Plan a Spring Road Trip to Brainerd, MN

Find a Fun Mix of Indoor and Outdoor Things to Do in Brainerd and Baxter This Spring

If you are like most Minnesotans, you are ready to sneak away and stretch your legs as spring arrives. Whether you are thinking of spring break or a long weekend, plan a spring road trip to Brainerd and Baxter located in the heart of Central Minnesota.

Outdoor Fun

City Trails: There are miles of paved trails perfect for walking or biking in the Cities of Brainerd and Baxter. It’s a sure-fire way to get outside but avoid some of the melty messiness that sometimes accompanies spring.
Crow Wing State Park: Explore this state park with many trails that wind around the Mississippi River and experience the beautiful prairie views.
Cuyuna Recreation Area: Go fat tire biking at nearby Cuyuna Recreation Area. Red Raven bike shop & cafe in Crosby will help you get set-up and provides rentals.
Mount Ski Gull: Even as the weather warms up, there is usually snow at Mount Ski Gull until the end of March, so take advantage of the warmer weather and go downhill skiing or snow tubing. They offer equipment rentals for a stress-free day.

Indoor Fun

What’s at the top of the list of indoor fun? Shopping, games, tasting great food and drinks is at the top of ours.

Shopping

For shopping, check out local Brainerd and Baxter boutiques and home good stores. Some to shops to stop at include:

218 UrbanNest: Located downtown Brainerd and offers a fun array of vendor items ranging from home decor to clothing.
Christmas Point: The ultimate shopping experience in Baxter. From boutique style clothing to designer boots and shoes, home good and premier furniture, shop their three levels today.
Little Threads: Preloved Kids Wear is the newest boutique specializing in thoughtfully curated preloved kids wear, toys, and more in Downtown Brainerd. It features wide aisles, a play corner for kids, and a welcoming environment that encourages parents to browse without stress.
Morey’s Fish Market: A bit of a hidden gem when it comes to shopping, this location offers gourmet kitchen goods, coffee mugs and other locally designed décor and home goods. Many fun gadgets to choose from at their Baxter location.
Salvage Sisters: A mix of repurposed furniture and on trend home decor, clothing, jewelry and gift ideas. Located just north of Baxter on Highway 371.
Check out our business directory for a list of shopping spots.

Game Spots

Big Jay’s Pizza Arcade: Great pizza and more arcade games than you can imagine. From ski ball to the latest in high-tech graphics, there is something for everyone.
Copper Cat Escape Games: Solve cool and challenging puzzles in this immersive experience.
Dragon Forge Games: Retailer specializing in tabletop games and accessories with a try-before-you-buy game room.
Midwest Fun: There are lots of opportunities to play bar bingo and meat raffles which are an experience all their own.

Museums, Galleries and Shows

Brainerd Museum of Pop Culture
CLC Performing Arts Center
Crossing Arts Alliance
Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum
Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts

Local Craft Flavors

5Rocks Distilling Co. is a family owned micro distillery and cocktail room in Brainerd. They are always concocting incredible seasonal drinks that are definitely worth checking out.
Jack Pine Brewery is a great locally-owned brewery to kick back, enjoy some live music or game night, and maybe even a food truck. They brew a great selection of craft beers to try and have non-alcoholic options too.
Check our business directory for other local bars and lounges.

Local Restaurants