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Thanksgiving is a meaningful holiday focused on family, gratitude, and usually some good food too! While staying home and savoring the moment can be fun, there’s something special about planning a holiday away, particularly when you have your travel sights set on Gull Lake. This year, consider packing a suitcase and heading this way with the following itinerary in hand. You’ll be making new Thanksgiving traditions in no time!

Check Out the Nisswa City of Lights Events

If you’re lucky enough to be in the Gull Lake area over Thanksgiving this year and you’re looking for something festive to enjoy alongside your little ones, be sure to put the Nisswa City of Lights event at the top of your list. This fun, family-friendly event could easily become your next holiday tradition. Once you’ve bundled up, head over to downtown Nisswa on November 26th and get ready to embrace the holiday spirit at its finest. Across downtown, guests will enjoy a dazzling display of lights that are strung across just about everything from buildings and trees to fences and storefronts. The event kicks off in the afternoon and guests are invited to take advantage of the horse-drawn wagon rides that are offered throughout the day. Live reindeer will be on-site for those interested in a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity as well. Throughout the day, families can enjoy everything from bonfires and hot apple cider to donuts, storytelling events, holiday carolers, and much more. There’s truly something for everyone this holiday even you simply won’t want to miss.

Take a Hike Through the Gull Lake Recreation Area

When you’ve taken time to enjoy a savory Thanksgiving meal in Gull Lake, the next best tradition to add to the family experience is a hike through the Gull Lake Recreation Area. Taking a stroll with your loved ones this time of year is a great way to work off those extra calories, spend quality time together and make the most of the early winter scenery as well. Gull Lake Recreation Area is accessible at 10867 E. Gull Lake Drive in Brainerd. Once you arrive, you’ll have plenty of trails to choose from and little ones can make the most of time on the playground equipment as well. If you happen to be into photography, this scenic area is also great for turning a hike into an impromptu holiday photoshoot as well! Don’t be surprised if you end up lingering longer than you planned. The Gull Lake Recreation Area trails are also ideal for those Thanksgiving travelers that prefer to explore on two wheels. Consider renting a local fat tire bike and letting the trail lead the way to fun. Who said that biking was a summer-only activity anyway?

Enjoy the Holiday Vendor Market in Baxter

A well-loved Thanksgiving tradition is taking advantage of sales that come up in the name of holiday shopping. Fortunately, that tradition can easily be continued for those making their way to the Gull Lake area this year! Head over to the Holiday Vendor Market in Baxter on November 20th between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to make the most of a unique shopping experience that’s sure to inspire. From handcrafted goods to customized apparel, it’s a great place to pick up those holiday gifts you can be sure you won’t find anywhere else. The Holiday Vendor Market is held at the Northland Arboretum situated at 14250 Conservation Drive.

Enjoy a Home-Cooked Holiday Meal

While the scenery and surroundings may be new when you take your Thanksgiving on the road and head to Gull Lake, Minnesota, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave any of your most beloved traditions behind. Especially when it comes to that Thanksgiving meal, instead of looking for a local restaurant, consider booking a vacation rental through the property professionals at Gull Lake Beach Resorts that comes complete with a fully-equipped kitchen to enjoy during your stay. These amenities make it easier than ever to serve up that home-style meal you’re craving and simply enjoy it in a place that’s different and exciting! Many of the kitchens in these rentals feature spacious countertops that make meal prep easier than ever. When paired with modern appliances and cabinets already stocked with cookware and bakeware, whipping up those holiday dishes everyone loves is a breeze. When it’s time to dine, many of these rentals also enjoy large dining room tables to gather around with your loved ones. Overall, it promises to be a holiday away nobody will forget.

Book Your Stay Today

When you’re ready to enjoy the very best of Gull Lake, the team at Gull Lake Beach Resorts has you covered. Reach out today to learn more about our many area property options and how we can help you plan your next trip.

When November rolls around on the calendar, people across the country begin setting their sights on the Thanksgiving holiday. This important time of the year set aside to reflect on gratitude and spend time with family and friends is known as loved as a collaborative event that traditionally brings people together in groups. With the arrival of COVID-19 on the global scene, it’s inevitably a bit more difficult to plan this year. While the appeal of a family gathering is firmly intact, those that are looking to keep safety and health top of mind are also considering changing things up.

Instead of hosting a get-together in personal homes this year, it’s worth your while to hit the road and enjoy a holiday away where the open air is plentiful and options for outdoor fun take center stage. If your family loves to enjoy lakeside adventures, make Gull Lake, Minnesota Thanksgiving holiday your destination in 2020. Things might be looking a little different during a global pandemic, but a holiday away could be just the safe, exciting, and still special getaway everyone in your family needs!

Why Gull Lake is a Great Holiday Choice

Minnesota is made up of a collection of inspiring lakes, even earning the name Land of 10,000 Lakes in honor of its many scenic waterways! Amongst them, Gull Lake is known as one of the most popular vacation destinations, sitting pristinely between Crow Wing and Cass Counties. Whether you’re one for fishing, boating, indulging in shoreline moments, or simply taking in the view in style, Gull Lake provides the space, scenery, and options for fun that keep everyone entertained from the moment they arrive. Gull Lake is the largest of 10 lakes in this region that make up the Gull Lake Chain. This provides the perfect setting and plenty of space for visitors to enjoy wildlife watching. Gull Lake is home to everything from majestic bald eagles and river otters to white-tailed deer and Loons. While you’ll want to bundle up by the end of November, Gull Lake provides plenty of opportunities to get out in the crisp fresh air and commune with nature over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Consider Local Restaurants with Takeout Options

For the holiday travelers to Gull Lake that can’t imagine a Thanksgiving away without a savory meal to enjoy, the area is dotted with delicious options that offer take-away options when you’re looking to avoid dining rooms. Be sure to place your order ahead of time, as these services have become quite popular in recent years!

Make It a Home Away from Home Getaway

For the traveling family that can’t wait to cook up their own Thanksgiving meal in the comfort of an area vacation rental at Gull Lake, booking a stay with access to a fully equipped kitchen is a must. Those that book with Gull Lake Beach Resorts will find they have delightful options to choose from that include stylish cabins or sprawling residences complete with gourmet-inspired kitchens that make serving up a holiday meal easier than ever. Pick and choose between properties that feature fantastic collections of appliances, plenty of counter space, and of course, cabinets that are already stocked with the cookware and utensils you’ll need! When it’s time to dine, many of these lakeside stays offer up spacious dining room tables to gather around, or if the weather’s right, patios perfect for an alfresco meal.

Cozy furnishings and properties complete with a fireplace make it simple to settle in after a delicious holiday moment and indulge in everything you’re thankful for this year. When Minnesota Thanksgiving comes to a close, many of these same rentals enjoy spacious rooms topped off with plush mattresses when you’re ready to rest up. Of course, booking lakeside means that if you’re more one for working off those post-Thanksgiving meal calories, you’ll have easy access to nearby hiking trails and lakeside strolls that are designed by nature to be enjoyed.

Make the Most of Your Stay

Whether you’re in town for the Thanksgiving holiday or headed to Gull Lake any other time of year, booking a stay with Gull Lake Beach Resorts is bound to be a delight. Our team of experts is committed to creating one of a kind guest experiences and takes all of your personal and travel preferences into account. Contact our team today so we can get you settled into just the right vacation rental that keeps you close to the fun and places you can’t wait to explore. We can’t wait to welcome you to beautiful Minnesota!