WHO WE ARE

Visit Brainerd Baxter is the official destination marketing organization and visitor’s bureau for the cities of Baxter and Brainerd, MN. Established in 1995, as a 501c6 non-profit corporation, we represent the tourism and hospitality businesses within the cities of Baxter and Brainerd. We are committed to promoting the cities as a leisure, business and convention travel destination, and as the economic center of the Brainerd Micropolitan Area. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, unbiased information to all travelers.

MISSION

To promote Baxter and Brainerd, MN, as a premier destination for visitors, convention and meeting services. To provide unbiased information about our community to visitors.

OBJECTIVE

Visit Brainerd Baxter exists to attract the maximum number of visitor dollars into the economy. Our job is to create and capitalize on opportunities to support, promote and expand tourism within our cities. By doing this, Visit Brainerd Baxter contributes to the local economy by creating jobs, bringing outside customers to local businesses, and increasing our community’s quality of life.

OPERATIONS

Visit Brainerd Baxter is primarily funded by a three percent local lodging tax collected from short-term lodging properties in the Cities of Baxter and Brainerd. The organization is managed by a full-time Executive Director and is overseen by a Board of Directors with representatives from the local lodging, tourism and hospitality industry. Visit Brainerd Baxter is located at 214 South 7th Street, Brainerd, MN 56401, which is an information center, gift store, and the corporate office.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • Brandon Lloyd, Secretary | The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes
  • Jodi Pittman, Director | AmericInn Baxter
  • Joey Yow, Director | Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center
  • Katie Goenner, President | Baymont Inn & Suites
  • Ken Lacy, Director | Lakes Jam
  • Matt Means, Treasurer| National Bank of Commerce
  • Nikki Turcotte, Director | Rapid River Lodge
  • Tom Vasecka, Vice President| Holiday Inn Express & Suites
ANNUAL EVENTS

The annual Visit Brainerd Baxter Brochure Exchange is held in early May as a kick-off to the summer tourism season. This networking event is an opportunity for representatives and employees from local lodging, events, attractions and businesses to gather and share what is happening this season. Learn more HERE.

EMPLOYMENT

Visit Brainerd Baxter is currently hiring an Executive Assistant / Office Manager in a permanent part-time role. If you are interested in learning more, please email info@visitbrainerd.com to request a position description. – Posted July 14, 2026