Gull Lake is a great vacation destination any time of year, but a winter journey in this direction promises to thrill. The following are just a few of the activities and attractions that are sure to inspire you to book your Minnesota winter 2022 getaway today!
Enjoy Ice-Skating This Winter
When you’re looking forward to a winter getaway to the Gull Lake area and you can’t wait to sprinkle in a bit of nostalgic seasonal fun, you’re in luck! The Gull Lake region is known and loved for its many opportunities for ice skating that promise to be fun for the entire family. While the waterways that make up Gull Lake and the surrounding cities are nicely frozen over this time of year and open for outdoor ice-skating options, there are indoor opportunities for excitement on the ice as well. The Brainerd Ice Rink is a great starting point for ice skating excursions during the winter and is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm for free skating as well as Saturdays from noon until 8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Nearby Baxter also has an ice-skating rink that’s open to the public Monday through Friday from 3:30 pm until 8:30 pm with varying hours on the weekends that are worth checking into in advance of your arrival. If you’re more the type of winter traveler that’s still looking to spend as much time as possible outdoors, focusing on Brainerd for outdoor ice-skating is a must. Mill Avenue Park, Gregory Park, and Bane Park alike host outdoor ice-skating rinks where those with their own set of skates in tow can make the most of gliding their way through an afternoon in good company.
Add Ice Fishing to the Itinerary
Gathering family and friends and making the most of a winter getaway to the Gull Lake area of Minnesota puts travelers in the perfect position to add some ice fishing fun to their trip! During the summer months, the lake, rivers, and surrounding waterways are an oasis of potential for those that love to cast a line. In the wintertime, chilly temperatures freeze those same surfaces over, making it a prime place to drop a line and see what you can reel in as well. Fish species that you’re likely to catch while ice fishing this time of year include everything from panfish and bass to northern pike, walleye, trout, and beyond. While Gull Lake itself is a great place to settle in for a day of ice fishing fun, nearby Round Lake and North Long Lake are also good options when you’re ready to travel in the name of outdoor adventure. While experienced ice anglers are generally ready to take to the frozen terrain with ease, if you’re new to the sport, there are plenty of options for guided ice fishing fun in the area. Both S&W Guide Service, as well as Leisure Outdoor Adventures, are good starting points when you’re looking for a successful day of ice fishing alongside a knowledgeable and friendly guide. If you’re experienced in ice fishing to the level that you’re ready to take on the competition, the annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza is a must-try winter event held in Brainerd on Gull Lake each year. More than 10,000 participants flock to the lake in late January to take part in the largest ice fishing contest around. The cash prizes for this event are impressive if you take the top spots, but the fun promises to be priceless.
Head Over to Mount Ski Gull
A winter trip this way is hard to imagine without some time set aside to enjoy downhill fun at Mount Ski Gull. Whether you’re looking to ski, tube, or snowboard your way through a day, this destination provides a place to enjoy the best of it all in good company. This winter fun stop has trails and slopes that can accommodate outdoor adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or signing up for your first ski lesson, Mount Ski Gull should definitely be added to your winter adventure itinerary. When you’re looking to warm up after a day of fun on the slopes, there are a variety of indoor water park options near Mount Ski Gull that offer up hot tubs in addition to pools that are well worth experiencing while you’re in the area as well!
Make Cross Country Skiing a Priority
Exploring the scenic and wintery landscape around Gull Lake is easy to do when you make the most of cross country skiing fun while you’re in town. This area of Minnesota is packed with fantastic trails to check out, many of which reside within Crow Wing State Park. Visitors will also find that time cross country skiing in the winter through the Northland Arboretum is exciting! Some other notable trails to add to your must-try list include the Wolf Lake Ski Trail, Forestview Ski Trail, and Pine Beach Ski Trail just to name a few.
Head Over to Mount Ski Gull
Book Your Journey Today
When you’re ready to explore Gull Lake, the team at Gull Lake Beach Resorts has the luxurious accommodations in place to top off your trip in style. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning!
