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Top Brainerd Winter Vacations

Welcome to Brainerd, Minnesota, the birthplace of Paul Bunyan and his faithful blue-hued companion, Babe the Blue Ox. A winter vacation to the stomping grounds of these local legends might conjure up images of long days lazing about in your long underwear, too weary to forsake the relative comfort of your drafty cabin for Brainerd’s bone-creaking cold. But we’re here to banish your misguided notions of northern Minnesota with the spectacular selection of resort, lodge and cabin vacations featured on our Top Brainerd Winter Vacations list—no flannel required!
1

Cozy Bay Resort

Nisswa, Minnesota

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+1 (866) 694 - 9012
We expected some fairly cozy accommodations here, but what we weren’t expecting was to get all the creature comforts this Brainerd resort had to offer at a rate that didn’t break the bank. For affordable... read more

We expected some fairly cozy accommodations here, but what we weren’t expecting was to get all the creature comforts this Brainerd resort had to offer at a rate that didn’t break the bank. For affordable Brainerd winter vacations, our pick is Cozy Bay Resort!

We’ve been there: the kids are unpacked, the car is unloaded and then, all of your winter vacation dreams are dashed by a drafty cabin and frozen plumbing. You’d do well to banish this vacation nightmare from your psyche, and Cozy Bay Resort’s charming cabins should erase any last traces of creaky, cobweb-strewn cabins. These Brainerd cabins feature authentic knotty pine interiors and all the comforts of home, including a kitchen for easy snack and meal prep. But the real highlight of Cozy Bay Resort’s cabins is the sparkling Minnesota lake each overlooks. The entire resort fronts Lake Edward, but you’ll find plenty of shelter from the winter gales inside the bay that shares its name. And this Brainerd-area lake is known for its fabulous fishing conditions, so you’d be well-advised to drop in a tip-up or two before gliding across its frozen surface on a pair of ice skates or cross country skis.

Highlights

Summer offerings at Cozy Bay Resort include grilling, swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing.

Fun facts

Cozy Bay Resort’s weekly rates include launch and docking for your boat, and the resort even offers discounted rates on Brainerd winter vacations.

Related Onsite Offerings

Cozy Bay Resort offers Brainerd-area campsites with water and electric hook-ups, plus bonfire pits, during warmer months.

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+1 (866) 562 - 8458
The pine trees are all but hidden beneath a heavy layer of ice and snow. Three feet of powdery white blankets the northern Minnesota landscape. And a quiet hush settles over the Brainerd Lakes area, broken only by... read more

The pine trees are all but hidden beneath a heavy layer of ice and snow. Three feet of powdery white blankets the northern Minnesota landscape. And a quiet hush settles over the Brainerd Lakes area, broken only by the occasional sounds of a woodpecker taking flight or a doe nibbling on a stray strand of birch bark.

By all accounts, most traveling past would think Brainerd’s seasonal dwellers had packed their bags and flown south for the winter – unless they happened upon Kavanaugh’s. You see, while other northern Minnesota resorts board up their doors at the first sign of frost, this Brainerd resorts catches a second wind in winter months. Sure, the recreation may take on a slightly different form, but once you’ve switched out your wakeboard for cross country skis and traded your board shorts for thermal long underwear, you’ll soon be ready to get in on the Brainerd Lakes winter action! If cross country skiing on the snow-blanketed Minnesota landscape just can’t compare to the heart-pounding action of racing your snowmobile across tightly-packed powder, you’re in luck. More than 137 kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails on the Gull Lake Lighted Trail are easily accessible from your Kavanaugh’s condo or cottage!

Highlights

Looking to bring some life back into your icy fingers and toes? Try a dip in Kavanaugh’s heated indoor pool or whirlpool.

Fun facts

Nearby Nisswa offers some of the best shops and dining in the state!

Related Onsite Offerings

With lodging ranging from cozy one-bedroom cottages to spacious three-bedroom condos, Kavanaugh’s has plenty of space for your Brainerd winter or group vacation.

