Museums offer the historical significance of a region and it’s communities. The Crow Wing County Historical Society in Brainerd traces the memories of Indians, logging and mining in the area. Minnesota’s Military Museum is just south of Brainerd at Camp Ripley, and offers a glimpse into the tradition of our armed services. Pequot Lakes Historical Society has also researched the strength and connectedness of the people in our northwoods community.

Interactive museums, or historical parks in the area include the Crosslake Historical Society’s Historic Log Village and Museum, the Croft Mine Historical Park, Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post and Paul Bunyan Land at This Old Farm Pioneer Village. From the Log Village’s audio “stop-and listen” tour among its authentic buildings, to experiencing a “real” elevator ride down into a mining shaft and the rich cultural and traditions of the Mille Lacs Indian tribes to the more recent advances in farming tools and technology, seeing, touching and feeling the history of the Brainerd Lakes Area really brings the learning to life.

Many buildings throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area are also noted as being a part of the “National Registry of Historical Places.” Be sure to note their distinction.