Minnesota was made for outdoor adventure. In the land of 10,000 lakes, there are exciting nature outposts at every turn. Water activities abound (naturally!), surrounded by immense forests full of trails and wildlife. The scenic natural landscape is dotted by pristine lakes and pockets of dense green woodlands, which combine to create a playground for your next vacation.

Nature junkies flock to Minnesota to experience a rugged wilderness that is still close to urban settings. Untamed natural beauty covers much of the terrain, particularly around Gull Lake and the greater Brainerd Lakes area. The great outdoors is encapsulated in each of the region’s diverse state parks and recreation areas. Scenic hiking and biking feature panoramic views and cascading waterfalls, while birding and wildlife viewing never disappoints.

Throughout Minnesota, native species can be found virtually everywhere. Bald eagles, loons, moose, and bears are prevalent, and Minnesota is also home to the largest timber wolf population in the lower 48 states.

At Gull Lake Beach Resorts, our favorite days are lake days, of course! But when we’ve exhausted our fun on the water, we pass the time with other nearby Minnesota activities in the great outdoors. Our two recent favorites are the Paul Bunyan Trail and the Brainerd Zipline Tour…

PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a multi-use recreational rail trail in Central Minnesota, running from Baxter and Brainerd to Bemidji. Named after the giant lumberjack of American folklore, this hot spot offers more than 120 miles of relatively flat, paved trails to deliver on hiking, biking, running and rollerblading fun.

You can catch a trailhead just a few miles from Gull Lake in Crow Wing State Park, and from there, explore the longest paved rail-to-trail power trail in the United States. This trail connects with the Heartland Trail, the Blue Ox Trail, and the Cuyuna State Trail.

With trail towns located about every 10 miles along the length of the trail, there are ample opportunities for pit stops to rest or explore. These towns are loaded with trailside amenities such as bike rentals, picnic areas, restaurants, rest stops and swimming access.

Biking dominates the Paul Bunyan Trail in the spring, summer and fall, but the trail doesn’t go dormant in winter. It becomes a haven for snowmobiles with miles and miles of groomed trails for every skill level.

For a high-tech twist, try geocaching on the trail. With over 1,000 caches hidden high and low along the trail, this GeoTour is recognized among sport enthusiasts as a power trail adventure due to the close proximity of cache hides along every trail mile.

If you reach the end of the trail in Bemidji, you’ll enjoy views of Lake Bemidji as the trail skirts its shoreline, crosses the Mississippi River, and arrives at the trailhead in Lake Bemidji State Park.

ZIPLINE TOURS

To add a dash of thrilling adventure and a load of bird’s-eye scenic views to your Gull Lake vacation, don’t miss the Brainerd Zipline Tour located on Mount Ski Gull. Once the snow melts away in spring, the famous snow-skiing destination transforms into a 15-mile zipline tour.

The 2.5 hour guided outing is comprised of seven different ziplines of varying lengths and speeds, a suspended sky bridge, and an optional 50-foot free fall jump. This outdoor adventure allows you to see the Brainerd Lakes and surrounding forest like never before.

To be eligible to get the zipline adrenaline rush, participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Don’t forget, closed-toed shoes and reservations are required. Brainerd Zipline Tour also hosts groups and periodic special events.

The zipline operators draw their passion for the outdoors from their grandmother, legendary Minnesota pioneer Justine Kerfoot. The Northwoods enthusiast owned Gunflint Lodge from the 1920s through the 1960s, where she learned how to hunt, trap, fish, guide, dog sled, and survive in the wilderness. Her love of adventure lives on as visitors fly through the woods and valleys, exploring and connecting with nature.

NATURE JUNKIES WELCOME AT GULL LAKE BEACH RESORTS

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly place to escape from reality and soak in the great outdoors, Central Minnesota can’t be beat. Located right on Gull Lake’s best beaches, and in the heart of the best adventures nature has to offer, Gull Lake Beach Resorts is ready to host your next exciting vacation getaway.

