During summer months we RUN to lake country, ditching work early to steal those precious moments on the boat. Come November, we are tempted to hide inside, when winter is calling us to come out and play. The winter months in Brainerd Lakes offers some amazing experiences if you dress appropriately for the cold and have a hot drink waiting for you inside.
If you’ve been dreaming of a vacation home and want to take advantage of it year-round, we’ve compiled a list of all the activities available during those “forgotten” months.
- Ice Fishing
This is probably what you think of when you think of winter on a Minnesota lake. It’s classic! Tell us what’s not to love about catching fish in a heated trailer with a warm (most likely spiked) drink in hand. - Pond Hockey
Get the neighbors together, or bring some friends up for a friendly game. If you don’t feel like cooking there are plenty of restaurants in the area to free yourself from the kitchen. - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Is it wrong if we consider this an activity? There are so many amazing restaurants in the Brainerd Lakes area and beyond that it would be worth a weekend foodie trip. - Snowmobiling
What’s better than jet-skiing on open water? Snowmobiling on frozen water! Plus, the area has hundreds of miles of trails. - Downhill Skiing and Cross Country Skiing
There are many options for skiing in the area, including Mount Ski Gull and ski trails all throughout the Brainerd Lakes area. - Tubing
If skiing isn’t your jam but you like a little thrill, tubing is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. Mount Ski Gull boasts the largest tubing hill in Minnesota. Or, just head out in search of a nice size hill and bring your own sleds. Good, old fashioned fun. - Winter Mountain Biking
The Cuyuna Lakes Trail offers nicely groomed winter biking trails. There are trails for every skill level. This is a great experience if you’ve never been! - Shopping
It’s okay to head indoors too! Nisswa is the perfect place for a shopping day, with two blocks of specialty shops and stores. - Ice Skating
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention hitting the lakes with your skates. This is a great activity with the kids too, and a fun way to get active outdoors in the winter. - Bonfires
End the day on a warm note with a bonfire by the lake. Roast s’mores, hot dogs and watch the stars. Sounds pretty perfect!Winter up north is as good as summer if you do it right. Now is the most perfect time to start a vacation home search so you can take advantage of winter’s playground up north. Come and play!