As the last glacier retreated, it left in its wake layers of till and lots of water, providing the raw material for north-central Minnesota’s lush forests and lakes of all sizes.
It would be easy to spend all your time basking in Lakeland hospitality and listening to the loons on the water, but there’s plenty more here for you to enjoy if you choose. Area events calendars are an energetic mix of live music, theater, and arts and crafts festivals.
Year-round outdoor recreation is a natural. A variety of state parks, state and national forests, state trails and wildlife areas provide venues for hiking, fishing, bird-watching, biking, skiing and more.
Lodgings run the gamut from rustic cabins to all-inclusive luxury resorts. Some are close to town hubs; others are truly remote and perfect for retreats.
Worth noting Our listings cover several lake “neighborhoods” that are far apart, so don’t expect you’ll be able to see it all on a single trip.
What to do
Itasca State Park Minnesota’s oldest state park includes 100 lakes (including the headwater of the Mississippi River), 49 miles of trails, 200-plus campsites, cabins and a swimming beach. See reviews and ratings. (218) 699-7251; dnr.state.mn.us
Summerhill Farm Specialty gift shops and the Sun Porch restaurant draw shoppers to this farm just north of Park Rapids. (218) 732-3865; summerhill-farm.com
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge The 43,000-acre refuge hosts the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds. Free. (218) 847-2641; fws.gov/refuge/tamarac
Where to eat
The Fireside Dine on stellar steaks for reasonable prices. The porch lets in sunshine and breezes on warm days. In Detroit Lakes. (218) 847-8192; firesidedl.com
Iven’s on the Bay Northwest of Brainerd, this elegant place serves steaks, seafood and a variety of martinis. See reviews and ratings. (218) 829-9872; ivensonthebay.com
Prairie Bay Grill and Catering A contemporary menu features build-your-own bruschetta. In Baxter. (218) 824-6444; prairiebay.com
MinneSoda Fountain Families love the retro ice cream parlor in Park Rapids. (218) 732-3240
Where to stay
Chase on the Lake A historical property in Walker includes a spa, a bowling alley and a Wii room. From $99. See reviews and ratings. (888) 242-7306; chaseonthelake.com
Cragun’s Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake Guide services and equipment rentals make it a fun, family-friendly Brainerd retreat. From $149. See reviews and ratings. (800) 272-4867; craguns.com
Fair Hills Resort Take the family to summer camp on Detroit Lakes. Activities and meals included. From $766 per adult and $261 per child, per week. See reviews and ratings. (800) 323-2849; fairhillsresort.com
Grand View Lodge In Nisswa, golfers enjoy three full-size courses, and families go for the beach and indoor pool. From $195. See reviews and ratings. (866) 801-2951; grandviewlodge.com
Madden’s on Gull Lake Hotel rooms and cottages await on a private peninsula in the Brainerd area. From $99. See reviews and ratings. (800) 233-2934; maddens.com
Royal Starr Resort Peaceful cabins sit near Park Rapids. Weekly from $859. See reviews and ratings. (800) 822-0701; royalstarrresort.com
More information:
Brainerd Lakes Chamber (800) 450-2838; explorebrainerdlakes.com
Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce (800) 542-3992; visitdetroitlakes.com
Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (800) 833-1118; leech-lake.com
Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (800) 247-0054; parkrapids.com