Minnesota invites you to discover something new in the world and within yourself. Somewhere that feels wild and pure; somewhere that leads to your True North. Contact us today to book your lakeside cabin and begin planning all outdoor activities the Gull Lake area is famous for.

After more than a year of pandemic-related lockdowns, postponed plans, and canceled trips, 2021 is looking to be the year of some restoration in the way of fun, creativity, and socialization. For those who happen to be making their way to the Gull Lake region of Minnesota this summer, there’s no better way to step back into the world of exciting events and gatherings than by booking your tickets to Lakes Jam 2021 in Brainerd!

Considered so much more than a traditional music festival by locals and visitors alike, Lakes Jam is shaping up to be one of the most exciting area events yet—especially in light of newfound post-pandemic opportunities. Find summer vibes at their finest when you spend time at this exciting Brainerd event this year. Whether you’re a first-time Jammer or excited to make a grand return, there promises to be something fun for everyone!

Event Specifics

This year, Lakes Jam will be hosted between June 24^th and June 26^th at Brainerd International Raceway on Birchdale Road in Brainerd. Over the course of these three high-energy days, guests will enjoy a full lineup of entertainment options that are sure to thrill!

Musical Performances

Just like its name implies, Lakes Jam is a destination that caters to music lovers from near and far and the crowds gather to make the most of some incredible performances. Big names take to the stage throughout Lakes Jam 2021 including the likes of the Brothers Osborne, RATT, Hairball, Matt Stell, Runaway June, The Plot Hounds, Larry Fleet, Jon Pardi, and more! Complete with a state-of-the-art stage and breathtaking sound system, these live concerts put festival goers right in the heart of the creative vibe and deliver up an outdoor concert experience that’s quite unlike any other.

Activities Beyond the Music

What makes Lakes Jam 2021 such an exceptional experience is the fact that beyond the music, this festival is filled with unique and fun activities to enjoy. Those who’ve purchased their festival pass can pick and choose between options like watercross, drift car racing, lawnmower racing, poker tournaments, bean bag tournaments, and even costume contests!

Watercross events feature high horsepower sleds racing an oval course on the waves. Drift car competitions will provide viewers with the option to observe vehicles navigating a track at up to 100mph thanks to modified engines that push 700Hp. Lawnmower races are a fun-for-everyone event, while poker tournaments promise to be a challenge that highlights who has the best poker face in town. To participate in the tournament requires 2000 in chips and the tournament revolves around 20-minute rounds.

The bean bag competitions and costume contests are ideal for participants of all ages and while there is a $20 participation fee, the rewards are worth the effort. Prizes range from two- to three-day festival tickets to free merch to keep as a souvenir of the fun!

Those who have tickets to the Lakes Jam 2021 musical performances can enhance their experience by booking backstage tours or meet-and-greet events that give you a chance to come face-to-face with some of your favorite artists.

Festival Logistics and Ticketing

Planning in advance is the best way to make the most of your Lakes Jam 2021 experience and there are plenty of options available when it comes to customizing ticket purchases. Festival participants can choose to purchase a three-day pass to savor every day of the fun at multiple tier options ranging from general admission to VIP. Single-day passes to the event are also available upon request and can be purchased as VIP experiences or general admission options.

If you’re planning on attending a musical performance and would prefer reserved seating, it’s possible to add that extra to your event pass for up to the entire three days! While general admission tickets provide access to the main concert bowl, VIP tickets allow guests to make their way to the front of the stage and enjoy a close-up experience with the artists and music they admire.

In addition to an amazing view, VIP ticket holders at Lakes Jam 2021 will enjoy access to complimentary soda, water, food, and beer as well as designated restroom access, covered dining areas, and exciting musical performances that happen in between the main stage performances!

Book Your Gull Lake Getaway and Enjoy Lakes Jam 2021

Whether you’re in town for Lakes Jam 2021 or headed this way any other time of year, the property professionals at Gull Lake Beach Resorts have the accommodations you need to keep you living luxuriously and close to the fun. Reach out today to learn more!

