Lakeland Fun in North-Central Minnesota

North-central Minnesota's resort country is a land of tall tales: leviathan lumberjacks, wily shoppers and golfers who lament the hole-in-one that got away. The area from Brainerd (125 miles northwest of the Twin Cities) to Detroit Lakes (200 miles northwest) to Bemidji (225 miles northwest) is a magnet for families looking to create their own vacation legends.

Year-round outdoor recreation in this land of lakes and forest is a natural, but the area also offers great shopping, festivals and other diversions. Lodgings run the gamut from rustic cabins to all-inclusive luxury resorts.

Click ahead to read about our favorite Lakeland experiences. Want to share yours? Leave a comment below or on Midwest Living®'s page on Facebook!

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce

Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Visit Bemidji

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