Spring & Summer | Fall | Winter
The Brainerd Lakes Area is a year round destination and provides fun and entertainment during all four seasons. Fall, winter, spring or summer...the Brainerd Lakes Area has something to enjoy by all!
Spring & Summer
Fishing
World-class fishing is one of the best reasons for visiting the Brainerd Lakes Area. With 465 lakes teeming with a wide variety of species, you’re sure to have a successful fishing experience every time you drop your line. With expert fishing guides, boat rentals, bait and tackle stores in every neighborhood, we make your fishing experience seemless and easy.
The 2012 fishing openers are as follows:
May 12, 2011 through Februray 24, 2012 - Walleye & Northern Fishing Opener
May 12, 2011 through Februray 24, 2012 - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Fishing Opener
June 2, 2011 through December 1, 2011 - Muskie Fishing Opener.
Fishing Guides – Learn the lay of the lakes from the area's premier fishing guides.
Boat Rentals – Bring your own boat or rent one from one of the area's reputable businesses.
Bait & Tackle Stores – Local bait and tackle stores have gear and advice waiting for visiting anglers.
Species Grid - Learn what fish like in what lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Fishing Report – Find out what fish are biting and where by checking out the most current fishing report.
Birding
5/11/12
The first half of May is the best time to enjoy the passage of warblers in their full breeding plumage, according to Carrol Henderson, supervisor of the Minnesota DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program. Their spectacular reds, yellows and blues add vivid color to our springtime forests and landscapes.
Explore Minnesota Tourism
Motorcycling
Explore the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area by motorcycle during the fall months. Ride your own motorcycle or rent one from the local dealer. Exploring the area by motorcylce lets you experience all of the sights, sounds and scenery that you may otherwise miss.
Motorcycle Rentals
Hunting
Mid-April marks the opening of turkey hunting season in the state of Minnesota. The Brainerd Lakes Aera is alos home to numerous hunting preserves perfect for the avid sportsman who is looking to perfect his or her shot.to wild turkey hunting.
DNR site.
Fall
Fall Color
The Brainerd Lakes Area takes on a new look during the fall. The leaves on the sky-high trees change from bearing bright green leaves to showcasing foliage in shades of red, orange and yellow. The color change provides the opportunity for breathtakingly beautiful drives or bike rides along the area byway and trails.
Fall Color Report – The DNR keeps a close watch on the fall color changes happening throughout the state of Minnesota, including the Brainerd Lakes Area. Find out what the current "color" situation is in the area.
Fall Drives - Some of the best areas to view fall color in the Brainerd Lakes Area are by driving the following roads: Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, Highway 77 around Gull Lake, Crooked Lake Road off of Highway 18 east of Brainerd and County Road 3 around Edward Lake and Pelican Lake.
Winter
With winter and the snow that the season brings, an entirely new set of outdoor recreational opportunities emerge. Cross country skiing, snowshowing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing to ice fishing and snowmobiling are a few favorite activities enjoyed by area residents and visitors alike.
Cross Country Skii
