Minnesota Lake Country — centered on the Brainerd Lakes Area — is one of the most activity-rich outdoor recreation destinations in the entire upper Midwest. With over 460 lakes, miles of state forest trails, world-class fishing, and a growing array of adventure experiences, there is genuinely no shortage of things to do in this stunning part of Minnesota.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, a family with kids, or a couple looking for a quiet escape, these are the ten outdoor activities that define the Lake Country experience.
1. Zip Lining at Zip Brainerd
Start your Lake Country adventure with a zip line experience at Zip Brainerd. Set among the pines of the Brainerd Lakes Area, it’s one of the most exciting adventure experiences in the region and appropriate for all ability levels. Read our beginner’s guide to zip lining if you’re new to the activity, and check out what to wear for a comfortable and safe experience.
2. Fishing: The Quintessential Lake Country Experience
Minnesota Lake Country is legendary among anglers, and for good reason. Walleye is the most prized catch — Gull Lake, Mille Lacs, and dozens of smaller lakes offer excellent walleye fishing throughout summer. Muskie, northern pike, bass, and panfish round out the incredible variety. Charter guide services are widely available for both experienced and first-time anglers.
3. Kayaking and Canoeing
The Brainerd Lakes Area’s interconnected chain lakes and river systems offer hundreds of miles of paddling routes. Kayak rentals are available at numerous outfitters throughout the region. The Whitefish Chain of Lakes offers particularly excellent paddling with calm water and beautiful forested shorelines. Early morning paddles before the motorboat traffic starts are especially peaceful.
4. Paul Bunyan Trail: Biking and Running
The Paul Bunyan Trail is a 120-mile paved multi-use path that runs from Baxter through Brainerd, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Pine River, and all the way to Hackensack. It’s perfect for cycling, inline skating, and running. The Nisswa-to-Brainerd section is particularly popular and passes through the charming downtown areas that make for excellent pit stops. Pair a trail ride with an explore of hidden gems around Nisswa.
5. Swimming at State Park Beaches
Crow Wing State Park and Mille Lacs Kathio State Park both offer beautiful sandy swimming beaches on clear Minnesota lakes. The beach at Lake Hubert, near Nisswa, is a local favorite for families. Water quality in Minnesota’s lakes is generally excellent, and many campground beaches have lifeguards on duty during peak summer hours.
6. Golfing at World-Class Resort Courses
The Brainerd Lakes Area has earned a reputation as one of the top golf destinations in the Midwest. The Legacy Course at Cragun’s Resort and The Classic at Grand View Lodge are two of the most celebrated resort courses in Minnesota. Both offer stunning lake and forest scenery alongside genuinely challenging layouts.
7. Hiking in State Forests and Parks
Superior National Forest, Pillsbury State Forest, and Crow Wing State Park offer excellent hiking throughout the region. Trails range from gentle lakeshore walks to longer backcountry routes. Fall hiking, when the colors are at their peak, is particularly spectacular.
For seasonal hiking and fall foliage timing, read our guide to Minnesota Northwoods in the fall season.
8. Wildlife Watching and Birding
Minnesota Lake Country is home to extraordinary wildlife. Bald eagles nest throughout the region and are a regular sighting from lakes and rivers. Common loons — Minnesota’s state bird — call across every lake at dusk. White-tailed deer, great blue herons, trumpeter swans, and black bears (in northern sections) round out the wildlife experience.
9. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become enormously popular across the Brainerd Lakes Area over the past several years. Rentals are widely available at resorts and outfitters. The calm, sheltered bays of Gull Lake and Whitefish Lake are perfect SUP environments for beginners, while experienced paddlers enjoy more open water crossings.
10. Pontoon Boating
Nothing says Minnesota Lake Country quite like an afternoon pontoon cruise. Most resorts and many outfitters rent pontoon boats by the half-day or full day. Explore multiple lakes, find a quiet cove for swimming, grill lunch on the water, and watch the sunset from the middle of the lake. Pair a pontoon day with a cabin rental near Brainerd for the complete Lake Country experience.
Planning Your Lake Country Adventure
The Brainerd Lakes Area rewards visitors who plan ahead — especially for summer visits when popular activities and accommodations fill up fast. Start with our complete first-time visitor guide to the Brainerd Lakes Area for a full overview of the region, and book your zip line tour early for the best time slot selection.