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!
With a new year just around the corner, now is the time to begin putting exciting plans in place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style! When you’re looking for a celebration location that pairs scenic beauty with impeccable access to New Year’s fun, there’s no better place to find yourself when the clock strikes midnight than the Gull Lake region of Minnesota. This outdoor enthusiasts’ dream come true of a location is also packed with great dining and shopping options as well as seasonal events that make New Year’s Eve a blast for everyone in your traveling crew. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, adult-only dinners, or something in between, you’ll find its simple to customize your New Year’s adventures when you head this way. The following are just a few of the many best places across the Gull Lake region to explore and enjoy when you can’t wait to ring in the new year in just the right way.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun with Gull Lake Ministries
If you find yourself in the Gull Lake area this New Year’s Eve with the entire family in tow and little ones to entertain too, Gull Lake Ministries has you covered! They’re hosting a fun and family-friendly New Year’s celebration that starts December 30th and runs through January 1st that promises to be unlike anything else in the area. This event will include a long lineup of unlimited activities that range from indoor rock climbing and glow bowling to outdoor ziplining and beyond. There’s a balloon drop planned for midnight which is sure to thrill guests of all ages. Spots can be reserved by calling 269-671-5155. Don’t delay, because when you’re part of this two-day event, you’ll enjoy performances by talented illusionists as well as full access to amazing gourmet treats and sweets. What could be a better way to start 2022?
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve Dueling Piano Dinner
If music and amazing eats are more your New Year’s Eve style, finding your way to B Merri Gastro Pub in the Gather on 3Event Center on December 31st is a must. The fun starts when the doors open at 6:00 pm and the cash bar is open for business. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal starting at 7:00 pm which includes Tandoori grilled crab cakes with mango coconut sauce and crisp Indian slaw as well as Kabocha squash bisque and a winter arugula salad. The third course is a saffron seafood paella risotto and caramelized bistro tender with shrimp while dessert will highlight the best of dulce de leche cheesecake and apple crisp panna cotta! Everyone will want to plan on sticking around for the show as well as the midnight ball drop. Pricing starts at $89.99 a person, but seating is limited, so make sure to get your place in advance for this fun Brainerd event.
Try a DJ Dance Party
On December 31st starting at 9:00 pm, Zorbaz on Gull Lake is hosting a DJ Dance Party for those looking to ring in the New Year at a faster pace. Zorbaz on Gull Lake is located at 8105 Lost Lake Road in Lake Shore and those who participate in this event will be thrilled to learn that the fun continues on well past midnight, not ending until 2:00 am! Grab your dancing shoes and sense of adventure for this New Year’s Eve event you won’t soon forget.
Enjoy Trivia Night
If you’re going to be closer to the Crosslake area this New Year’s Eve, consider participating in a fun Catch the Mania Trivia Night at Moonlite Bay. Starting at 8:00 pm, this interactive trivia is the perfect option for those looking to put their facts skills to the test in a fun setting. Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant & Bar is located at 37627 County Road 66.
Make It a Cozy New Year’s in Your Vacation Rental
If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is one where you’re cozied up in a luxurious vacation rental near Gull Lake alongside those you love most, it’s entirely possible when you partner with Gull Lake Beach Resorts. Our vacation rentals are spacious, inviting, and fully equipped with the amenities that make for a New Year’s getaway you won’t soon forget. Book a rental with a kitchen when you’re looking forward to serving up a traditional New Year’s Eve meal or make it a night of hot cocoa by the fireplace if you choose. Either way, you’ll ring in 2022 living in style in a place that promises to inspire.
Reach Out Today
No matter when your travel plans bring you to Gull Lake, the team at Gull Lake Beach Resorts has you covered. Reach out today to learn more about our many beautiful area properties to choose from and how we can help you start planning your next trip.
*Details are subject to change.*
When it comes to scenic and exciting escapes, there’s no place better year-round than stunning Gull Lake, Minnesota. This beautiful and inviting locale is loved by travelers looking to make the most of summer weather fun, but it’s also a vibrant destination in the winter when the temperatures drop. Between snowshoeing, skiing, and exploring, Gull Lake has a lot to offer in the way of outdoor adventure. That said, one of the highlight events for winter travelers headed this way is often ice fishing in Gull Lake! Winter temperatures in this part of Minnesota make it simple to get out on the ice with confidence and reel in some fantastic catches when the snow falls. In fact, Gull Lake has frequently been pointed to as a top ice fishing destination in the state, bringing hardwater anglers to the region from the middle of December through February in droves.
