From Booking to Check-Out: What It’s Like to Stay with Book the B.L.A.
September 30, 2025
We all dream of finding the perfect place to escape. A place to kick back, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Lakefront rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area are inherently charming, but one designed with you and your crew in mind? That’s next level.
Think cozy nights by the fire, a game room to keep the kids busy, and all those little touches that make the trip unforgettable. At Book the B.L.A., we’re all about making memories that stick with you, long after the trip’s over.
The best lakefront rentals offer peace, privacy, and untouched nature right outside your door. Here, we’ll reveal our favorite hidden gems so you and your loved ones can kick back and enjoy lake life like never before.
Oh, and when you book with us, you get access to personalized concierge services to make your trip stress-free and perfectly tailored to your needs!
Perched right on a sandy beach along Pelican Lake, Pelican Beach Lodge brings stunning waterfront views framed by lush greenery. This rental offers ample space for up to 16 guests, with a bright, open main level featuring lake views from every window.
The primary bedroom has a comfy king bed and its own bathroom, while the back patio—complete with a hot tub, fire pit, and Traeger grill—leads straight to your private dock (perfect for that pontoon boat rental!).
Inside, the fun flows as easily as the drinks from the built-in bar. A game room with a pool table and indoor fireplace keeps the good times rolling, rain or shine. And with a whole-house speaker system, every moment is set to the soundtrack of a great time.
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Head over to the shores of Gull Lake, where you’ll find Birch Bay tucked away in Northwood trees. This vacation home offers plenty of room for up to 10 guests, with a large two-level deck and lakeside patio designed for kicking back and enjoying those gorgeous water views.
Just a short drive from Nisswa’s charming shops and Baxter’s conveniences, you’ve got easy access to great food, relaxing spa days, and championship golf courses, all while enjoying the serenity of your private lakeshore.
The heart of this home is its chef’s kitchen, perfect for group meals, while the wood-burning fireplace and cozy living spaces invite post-adventure relaxation. Speaking of relaxation, the master bath features a lakeview copper soaking tub! Get a front-row seat to Gull Lake’s shimmering waters.
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Ready to explore like a local? Check out our Area Guide for all the can’t-miss spots around Gull Lake.
Kick back and relax at The Lodge on Ox Lake, where rustic charm meets modern comfort on the peaceful shores of Ox Lake. This rental sleeps 16 in its Northwoods lodge setting, where large windows in the living area frame pristine lake views.
Gather around the gas fireplace, challenge family to the game table, or claim the cozy cabin for guests above the garage—your group will find plenty of space to spread out. Though Ox Lake has no public access, pontoon boat rentals make exploring easy.
Watch for deer wandering through the pines or listen for loons calling at dawn from your private swim platform! With a fire pit for s’mores and a grill for lakeside cookouts, this is the perfect location to slow down and savor the surrounding area’s quiet beauty. (Psst: we’re freshening up the interiors with new furnishings this season!)
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Just outside Nisswa’s charming bustle, The Lake Haus offers tranquil lakeside bliss right on the Cullen Lake Chain. This delightfully curated private home sleeps 12 and has a relaxed vibe, with spectacular views and easy access to the water.
Inside, the wood-burning fireplace and cozy loft room set the scene for relaxation, while the game room (complete with a pool table) and basement movie room keep the fun going. Outside, you’ve got a big deck and a screened-in porch for grilling and dining with a side of fresh air.
Kick off your mornings with artisan coffee from the Smeg brewer, then pedal the Paul Bunyan Trail to nearby breweries (just 0.8 miles!). And if you’re working remotely, the loft office with a water view is a total win!
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See what’s nearby in our Area Guide! From cool spots to eat to places to shop and explore.
A crown jewel among Northwoods retreats, Oak Haven offers premier lakeside living on legendary Leech Lake. Just 25 minutes from Walker, this unique property blends wilderness serenity with upscale comforts, sleeping 18 across the main house and a bonus room above the garage.
The lakeside great room, anchored by a towering stone fireplace, invites cozy evenings, while the fully equipped kitchen, basement bar, and game room create effortless entertaining. Got a bunch of cars? This place can hold up to 8 vehicles without a hitch!
For water lovers, you’ve got all the toys: 2 kayaks, a SUP, and paddle boat mean water sports galore right from your private dock. When you’re not out on the lake, swap stories around the fire pit under starry skies or sneak in a workout in the private gym. However your crew likes to unwind, there’s space for the whole family to make memories their way.
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All that hustlin’ got you ready for a break? Grab your loved ones and head to the Brainerd Lakes Area for some much-deserved downtime.
Our best vacation rentals deliver the perfect blend of serenity, comfort, and that crowd-free lake life you’ve been craving. And with our concierge services handling everything from firewood deliveries to fishing guides, all you need to do is show up and soak it all in.
At Book the B.L.A., we’re not just your hosts—we’re your Northwoods neighbors, a small team who know these lakes and rental properties inside out. Let us help you find your perfect match.
Life’s better with a lake view. Book your stay at Book the B.L.A. today!
