For your next adventure in Brainerd, you will find more than 465 lakes clustered next to scenic forests and the Paul Bunyan State Trail to explore. Additionally, it has a series of bike-friendly roads to explore. Leading into town, both the Paul Bunyan and City Trails allow you to explore all Brainerd has to offer by bike. With numerous retail, recreational, and dining options to explore, it’s easy to spend several days in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Where to Bike in the Area
Explore and enjoy the beauty of the lakes and forests surrounding Brainerd. From most hotels in town, it is easy to ride your bike to the Paul Bunyan Trail and connect to the paved lake community roads for miles of enjoyable bicycling. From the Arboretum, the Paul Bunyan Trail takes you on a 110-mile journey. This paved rail-to-trail corridor passes through the communities of Pequot Lakes, Pine River, Hackensack, Walker, and finally reaches Bemidji.
For the mountain bikers, there are miles of varying terrain through state forests and the newly formed Cuyuna Recreational Area.
Available Maps and Info for the Area
Brainerd City Bike Map Cuyuna Recreational Area Map (Mountain Biking) HaveFunBiking Brainerd Area Map Paul Bunyan Cyclist Map Series
Pillsbury State Forest Map (Mountain Biking)
Route Options
For road riding explorers, choose from many scenic loops designed by the local bike club for your riding pleasure. Also, experience the Cuyuna countryside with more cycling road routes.
More Difficult
Most Difficult
Walk/Hike Opportunities
Brainerd City Parks Brainerd Zip Line Tours
Crow Wing State Park French Rapids Ski Park Northland Arboretum Pillsbury State Forest
Paddling Opportunities
You will find abundant paddling opportunities on numerous lakes and rivers here in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Mississippi River Water Trails – From Aitkin to Brainerd.
Area Bike Shops and Clubs
25336 Smiley Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
218-963-0699
Website
14843 Edgewood Dr N, Baxter, MN 56425
218-829-8542
415 Washington St, Brainerd, MN 5640
218-829-5516
115 3rd Ave SW, Crosby, MN 56441
218-545-4545
18900 Minnesota 371 Brainerd, MN 56401
Bait shop
(218) 829-7010
West Washington St. Brainerd, MN 56401
Mall
(218) 828-1668
108 South 6th St. Brainerd, MN 56401
Drug store
(218) 829-0347
(218) 454-0100
Bike Shop
618 Front St. Brainerd, MN 56401
Kids store
(218) 824-0006
14803 Edgewood Dr. Baxter, MN 56425
(218) 828-0603
– Add the perfect experience | (218) 270-1862
Cragun’s Boat & Jet Ski Rentals | 877-319-5308
Crosslake Bikes – Pay-per-Use bike share system | 218-820-3444
Easy Riders Bicycle & Sportshop – Repairs & Rental | 218-829-5516
Martin’s Sport Shop & Rental – Sports equipment | 218-963-2341
Paul Bunyan Cyclists offering safe rides in the Northlands | 218-833-8122
Red Raven Bike & Coffee Shop – Rentals | 218-833-2788
Wind, Water and Wheels – Bike, Kayak, Paddle Rentals | 218-692-1200
Where to Play When Not Pursuing That Outdoor Adventure
33040 Aspenwood Drive, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
218-568-4341
Website
14145 Baxter Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
218-828-6228
300 Hwy 25 S. Brainerd
218-824-5225
501 West College Drive Brainerd MN 56401
218-855-8199
Website
HWY 210 East Brainerd, MN 56401
Sand volleyball, beach, disc golf, grills, fishing, campground
(218) 828-2320
23521 Nokomis Ave. Nisswa, MN 56468
Spa
(888) 437-4637
Ridge Rd. Lake Shore, MN 56468
Trout stream, hiking trails, covered picninc areas, play areas
(218) 825-0410
14441 Oakwood Dr. Baxter, MN 56425
Swimming beach, showers, bathroom, picnic area, boat landing, fishing pier
(218) 825-0410
17944 Minnesota 371 Brainerd, MN 56401
Go cart racing
(218) 828-4245
17992 Minnesota 371 Brainerd, MN 56401
Mini Golf
(218) 828-9002
17533 Minnesota 18 Brainerd, MN 56401
Historic site
(218) 764-2524
5523 Birchdale Rd. Brainerd, MN 56401
Raceway
1-866-444-4455
10415 Townhall St. Brainerd, MN 56401
BMX track
(218) 821-4269
9651 Business 371 Brainerd, MN 56401
Racing
(218) 839-2137
113 Washington St. NE Brainerd, MN 56401
Family pottery painting
(218) 270-2242
10424 Squaw Point Rd. East Gull Lake, MN 56401
Dinner cruise
855 953-3784
Brainerd Intl. Raceways | 5523 Birchdale Rd., Brainerd| 218-824-7223
Brainerd Cultural Arts Series | 501 West College Dr., Brainerd | 218-855-8000
Greater Lakes Performing Arts (GLAPA) | 218-568-9200
Lakes 12 | 14145 Baxter Drive, Baxter, | 218-828-6228
Sunset Cinema | 33040 Aspen Wood Drive, Pequot Lakes, 218-568-4341
For more fun activities in the area such as fishing, golf, or others, check out the Brainerd Lake’s Activities Page.
Where to Eat
The area boasts several interesting and charming cafes, coffee shops, and ice cream shops, ideally suited any outdoor adventures taste. Here are just a few of the places to eat in the Brainerd Lakes Area:
9th Street Social Club | 212 South 9th Street, Brainerd | (218) 454-1999
b merri Gastro Pub | 19624 Country Rd. 3, Brainerd | (218) 829-7507
El Tequila | 15840 Audubon Way, Suite #2, Brainerd, | 218-454-0618
For a complete list of places to eat and drink in the Brainerd Area, click here.
Where to Sleep When Visiting
When exploring Brainerd, stay well-rested to keep the memories going by staying in one of the great hotels, or campground Brainerd offers.
See Places to Stay in Winona.
Public Wi-Fi Spots
Along with most hotels, many coffee shops and restaurants offer Wi-Fi. The public library is also a good option. The Brainerd Public Library is located at 416 S. 5th St., Brainerd, MN 56401 and can be called at the following number: 218-829-5574.
See the Brainerd/Baxter Tourism Bureau for more information and options.