Ice fishing season officially ends in March each year on Gull Lake, but that provides plenty of time to get some great bites under the ice. Those who come here to make the most of ice fishing experiences will love that it’s entirely possible to head out independently and see what’s biting or enjoy the experience alongside an experienced guide if that’s a better option. Either way, it’s an activity in this area that’s been beloved for years with no signs of slowing down.
Be Sure to Have the License You Need in Place
A key to having an amazing ice fishing experience on Gull Lake is having your fishing license in place well before you hit the ice. It’s necessary to obtain a license through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and information on specifics and applications can be found at 1-888-MINNDNR. Do keep in mind that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is your primary contact for ice fishing licensing as guides and resorts don’t typically provide this type of service in this area. Having the proper documentation in hand ahead of time will ensure that you’ll maximize your time on the ice and keep your peace of mind intact too.
What’s Biting Under the Ice?
Fortunately, a variety of species! Those who head to Gull Lake in the winter to make the most of ice fishing experiences will find themselves in the center of a haven of fish species that inhabit the waters year-round. Gull Lake is the largest of the bunch in the Brainerd Lakes region and covers an area encompassing more than 9,000 acres. The maximum depth of Gull Lake reaches around 80 feet, and while the area is heavily developed, being out on the ice provides a sense of seclusion that many ice anglers are seeking. When you cast a line under the ice on these waters, you’re likely to reel in everything from small and large-mouth bass to northern pike and walleye. Ice anglers have also been known to catch rock bass, crappie, muskie, and perch as well.
Partner Up with a Great Fishing Guide
Whether you could just use some local insight, or you’re new to ice fishing entirely, pairing up with an experienced guide is always a good idea. Luckily, there are plenty to be found around Gull Lake. One of the biggest benefits that comes with booking time with an ice fishing guide is that they’ll typically provide all of the equipment and gear you’ll need to make it a safe and productive day on the ice. They also know the most lucrative fishing spots in the region, ensuring you’ll catch something exciting along the way. When you’re looking for a place to start, consider contacting Walleyedan’s Guide Service out of Nisswa. This company pairs ice anglers up with a professional guide and makes customizing ice fishing on Gull Lake easier than ever. With this company, you can book a full-day or half-day trip, but no matter which you choose, you can count on an all-inclusive experience from start to finish. The Nisswa Guides League is another great option when you’re ready to book a guided ice fishing experience in this area. Having completed over 50,000 guided trips as of 2021, this company has the legacy and experience to help experienced and novice ice anglers alike. Book a 4-, 6- or 8-hour journey and be prepared to learn a lot about the area along the way as guides with this company are eager to share exciting insight.
Make It a January Trip for Ice Fishing Extravaganza Fun
If you’re looking to incorporate a bit of competition into your ice fishing experience on Gull Lake, make sure to come in January when the annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza is in full swing. The event will be held on January 29th in 2022 at Hole in the Day Bay, Gull Lake and is proud to be the largest ice fishing contest in North America. Thousands of hardwater anglers come to this event each year and try their luck at over $150,000 worth of prizes. Proceeds go to charity, and the fun is always included free of charge!
Book Your Gull Lake Adventure
When you’re ready to experience Gull Lake, make sure you have the accommodations to match by reaching out to Gull Lake Beach Resorts. We’ll make sure you’re settled into a comfortable and luxurious home away from home. We can’t wait to welcome you to Minnesota soon!
If you’re a winter-weather enthusiast who can’t wait for that first snowfall of the year, Minnesota is calling for you! If you have a passion for winters spent skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, you’re bound to love the awesome accumulation of white stuff in the Gull Lake region. The Brainerd Lakes area gets an average of 44 inches of snowfall per year compared to the nation’s average of 28 inches, creating a promising place for downhill ski adventures in the Minnesota winter season.
Gull Lake is a popular outdoor recreation destination all year ‘round, and in the winter, it’s the heart of some of Minnesota’s best cold-weather adventures. A winter wonderland of opportunity abounds in this northern territory where a weekend getaway must be on the wintertime to-do list.
Without a doubt, a winter weekend of fun starts at Mount Ski Gull. Situated on the scenic western shores of Gull Lake, this winter sports hot spot is a great place for solo adventurers and families alike. And the best part is that our friends on the mountain have partnered with Gull Lake Beach Resorts to offer our guests a 15% discount on lift and tubing tickets! You don’t need a code or a coupon, simply call Mount Ski Gull and mention your stay at Gull Lake Beach Resorts to purchase the discounted tickets. This special offer extends all the way through the current ski season.
