am until 2:00 am. It’s a versatile eatery with plenty of options to enjoy as well as friendly service and a colorful setting to settle into. Whether you go with a burrito and a beer or a slice of pepperoni and a Coca-Cola, your tastebuds will certainly thank you for the experience.
When lakeside steakhouse dining is more your style, Ernie’s on Gull is a great choice. Located at 10424 Squaw Point Road in Brainerd, Ernie’s on Gull provides dining service to guests daily in the summer months between 11:00 am and 11:00 pm. This casual steakhouse is a great place to enjoy a sensational sirloin when hunger strikes but is just as suited for the guest who is longing for a handcrafted cocktail they can sip on the patio. Live musical performances are hosted here throughout the summer, giving visitors a chance to pair their plate with some exciting entertainment.
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Book Your Stay Today
There’s never been a better time to book your Gull Lake getaway and when you’re ready to turn travel plans into a reality, the property professionals at Gull Lake Beach Resorts are here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our many luxurious rental options across the Gull Lake region and how we can help you start planning your trip. We’ll make sure you’re settled into a home away from home that meets your getaway plans perfectly. We can’t wait to see you in Minnesota soon!
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