Explore Brainerd Lakes

06/11/2026

With less than a month until America's 250th birthday, we've rounded up Fourth of July celebrations happening throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area! ⭐

From Crosslake, Deerwood, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, and Brainerd to communities across the region, you'll find parades, fireworks, live music, family activities, and community-wide celebrations.

Make your plans for the 4th of July: https://explorebrainerdlakes.com/4th-of-july-fireworks-parades-events

06/09/2026

We're giving away one 3-day General Admission ticket to Lakes Jam at Brainerd International Raceway!

There is still time to win, check out this post for entry details. Winners will be notified tomorrow! ⭐

EDIT: Congratulations to Cheryl Jacobson for winning this year's giveaway! 🥳

🎸 GIVEAWAY ALERT 🎸

Want to experience Lakes Jam 2026?

We're giving away a 3-Day General Admission pass to one lucky winner for June 25-27 at Brainerd International Raceway!

2026 Headliners:
⭐ Bailey Zimmerman
⭐ Tucker Wetmore
⭐ Neal McCoy

PLUS performances from Dasha, Josh Ross, Drew Baldridge, Chris Cagle, Terri Clark, Ashland Craft and more!

TO ENTER:
✅ Follow us on Facebook
✅ Like & share this post!

Winner announced June 10, 2026.

Good luck and get ready for one unforgettable weekend of country music, camping, and summer fun in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

06/05/2026

👣 THE BIG REVEAL IS HERE 👣

After all the votes, comments, and Northwoods debate… our furry friend at the Brainerd Lakes Area Welcome Center officially has a name.

Meet… PHILLIP.

Thank you to everyone who joined in on the fun and helped name our local legend. Watch the video below for the official announcement!

Now the next time you stop by the Brainerd Lakes Area Welcome Center, be sure to say hello to Phillip himself.

06/04/2026

EDIT: Congratulations to Cheryl Jacobson for winning this year's giveaway! 🥳

🎸 GIVEAWAY ALERT 🎸

Want to experience Lakes Jam 2026?

We're giving away a 3-Day General Admission pass to one lucky winner for June 25-27 at Brainerd International Raceway!

2026 Headliners:
⭐ Bailey Zimmerman
⭐ Tucker Wetmore
⭐ Neal McCoy

PLUS performances from Dasha, Josh Ross, Drew Baldridge, Chris Cagle, Terri Clark, Ashland Craft and more!

TO ENTER:
✅ Follow us on Facebook
✅ Like & share this post!

Winner announced June 10, 2026.

Good luck and get ready for one unforgettable weekend of country music, camping, and summer fun in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

05/31/2026

Food Made From Scratch in the Brainerd Lakes Area 🍽️

From homemade pasta and hand-crafted sauces to fresh-baked breads and comfort food classics, these local restaurants are serving up meals made with care, tradition, and local ingredients. ❤️

✨ Wings Airport Cafe – Brainerd
✨ Tasty Pizza North – Pequot Lakes
✨ The Wharf Crosslake – Crosslake
✨ Maucieri's Italian Bistro – Crosslake
✨ Valeri Ann's Family Foods – Merrifield
✨ Passport Brainerd – Brainerd
✨ Norway Ridge Supper Club – Pequot Lakes

Whether you’re craving lakeside dining, classic comfort food, or globally inspired flavors, the Brainerd Lakes Area has a table waiting for you.

05/29/2026

BIGFOOT NEEDS A NAME!

If you’ve stopped into the Brainerd Lakes Area Welcome Center lately, you’ve probably spotted our large and hairy resident…

Now it’s time for YOU to help name him!

Vote for your favorite by commenting below:
1️⃣ Big Bertha
2️⃣ Bruh
3️⃣ Clark McFindHim
4️⃣ Northern Lakefoot
5️⃣ Hairy Forgot the Hendersons
6️⃣ Phillip

Voting ends Wednesday at 4PM!

Stop by the Brainerd Lakes Area Welcome Center to see Bigfoot in person and cast your vote below!

05/28/2026

Say hello to Paula! 🐻

She’s the Treasurer and Director of Finance for the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, and she was bear-y excited to show off this must-have shirt! She also had some fun checking out a pretty stylish bear purse to carry all the essentials for the day.

We even have a mirror in the gift shop so you can strut your stuff while trying on your next favorite find

Stop by the Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center on your way to your next adventure. We’re on the left, you can’t miss us!

05/27/2026

There’s still time to submit your Bigfoot name ideas at the Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center!

Stop in before nominations close tomorrow on May 28 and help us choose this year’s official Bigfoot name. We’ve already received some creative entries, and we can’t wait to see what else the community comes up with.

📍 Submit your name ideas at the Welcome Center
🗓 Nominations close: May 28
🗳 Community voting begins: May 29

While you visit, be sure to browse Brainerd Lakes apparel, souvenirs, and local gifts at the Welcome Center.

05/22/2026

Help Us Name Bigfoot! 👣

The Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center is inviting the community to help choose this year’s official Bigfoot name!

Stop by the Welcome Center May 22–28 to submit your best name idea for a chance to make Bigfoot history. After submissions close, the community will vote to decide the winning name.

📍 Name Submissions: May 22–28
🗳 Voting: May 29–June 3
🎉 Official Name Reveal: June 5 at 1:00 PM

While you’re here, explore Brainerd Lakes apparel, souvenirs, local gifts, and everything the Welcome Center has to offer.

Past favorites include Buford and Yeti Betti, what will this year’s name be? 👀

05/22/2026

Farmers markets are in full swing this weekend, and we've got ALL the hot spots. 🌽🥕☀️

From fresh produce and homemade baked goods to flowers, crafts, and locally made goods, there’s no better way to experience the heart of the lakes area than by shopping local. Every stand tells a story, and every market offers a closer look at the people and products that make this region special.

🧺 Find a farmers market near you:
https://explorebrainerdlakes.com/farmers-markets-brainerd-lakes/

Photo Courtesy: Nisswa Farmers Market