Winter Magic in the Brainerd Lakes Area
Below is a listing of various winter activities in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Depending on the restrictions in place due to COVID 19, some of the activities may not be available. Please check the individual websites to insure availability.
Arts & Crafts
Purple Fern Bath Company – book a class and learn all about DIY bath bombs, melt and pour soap, and handmade soap from scratch.
The Traveling Art Pub – this creative events company offers hands-on guided at events at local destinations. Each event showcases an original inspiration art piece in which our artist will guide the guests step-by-step to recreate their original.
Frugal Farmhouse – fun and creative DIY classes where you get to create your own custom sign in the company of good friends and good food. Events scheduled around the area and coming to Cragun’s this winter.
Brewery Tours
Indoor Recreations
Indoor Bounce House: UpNorth is an indoor bounce house designed for children up to 12 years old. Kids will enjoy giant bounce houses, a double slide, and an obstacle course. There is even a special toddler area designed especially for your youngest bouncer.
Gym just for kids: We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym offers “play with a purpose” for all kids.
Jack’s House Bowl – bowling fun for all ages.
VR Odyssey – VR Odyssey’s selection of simulations and games have been chosen to cater to a diverse audience of varying age and skill level. Experiences can range from intense to relaxing, some frightening, others awe-inspiring. Most multiplayer games allow up to four players simultaneously while some can host as many as 10 players at once. All multiplayer games are also playable as a solo experience.
Water Park Fun – Three Bear Waterpark at the Holiday Inn Express boasts everything from a lazy river to a 1000-gallon dumping bucket. Cragun’s offers its guests discounted tickets to the Three Bear Waterpark.
Movie Theatres
Outdoor Recreation
Ice Fishing – in addition to Cragun’s ice fishing house rentals, there are several other outfits on Gull Lake and nearby lakes that rent ice fishing houses and provide guide service.
Mount Ski Gull – located just 12 minutes north of Cragun’s on County Road 77. Mount Ski is open from November through March and offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing in one convenient location. There are day and weekend rates for lift tickets and equipment is available for rent. Cragun’s offers discounts at Mount Ski Gull for their guests.
Northland Arboretum – 20 kilometers of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with nearly 5 miles lighted for evening skiing.
Winter Fat Tire Biking in Cuyuna – more than 25 miles of Cuyuna’s bike trails are groomed for winter fat biking.
Shopping
Downtown Brainerd, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, and Crosby all offer unique shopping for everyone from antiquing to one-of-a-kind shops including a wide variety of boutiques and gift shops.
Special Holiday Events
Northland Arboretum Winter Wonderland through New Year’s Eve. Drive-thru experience open Wednesday-Saturday, $15 per carload.
