At A Glance: Exploring Brainerd – Fun and Food
With the main trailhead for the Paul Bunyan State Trail located here, the Brainerd Lakes Area boasts more than 465 lakes clustered next to scenic forests. 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 plenty of retail, recreation, and restaurant choices to checkout, it is easy to spend several days here while exploring Brainerd.
A sunny spring afternoon, this mother-daughter
mountain bike team is creating some fun memories in the Pillsbury State Forest near Brainerd, MN.
Where to Bike in the Area
Explore and enjoy the beauty of the lakes and forests in and around the Brainerd area. 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 on the paved rail-bed up through Pequot Lakes, Pine River, Hackensack, Walker, and then to Bemidji.
For road riding explorers, choose from many scenic loops designed by the local bike club for your riding pleasure.
For the mountain bikers, there are miles of varying terrain through state forests and the newly formed Cuyuna Recreational Area.
Available Maps for the Area
HaveFunBiking Brainerd Area Map
Brainerd City Bike Map
Paul Bunyan Cyclist Map Series
Pillsbury State Forest Map (Mountain Biking)
Cuyuna Recreational Area Map
Walk/Hike Opportunities
Brainerd’s City Parks and Arboretum
French Rapids Ski Park
Crow Wing State Park
Area Bike Shops and Clubs
Acceleration Sports & Fitness | 607 Laurel St., Brainerd, MN 56401 | 218-454-0100
Cycle Path & Paddle (Sales and Rental) | 115 3rd Ave. S.W., Crosby, MN 56441 | 218-545-4545
Easy Rider Bikes | 415 Washington St., Brainerd, MN 56401 | 218-829-5516
Trail Blazer Bikes | 14843 Edgewood Dr., Baxter, MN 56425 | 218-829-8542
Trail Blazer Bikes | 25336 Smiley Rd., Nisswa, MN 56486 | 218-963-0699
Paul Bunyan Cyclists offering safe rides in the Northlands | 218-833-8122
Where to Play When Not Biking or Hiking
Brainerd International Raceways | 5523 Birchdale Rd., Brainerd, MN 56401| 218-824-7223
Brainerd Minnesota Cultural Arts Series | Central Lakes College – 501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401 | 218-855-8000
Greater Lakes Performing Arts (GLAPA) | 218-568-9200
Jack’s House Bowling & Family Entertainment | 300 Hwy 25 S., Brainerd, MN 56401 | 218-824-5225
Lakes 12 | 14145 Baxter Drive, Baxter, MN 56401 | 218-828-6228
Sunset Cinema | 33040 Aspen Wood Drive, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 | 218-568-4341
For other fun activities in the area such as fishing, golf, or others, check out more at Brainerd’s Activities Page.
Where to Eat
From the Coco Moon Coffee Barto, an elegant lakeside restaurant, to Ivens On The Bay, Brainerd also offers several interesting and charming cafes and ice cream shops.
El Tequila | 15840 Audubon Way, Suite #2, Brainerd, MN 56401 | 218-454-0618
The Old Waterfall | 18512 State Highway 371, Brainerd, MN 5640 | 218-825-0633
Where to Sleep When Visiting
When exploring Brainerd, stay well-rested to keep the memories going by staying in one of the great camp grounds or hotels Brainerd offers.
Public Wi-Fi Spots
Along with most hotels, many coffee shops and restaurants have Wi-Fi available. The public library is also good option. The Brainerd’s 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 detailed information.