If you’re looking for an early summer escape full of natural beauty and lakeside fun, look no further than Gull Lake. You and your group will enjoy plenty of fun Gull Lake things to do, both indoors and outdoors, on the water and off the water. There is something for everyone to while away the time and relax and unwind at Gull Lake.

Splash Pad

If you have some “littles” in your group who may not be able to participate in all of the “big kid” activities, make sure to schedule in some time at the splash pad. A fun way to cool off and play in the water for youngsters or non-swimmers, the interactive, zero-depth play area includes misters, cascading, flowing, and sprinkling water structures, and much more.

Campfire Circle

Put a cap on any day of your Gull Lake escape with time around one of the lake’s campfire circles. Roast s’mores, star gaze, or just watch the flames and pass the time recounting the day’s adventures with friends and family before turning in for a good night’s sleep.

Water Activities

Your lakeside vacation is guaranteed to be packed with tons of fun water-themed activities. Spend some time on the lake in your own vessel, in a rented pontoon, or in one of our loaner kayaks or canoes (first come, first served). Rent some fishing gear and catch lunch or dinner from the 70-foot fishing dock. Splash around in the water, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, or hop on our Aqua Lily Pad. After all the water fun, dry off and have a lakeside picnic lunch or dinner.

High Adventure

Challenge yourself and get your adrenaline pumping. Adventures like ziplining continue to be popular, and Gull Lake has its very own course! At Brainerd Zipline Tour, located at Mount Ski Gull in Pillsbury State Forest not far from Gull Lake, you’ll catch views of the Brainerd Lakes area and take in the gorgeous surroundings during the 2.5-hour tour. There’s even a 50-foot free fall drop as an optional end to your experience.

Gull Lake Things to Do Indoors

If the weather isn’t cooperating with your lake plans, Gull Lake has many indoor activities to keep you busy when the weather isn’t at its best. Choose from sports like basketball, volley, and glow bowling to activities like foosball, pool, table tennis, and air hockey. Try your hand at the indoor climbing wall or spend some time with your artistic side and create tie-dye items, edible sand art sculpture, and more.

Archery

Ready, aim, fire! Archery is one of the oldest activities dating back tens of thousands of years. It’s a skill many still use today for hunting, but over the years it has become a competitive sport as well. Whether you’re a skilled marksman or just want to try out a new activity, make sure to spend some time at the outdoor archery ranges. Aim for a bullseye as you challenge your friends or family to do the same.

Beaches

It’s no secret: Gull Lake Beach Resorts has THE best beaches on Gull Lake! Many of our units are nestled directly on the beautiful sand beaches along the shoreline of Gull Lake, making it the perfect place for relaxing the day away and soaking up the early summer sun. Spread out your beach blanket and plant your beach umbrella for a day on the beach, and if the sun gets a little intense, take a dip in the water to cool off. Minnesota might be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some amazing beach time on your freshwater vacation!

Biking

Grab a bike rental and head out and explore. Gull Lake is close to Northland Arboretum, the beginning of the Paul Bunyan Trail. The paved trail spans 120 miles, so you have plenty distance to roam and explore. The trail is great for all ages and ability levels and passes through small towns and plenty of gorgeous Minnesota scenery. The portion nearest Gull Lake is mostly flat and easy going. Watch for others enjoying the trail, including guests and locals on foot, rollerblading, or enjoying other trail activities.

Early Summer Getaway to Gull Lake

Enjoy your early summer getaway to Gull Lake and leave all your cares and worries at the door of your vacation rental provided by Gull Lake Beach Resorts. You’ll want to make sure all the fun and excitement of your vacation is reflected in your accommodations. After a long day of fun, gather together for a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Relax and unwind in the open living area with a book or your favorite movie or TV show. We have units to fit any size family or group. No matter what your vacation needs and style, we have a rental that is just right for you. Our premium units include upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs and more!