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3

Campfire Bay Resort

Brainerd, Minnesota

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+1 (866) 618 - 1613
We found a place where the Twin Cities skyscrapers are replaced with towering pines that reach for the sky. A place where you can breathe a little deeper and the lake waters are a little cleaner. A magical place... read more

We found a place where the Twin Cities skyscrapers are replaced with towering pines that reach for the sky. A place where you can breathe a little deeper and the lake waters are a little cleaner. A magical place where the closest you’ll come to a daily commute is joining the queue of boats meandering through the channel.

They call it Brainerd, Minn., but Campfire Bay Resort calls it home. While Campfire Bay is a ready-made Brainerd Lakes getaway in all four seasons, this northern Minnesota resort really shines in wintertime. With a name like Fish Trap Lake, you can guess what awaits you in the frozen waters outside your Campfire Bay cabin’s doors. Bald eagles and the cherished loon may rule these waters in warmer months, but come winter, the real leaders of this underwater kingdom are Minnesota’s walleye. And with 1,305 acres of pristine Fish Trap Lake waters at your fingertips – er, hook – the hunt for this elusive prey has never been stacked higher in your favor! Truth be told, there are plenty of Campfire Bay activities to keep even the most hard-to-please busy for hours, days and even months. But that’s just the idea – once this Brainerd resort gets you hooked on winter, it’s only a matter of time before you and your family turn up on Campfire Bay’s doorstep in all four seasons!

Highlights

Campfire Bay hosts scrapbooking, quilting and crafting retreats inside its deluxe Willow, Tamarack, Poplar and Pine Beach cabins.

Fun facts

Campfire Bay offers daily activities all summer long, including sandcastle building, tie-dying, fishing competitions, arts and crafts and pontoon rides.

Related Onsite Offerings

Pine Ridge Golf Club and two Brainerd-area horseback riding stables are both within three miles of Campfire Bay Resort.

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4

Agate Lake Resort

Nisswa, Minnesota

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+1 (218) 963 - 2224
Located near Nisswa, this Minnesota resort is family owned and operated and offers a peaceful and well maintained facility!During the wintertime Agate Lake Resort turns into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy... read more

Located near Nisswa, this Minnesota resort is family owned and operated and offers a peaceful and well maintained facility!

During the wintertime Agate Lake Resort turns into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy ice fishing and skiing! Ski Gull is only a half a mile away and there are miles of snowboarding trails right outside your door! Cross country skiing is also available at Pillsbury State Forest. Enjoy a winter retreat at Lake Agate!

Address

9326 Agate Lake Rd Lakeshore, MN 56468

Dates and Prices

Ask about off season rates in the winter and get a great deal!

Fun facts

Family owned and operated by Bill and Theresa Garry who moved into the resort because they couldn't find a house to meet their needs!

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5

Good Ol' Days Resort

Nisswa, Minnesota

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+1 (218) 963 - 2478
As a four-season resort, Good Ol' Days welcomes guests year-round. Winter just happens to be one of those four seasons, and is perhaps the best time to visit!Good Ol' Days is the perfect place for any looking to mix... read more

As a four-season resort, Good Ol' Days welcomes guests year-round. Winter just happens to be one of those four seasons, and is perhaps the best time to visit!

Good Ol' Days is the perfect place for any looking to mix up the humdrum regimen of a typical winter weekend. Grab a snowmobile and from the lake's shores you'll be treated to spectacular views of wildlife and the tranquil winter landscape. Zoom through field and stream and take in peaceful vistas that the tranquil winter environment provides. Snowshoeing, ice fishing, and ice skating are also available onsite if snowmobiling isn't really your thing. If you need to warm up, go relax inside your completely renovated cottage or the cozy lodge. Sit by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and recharge your batteries for another fun (and snow) filled day!

Address

26050 Oak Ln, Nisswa, MN 56468

Related activities

The resort lies less than a mile from downtown Nisswa.

Related Onsite Offerings

Other amenities include volleyball and basketball courts, a fire pit, grills and a fish cleaning station.

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6

Lost Lake Lodge

Nisswa, Minnesota

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+1 (800) 450 - 2681
Lost Lake Lodge is an all-inclusive Brainerd resort that offers everything you need to have the perfect winter vacation.Lost Lake Lodge offers cabins and cottages of various sizes and styles with amenities ranging... read more

Lost Lake Lodge is an all-inclusive Brainerd resort that offers everything you need to have the perfect winter vacation.

