| How many times have you heard this refrain from | | | | view of a blue-green countryside. The mine pits are |
| the kids or grandkids. "I'm bored, there's nothing to | | | | famous for having turned into crystal clear lakes that |
| do"? Then pack up the kids and bring them to | | | | provide fantastic areas for scuba diving. |
| Brainerd Lakes Country. There is more fun stuff to | | | | This lake area of Minnesota is known for fishing and |
| do than can possibly be accomplished in a year and it | | | | is a great place for Ice fishing. Every winter the |
| just keeps getting better. The area is known for its | | | | Brainerd Jaycees hold their fishing extravaganza on |
| pristine lakes, green forests and fishing, but there are | | | | Gull Lake with up to 10,000 people participating in this |
| activities happening all year long! | | | | event. The $150,000 extravaganza brings in people |
| From mid-June to mid-August go to downtown | | | | from throughout the country that fish for prizes |
| Nisswa and check out the famous turtle races that | | | | ranging from four-wheelers to trucks to the huge |
| have been a summer ritual for over 20 years. They | | | | $10,000 cash prize! |
| occur every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. sharp, rain or | | | | For those looking for a little faster pace, pay a visit |
| shine. After the races, walk the streets of the quaint | | | | to the Brainerd International Raceway. In addition to |
| town of Nisswa and enjoy unique shopping | | | | world class drag racing in the summer, there is |
| experiences. | | | | dryland dog sled racing, sports snowcross racing, car |
| Another great summertime opportunity for the kids | | | | racing on ice and an annual cross country snowmobile |
| can be found at the Paul Bunyan Amusement Center | | | | race. . |
| located at 17553 State Highway 18, between | | | | The Brainerd Lakes Area is also known for world |
| Garrison and Brainerd. There is a variety of rides, an | | | | class multi-use trails that offer opportunities for a |
| authentic logging camp and a haunted house. With | | | | family outing of biking, in-line skating or simply a hike. |
| the change of seasons into fall there is a corn maze | | | | The Paul Bunyan Trail is paved and runs from |
| and winter brings a show of lights. | | | | Brainerd for many miles to Walker. The Cuyuna |
| While in the Brainerd Lakes area make sure you see | | | | Country State Recreational Trail is a hard surfaced |
| Minnesota's deepest lake, the Portsmouth mine lake. | | | | trail winds its way around several of Minnesota's |
| This area lake was created after iron mining | | | | newest lakes created when mining operations ceased |
| operations ceased on the historic Cuyuna Iron Range. | | | | in the Cuyuna Iron Range on the north edge of |
| The mine is just north of Crosby on Highway 6 and | | | | Crosby. No matter which one you choose you are |
| has a wonderful scenic overlook. If you are into trout | | | | bound to see a white tailed deer or a bald eagle, hear |
| fishing, spend some time fishing on this pit lake. | | | | the call of the loon or just enjoy the north woods |
| The Crosby area is known for antique shops, so | | | | ambiance in our beautiful forests. |
| make sure you allow time to do some casual strolling | | | | If you prefer snowmobiling we have mile upon mile |
| through town. If you are visiting Crosby in the | | | | of designated trails winding through some of the |
| summer be sure to visit the Croft Mine Historical Park | | | | most beautiful areas you will ever see. There are also |
| on the north edge of town. Take an underground | | | | many opportunities for cross country skiing. |
| mine tour and pick up tidbits about mining history. | | | | Looking for nightlife? Head over to Grand Casino Mille |
| Also, in the interpretive center see the one ton | | | | Lacs where you can spend some time on the slot |
| copper nugget discovered during mining operations in | | | | machines, enjoy a meal, and great entertainment. |
| the area. | | | | There plenty to do in in the Brainerd Lakes area no |
| Looking for mountains? There aren't official mountains | | | | matter what season you come to visit. If you want |
| in the Brainerd Lakes Country area, but just | | | | to enjoy the great outdoors, catch that prize winning |
| northwest of Ironton there is a scenic overlook that | | | | fish, shop in quaint stores or catch some night light, |
| sits on top of mine spoils pile and it is large enough to | | | | make sure you put some time in your vacation |
| be a mountain. From here there is an breath-taking | | | | schedule to visit the area. |