A winter fun fixture since the 1980s, Mount Ski Gull hosts equal opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing across terrain that’s meticulously maintained. Varying degrees of slopes make this a destination that’s well suited to outdoor adventurers of all ages and abilities. Mount Ski Gull boasts exceptional evening lighting for maximizing your time on the slopes, while high-speed rope tows make it easy to save your energy.
At Mount Ski Gull’s full-service chalet, you’ll enjoy access to a variety of snacks and beverages as well as a pair of oversized fireplaces to warm you after a day on the slopes. In this facility, you also can rent gear, making for light packing for a trip to Gull Lake.
The professionals at Mount Ski Gull even offer special sessions for those who live for skiing adventure. Private and semi-private lessons for novice skiers who want to improve their skills are held each Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Advanced registration is required for all lessons which begin December 26 and come at an extra cost beyond the lift ticket. For the younger skiers, holiday camps offer fun and instruction in two action-packed days. Ski and snowboard camps will be held December 27-28 and 29-30, 2021.
WINTER WONDERLAND WEEKEND
Whether it’s a winter weekend adventure this way, or a trip any other time of year that brings you to Minnesota, the team at Gull Lake Beach Resorts is here to make sure you have amazing accommodations to match the fun. Contact us today to learn more about our properties and to begin planning your trip!
There are plenty of reasons to get out of town year-round and enjoy time away with the one you love most. However, there’s something particularly appealing about a Valentine’s Day adventure where romance tops the list of priorities! When you’re looking for a place that caters to a fun, restorative, and of course romantic time away this Valentine’s Day, there are many things to do in Gull Lake that check every box on the list. The following are just a few of the many options to add to your romantic itinerary when you’re looking forward to making the most of your quality time together.
Take a Winter Weather Hike or Snowshoe Adventure Together
For the couple who finds their most romantic moments when out in nature together exploring, Gull Lake, Minnesota, and the surrounding areas provide some exciting options. While this area of the state is popular with hikers in the summer months, those same trails provide for sensational winter hikes for the couple that can’t wait to lace up their boots and hit the trails. Of course, if there happens to be snowfall this Valentine’s Day, a snowshoe adventure hand-in-hand could be worth your while as well! Consider adding the Gull Lake Recreation Area, Fritz Loven Park, or Pillsbury State Forest to your list of trails to conquer as all provide for beautiful, inspiring, and romantic routes to follow.
Enjoy a Spa Day
While the scenery that makes up the greater Gull Lake area is sure to please travelers looking to escape in the name of romance this Valentine’s Day, nothing beats a spa day where you and your loved one can focus on being pampered together. Gull Lake is home to a number of spas that are worth checking out when you’re ready to book your couple’s massage, facials, stone therapy, or wrap. Whether you go with Therapeutic Touch Wellness Spa in Nisswa or Panache Salon & Day Spa in Baxter, you’re sure to enjoy the experience and leave feeling refreshed.
Unwind at a Local Brewery
If casual settings and the best of local flavor are the moments you and your partner look forward to, the Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa is calling your name. Located at 23836 Smiley Road in Nisswa, the Roundhouse Brewery is a great place to grab a table on the spacious patio, enjoy friendly service and order up anything from a pale ale or IPA to a bold lager. Because only the patio will be open over Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to bundle up for this flavorful stop—however, that gives everyone even more of a reason to snuggle up too!
Savor a Coffee from Stonehouse
Sometimes the most romantic moments are the quiet ones spent together. When you’re just looking to unwind in the comfort of your vacation rental cozied up with the one you love while enjoying a savory coffee, be sure to swing by Stonehouse Coffee and Roastery in Nisswa where pickup options are readily available. Once you have your espresso or macchiato in hand paired with a mouthwatering scone, head back to your home away from home and indulge your tastebuds while enjoying time with the one you love most.
Enjoy Adventure at Mount Ski Gull
For the couple that can’t get enough of adventure and finds their romantic stride on the slopes, time spent at Mount Ski Gull over Valentine’s Day is bound to be the highlight of their experience! Plenty of runs await that cater to skill levels of all types. Whether you head off on skis or a snowboard, Mount Ski Gull provides the fresh powder, fun, and views that you and your loved one crave. It’s important to note that rentals and lift tickets need to be purchased in advance and if you’re planning to spend time on the tubes, masks are required at this time.