Lost Lake Lodge offers cabins and cottages of various sizes and styles with amenities ranging from private decks, fireplaces, and stunning lakefront views. If you want to get out of your cozy cabin or cottage and experience the great outdoors, take a hike on the nature trails that wind through ancient burial grounds, where you can spot deer and over 44 bird species. If you are feeling more like staying inside, you can hang out in Harry’s Garage, an on-site arcade that features a foosball table, darts, and a pool table. Downtown Nisswa is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon on a brisk winter day! Start your morning with a cup of Joe from StoneHouse Coffee & Roastery and make sure to try their delicious scones. Do some shopping at various gift shops and boutiques and then grab a sandwich and a beer at Big Axe Brewing Company. The genuine combination of nature, shopping, and warm accommodations make this a truly magical Brainerd lakes getaway.

Address

7965 Lost Lake Rd., Nisswa, Minnesota 56468

Fun facts

Lost Lake Lodge has been offering guests exceptional dining and quiet serenity amidst 80 acres of woods, water, and wildlife for the past 70 years.

Related Onsite Offerings

Lost Lake Lodge's on-site restaurant offers gourmet dinners and hearty breakfasts to keep you and your family satisfied throughout your stay.

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7

Wilderness Point Resort

Nisswa, Minnesota

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+1 (800) 231 - 4050
Set on on Middle Cullen Lake, a 450-acre superbly secluded body of water in Pequot Lakes, Wilderness Resort Villas offers both fun outdoors and comfort indoors during a frigid northern winter!Whether you're... read more

Set on on Middle Cullen Lake, a 450-acre superbly secluded body of water in Pequot Lakes, Wilderness Resort Villas offers both fun outdoors and comfort indoors during a frigid northern winter!

Whether you're interested in renting a cabin or a luxury villa, a stay at Wilderness Resort begins and ends with comfort. The newly constructed villas are nestled in a wooded site with mature trees, all against the majestic (if probably frozen-over) body of Middle Cullen Lake. While your rental is the perfect place to get cozy, you'll certainly want to spend some of your stay out and about in the spectacular environment surrounding the lodge. The Brainerd area is host to a plethora of hiking, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling opportunities. Whatever you choose, you'll have a fantastic time at Wilderness Resort!

Related activities

With eight courses located within 15 minutes of the resort and eight more within 30 minutes, there is golf nearby for every level of player.

Getting there

From Hwy 371 North, turn right on County Rd. 107 (after approximately � mile 107 veers to the left); do not follow 107 but continue straight on Wilderness Road for approx. 3 miles. Paved roadway will end; continue on to the resort.

Related Onsite Offerings

In the summer, boating, swimming docks, and paddle boats provide a wild and wet time!

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View call direct
+1 (800) 272 - 4867
The presents have all been unwrapped. The last of the honey-glazed ham has been placed in the freezer. And as you gaze out over your wrapping paper-strewn living room and remind your little one that Mommy’s best... read more

The presents have all been unwrapped. The last of the honey-glazed ham has been placed in the freezer. And as you gaze out over your wrapping paper-strewn living room and remind your little one that Mommy’s best china isn’t for throwing, a horrifying thought works its way into your head: school doesn’t resume for another week.

You could spend the next seven days chasing your sugar-fueled tots, assigning time outs and ignoring desperate pleas for anything but holiday leftovers. Or, you could pack up the crew and head on over to our No. 1 pick, Cragun’s Resort and Hotel. Overlooking Gull Lake’s frozen shores, this Brainerd resort promises a family vacation that’s sure to banish mid-winter blues – and restore some much-needed peace and quiet to your lives. Santa’s sleigh may be just a twinkle in the starry Minnesota sky, but you’ll be hearing sleigh bells ring all winter long at Cragun’s Resort and Hotel. The resort’s Clydesdale team eagerly paws the ground, their frosty breath leaving miniature icicles on the tips of their whiskery noses, as you and the kids bundle up for a horse-drawn trolley ride along Gull Lake’s shores. Plunk a couple of marshmallows into a steaming cup of hot chocolate, gather ‘round the campfire and toast to another successful Brainerd family vacation!

