Population 21,068
Historic Walking Tours
See the bullet holes from when Baby Face Nelson's gang robbed a bank. Have a photo taken with Paul Bunyan! He may not be the tallest or the loudest, but he is the first Paul Bunyan statue in the state. He stands next to Brainerd's landmark water tower at 124 North 6th Street in Downtown Brainerd. The cement water tower took four years to build this 134' and was completed in 1922.
This self-guided walking tour leads visitors through Brainerd's history from blacksmiths to fires to train depots and soda bottling was outlined by the Brainerd History Group, formed to celebrate Brainerd's participation in the 150th anniversary of State of Minnesota. They established a series of historic walks in the Brainerd Lakes area.
The site, at the founding of the city, in 1871, was a crossroads on the frontier, to the Pacific and the Northwest. In the early days, the western reaches of the Northern Pacific Railroad were managed from the streets of Brainerd, and the hotels, stores and trading post served not only the railways, but also the lumbermen headed north for the winter season. As logging moved on, mining grew, along the Cuyuna range. Even in the early 20th century, the call of the lakes and forests was heard and people started to appear on lakeshores. But, with the highway systems after World War II, the Brainerd Lakes area became much more accessible, drawing people not only from Minnesota, but from other states.
Much of the history of the earlier period remains, the railroad, many buildings and sites, and the Brainerd Historic Walk allows you to rediscover the rich and varied history and stories of what was first known as the Crossing. Some monuments, the Iron Exchange, the two Opera Houses, the many city hotels, have been swept away, but many others remain, as do records of the frontier times. The Brainerd History Group in conjunction with other community groups, is dedicated to celebrating this history and making it come alive in the 21st century.
Northland Arboretum
In the heart of Brainerd/Baxter lies the Northland Arboretum which boasts nearly 12 miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. The Northland Arboretum provides opportunities to view nature at its best and showcases a verity of flowers, trees and wildlife among the 500 acres of natural beauty. The Northland Arboretum really comes alive when the snow flies and the cross country trails open. Then 20 kilometers of professionally groomed trails even feature five kilometers of lighted trails for evening enjoyment. Speaking of lights, Winter Wonderland calls the Arboretum home Thanksgiving through December for evenings of walking or driving delight as young and old gaze upon more than 200 lighted displays. Visit the Northland Arboretum website for more information.
Shopping in Downtown Brainerd
The Downtown Brainerd of today, with its unique shopping and dining experiences and charming commercial buildings, is the outgrowth of over 130 years of commercial and retail metamorphosis. Just like today, in the late 19th century, businesses needed to be innovative and creative to continuously meet the ever-changing interests of their customers.
Downtown Brainerd is fortunate to have many of its older buildings still standing, filled with unique, locally-owned shops and restaurants creating a pedestrian friendly commercial district with authentic Midwest town charm. National Registered historic buildings in Downtown include the old Brainerd Public Library on Washington Street, the Brainerd Water Tower, and the Parker Building (E.L. Menk Jewelers). Learn more at DowntownBrainerd.com
Franklin Arts Center
Visit more than 30 artist galleries located in this renovated junior high. Now the classrooms are studios; and the other parts of the building have converted to work/live apartments. It looks and feels like a junior high school with halls, lockers, a theatre, and gym. Galleries are open the Second Saturday of the month (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.), though the building always welcomes visitors Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local artists display work for sale in the building's gift shop which is operated by the Crossing Arts Alliance.
Kiwanis and Lum Parks
Let the kids run around or go for a walk along the Mississippi River. These great parks feature playground, fishing pier, canoe landing, picnic shelters, and restrooms.
Kiwanis Park located at 1101 East River Road in Brainerd is 37 acres in size and features fishing piers, playground, canoe launch, paved trail, restrooms, and pavilions.
Lum Park located at 1619 NE Washington Street, Brainerd is 38 acres in size and features disc golf, pavilions, boat landing, fishing pier, sand beach volleyball court, and playground.
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Brainerd businesses are eager to meet your needs with quality service. This unique and vibrant community brings locals and visitors together for multiple events throughout the year. To learn more about what Brainerd has to offer, contact their government and education resources.
