Brainerd, MN

A classic Gull Lake supper club on the water, built in a former lakeside gathering hall, with steaks, walleye, and sunset cocktails on an open-air deck where boaters tie up. Arrive by boat or come at golden hour for a cocktail on the patio.

A Gull Lake institution and marina with a full bar, casual American lake fare, and one of the best on-water views in the region. It doubles as a working marina, so you can boat in; sit on the beach side and order a drink while you wait.

A historic redwood lodge with a towering river-stone fireplace and a wooded lakeside patio. Ask to sit near the stone fireplace in cooler months, or grab the patio in summer.

A chef-driven seasonal bistro considered one of the area's premier kitchens, with fresh New American plates, wood-fired pizzas, and a deep wine-by-the-glass list. Sit at the bar for the wood-fired oven view; it is a rare spot here that takes food seriously year-round.

A gleaming stainless-steel diner decked in muscle-car memorabilia, with all-day breakfast, classic diner plates, and a huge list of malts and shakes in fountain glasses. Order a malt, the signature; go early on weekend mornings, since the breakfast rush packs the booths.

Downtown Brainerd's standout for fresh, flavorful Mexican, with fajitas, fajita nachos, free chips and salsa, and margaritas by the pitcher. Order the fajitas or fajita nachos and a pitcher of margaritas.

A genuine Japanese ramen, sushi, and izakaya spot that locals call head-and-shoulders above the area's other Asian options, with fresh, carefully prepared bowls and rolls. Come for the ramen, then add a few izakaya small plates.

Downtown Brainerd's New York-style pizza by the slice, with a crispy-chewy crust, beers on tap, and outstanding house-made gelato. Don't skip the gelato; reviewers call it unreal, and it changes regularly.

A cozy downtown coffee bar in an old building with creative espresso drinks, baked goods, and gluten-free options. Call ahead, since hours can vary; try the Nutty Irishman or a Guatemalan pour with oat milk.

A beloved small-batch roaster in Nisswa, with coffee roasted daily and famous fresh-baked scones, consistently ranked the top coffee stop in town. Get a scone with your pour; they are baked fresh daily and sell out.

A downtown Nisswa candy-and-ice-cream institution, with handmade chocolates, fudge, saltwater taffy, nostalgic bottled sodas, and generous ice cream scoops. They load the cones heavy; pair a scoop with a glass-bottle soda after the Wednesday turtle races a block away.

The longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country, running flat and shaded through Baxter, Nisswa, and Pequot Lakes. The Brainerd-to-Nisswa stretch is the smoothest and most beginner-friendly, with cafes and bike rentals at stops.

Hundreds of acres with a dozen miles of trails through bur oak and jack pine forest, restored prairie, and grasslands, plus gardens and prime birding, and groomed ski trails in winter. Bring bug spray in summer; the white-birch loops are the prettiest.

A dozen-plus miles of trails at the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi rivers, on the site of a vanished fur-trade town. Hike the Confluence Trail to the river meeting point and old townsite; the wooded riverside campsites are clean and quiet.

Dozens of miles of purpose-built singletrack on old iron-mine land around brilliant blue mine-pit lakes, one of the best mountain-bike networks in the country. Most trails are beginner-friendly, and the flooded mine pits are also a clear-water scuba and paddling spot.

Minnesota's first state forest, with a moderate loop of rolling hills, lake views, and mixed hiking, horse, and snowmobile trails through quiet Northwoods terrain. Trails are sandy and shared with horses, with thin marking, so go in spring or fall to dodge bugs.

A beloved summer tradition for generations, weekly turtle races on the official track behind the Nisswa Chamber that draw hundreds of kids and vacationers downtown. Get there early; it gets packed, then hit the shops and the candy store after.

Minnesota's premier motorsports venue, with a drag strip, road course, and karting track, host of a national drag-racing event. For the big races the campground turns into a legendary party; reviewers insist the in-person nitro-car experience is nothing like TV, so bring ear protection.

The Brainerd Lakes area's flagship craft brewery, a relaxed taproom with a wide rotating beer and root-beer selection, flights, games, and local art. Order the flight to sample and grab their root beer in cans for the cabin; it is the most welcoming taproom for a low-key evening.

A former junior high transformed into a creative hub, with artist live-work studios, multiple galleries, and event space. Time your visit for the second-Saturday open house to meet artists in their studios, or browse the galleries on weekdays.

A sprawling classic Gull Lake golf-and-lake resort with four courses, including a public championship course rated among the best in the country. You do not have to stay to play; the championship course is the area's marquee round, so book tee times well ahead in summer.

Home of a twenty-six-foot animatronic Paul Bunyan who greets visitors by name, plus a pioneer village of dozens of antique-filled historic buildings, all on one family-owned admission. Tell the ticket-taker your kid's name so the talking Paul calls it out.

Three floors of county history in the old sheriff's residence and jail, with exhibits on logging, the railroad, mining, and Native American history, plus original jail cells. Do not miss the preserved cells downstairs.

A castle-like concrete water tower, the first all-concrete elevated municipal tank in the country, nicknamed Paul Bunyan's flashlight and featured on the city seal. A quick photo stop downtown, easy to pair with the historical museum.

A working water tower painted as a giant red-and-white fishing bobber, with local legend saying it is Paul Bunyan's bobber resting on the town, a quintessential Northwoods roadside icon. It is right in downtown Pequot Lakes, an easy stop up the strip.