Highlights

The Brainerd Lakes Ski Area is only eight miles from Cragun’s Resort and Hotel.

Fun facts

Not only is Cragun’s Resort and Hotel a fun-filled winter getaway, it’s also one of the best vacation values in all of Northern Minnesota!

Related Onsite Offerings

Gull Lake is also great for ice fishing and Cragun’s places convenient ice houses along this Minnesota lake’s best fishing holes.

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9

Breezy Point Resort

Breezy Point, Minnesota

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+1 (800) 432 - 3777
For those who are too impatient to pass their Brainerd winter vacation jigging for jumbo perch, the No. 8 pick on our Top 10 Brainerd Winter Vacations offers a few more intriguing ways to play in this year-round... read more

For those who are too impatient to pass their Brainerd winter vacation jigging for jumbo perch, the No. 8 pick on our Top 10 Brainerd Winter Vacations offers a few more intriguing ways to play in this year-round Minnesota playground.

We have two words that are going to make your vacation: winter golf. But don’t pack your bags and jet off to Florida just yet; we’re talking about snow golf – Breezy Point Resort’s wintry twist on traditional tee times. This Brainerd resort boasts an astonishing nine-hole course on Big Pelican Lake, including groomed “greens,” tree lined fairways and a few trouble spots that are sure to challenge all levels of play. And no need to worry about losing your pearly white golf ball in a sea of similar-hued snow – snow golf is smartly played with tennis balls! You don’t have to be a golf pro to love Breezy Point Resort. The resort’s tubing hill is the perfect stomping ground for good-natured snowball fights (and a bit of sibling rivalry) on Brainerd family vacations. Those looking for a less hands-on way to partake in Minnesota’s wintry fun will flip – literally – for Breezy Point’s lighted skating rinks.

Highlights

Join the fun at Breezy Point Resort for the annual Ice Fest, where all ages go crazy for ice sculpture, snow golf, sleigh rides, bonfires, fireworks and much more.

Fun facts

Breezy Point Resort now encompasses 3,000 acres with two 18-hole golf courses, a complete boat marina and approximately 350 lodging units in Breezy Point, Minnesota.

Related Onsite Offerings

Breezy Point Resort offers a wide range of Brainerd-area hotel suites, condos, vacation homes and retreats on Big Pelican Lake.

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10

Quarterdeck Resort

Nisswa, Minnesota

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+1 (800) 950 - 5596
Quarterdeck Resort is located on Gull Lake, Minnesota, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable winter vacation.Winters at Quarterdeck Resort are stacked full of activities that will make any cold weather... read more

Quarterdeck Resort is located on Gull Lake, Minnesota, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable winter vacation.

Winters at Quarterdeck Resort are stacked full of activities that will make any cold weather hater see the error of their ways. With just under 10,000 acres of frozen lake surface, Gull Lake is sure to provide the premier ice fishing experience you seek. If you happen to be in Gull Lake in January, don’t miss out on the Ice Fishing Extravaganza, the largest fishing contest in the world. You can also enjoy snowmobiling on the 1,200 miles of trails in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area that are connected to the resort. If you want to hit the slopes, strap on your skis and head over to the Mount Ski Gull, which offers 12 runs of fun for downhill skiers of all levels. When you come back after a long day of winter adventures, you can warm up in your luxury Quarterdeck lodgings. Choose from a Main Lodge Suite, a Lakeside Suite, or a Lakeside Cottage. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, Quarterdeck has just the place for you.

Address

9820 Birch Bay Drive S.W., County Rd. 77, Nisswa, MN 56468

Highlights

Make sure to grab a bite at Jake's Beach Grill, their on-site restaurant and indoor/outdoor bar that offers casual dining with a nautical flair.

Getting there

Take Highway 371 North through Brainerd/Baxter. Turn left onto County Road 77, just outside of Baxter at the stoplight. Follow the road for 14 miles and they are on the righthand side.

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