Explore the Paul Bunyan State Trail on Two Wheels
For a fresh-air kick that comes complete with lush surroundings, consider pairing up with a set of fat-tire bikes and hitting the Paul Bunyan State Trail this Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking forward to pairing your biking with bird spotting, this trail is the place to do exactly that. Named after the lumberjack that graces American folklore, this trail runs conveniently through the Gull Lake Recreation Area, but in total, is comprised of more than 120 miles of paved pathway to discover!
Book Today
Whether you’re in town for Valentine’s Day or excited to make the most of a trip any other time of year, having accommodations in place for your Gull Lake getaway is a must! Why not make sure those accommodations are elegant, conveniently located, and equipped with all the amenities you deserve? That’s exactly what you’ll find when you book with Gull Lake Beach Resorts. Contact us today to learn more and to begin planning things to do in Gull Lake!
There are some travelers that live for time away from the daily routine indulging in locales where sand, endless sun, and plenty of surf always take center stage. When winter rolls around, these adventurers are usually the first to book their tickets to warmer destinations where they can keep emerald waves firmly in sight and forget the cold they’ve left behind. On the opposite end of the spectrum stand the winter weather enthusiasts who look forward to that first snowfall of the year with ever-growing anticipation. In fact, for many who have a passion for winters spent skiing, snowboarding, or tubing their way through the cold season find that their hometowns just don’t cut it when it comes to that annual snowfall total!
If you’re the type of traveler that finds their happiness situated on the slopes, surrounded by a winter wonderland of opportunity, planning a weekend Gull Lake getaway this year is a must. Located between Cass and Crow Wing Counties, Gull Lake is a popular outdoor recreation destination year-round and in the winter, highlights some of the best of Minnesota’s cold-weather adventures! When you’re hoping to make the most of a weekend away skiing, sledding, or simply enjoying the winter scenery in style, Gull Lake is the place to be.
Downhill Adventures to Enjoy in Gull Lake
Get ready to test your skills on the slopes when you make your way to Gull Lake this winter for a weekend of fun enjoyed at Mount Ski Gull. Situated on the scenic western shores of Gull Lake, this winter sports hot spot is a great place for solo adventurers and families alike! Serving the entire Brainerd Lakes region, Mount Ski Gull is a comprehensive Minnesota ski destination to enjoy when the fresh powder falls. The Brainerd Lakes area gets an average of 44 inches of snowfall per year compared to the nation’s average of 28 inches, creating a promising place for downhill enthusiasts to make the most of their ski adventures.
A ski staple in the area since the 1980s, Mount Ski Gull hosts equal opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing across terrain that’s meticulously maintained. Varying degrees of slopes make this a destination that’s well suited to outdoor adventurers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’ve been skiing your entire life or it’s your first time, Mount Ski Gull offers up unforgettable fun. From beginning lessons through the Learn to Ski program, to challenging slopes for the more experienced, you can customize your time outdoors to fit your style. Once you’ve conquered those downhill runs, enjoy access to the automated and hands-free tubing hill on-site!
Those that prefer to take in the scenery from afar, or simply need to thaw out will appreciate time spent in the full-service chalet that’s found at Mount Ski Gull. Here, visitors will enjoy access to a variety of snacks and beverages as well as two oversized fireplaces to warm up next to. The chalet is where guests can also rent the gear they need, making it simple to pack for a winter weekend Gull Lake getaway. Hoping to save your skiing for the evening hours? At Mount Ski Gull, downhill adventurers will enjoy exceptional evening lighting for making your time on the slopes last while high-speed rope tows make it easy to save your energy.
Beyond Mount Ski Gull
While the downhill fun is sure to please, a weekend away in Gull Lake in the winter also comes with the potential to enjoy a variety of other snowy activities as well. The rolling terrain in this area makes it an ideal place to spend time sledding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing in the coldest months of the year. Gull Lake itself is a popular place for ice anglers to test their luck on the frozen waters when you’re bundled up and ready to cast a line. Those looking to indulge in a favorite Minnesota pastime will want to be sure to grab a stick and puck and get out on one of the many frozen lakes to enjoy a friendly game of ice hockey while they’re in town! Depending on what time of the winter season you arrive, you might be just in time to participate in one of the area’s winter fundraising events. Gull Lake Frozen Fore is just one of many examples of events that invite visitors to put their snowmobiling and snow golfing skills to the test for a great local cause!
Make Your Way to Gull Lake
Whether it’s a winter adventure this way, or a trip any other time of year that brings you to Minnesota, the team at Gull Lake Beach Resorts is here to make sure you have amazing accommodations to match the fun. Contact us today to learn more about our property options and to begin planning your trip!