BOOK THE BLA: Holiday Events Guide
November 28, 2025
Have future plans to visit the Brainerd Lakes Area during the winter season? If these central Minnesota towns are known for anything, it’s all the great activities and fun things to do in the snow! A little bit small-town charm, a little bit winter wonderland, the Brainerd Lakes Area is definitely a one-of-a-kind winter getaway.
The Brainerd Lakes Area is a hub for outdoor activities—a fitting legacy for an area tied to the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan! But you don’t have to be a cross country skier to appreciate the beauty of this winter paradise. From spa lovers to snowmobilers, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
So bundle up and get ready to explore the best things to do in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Here are some of our top recommendations for your next winter trip!
With its 1,200 miles of winding trails, frozen lakes, and breathtaking winter scenery, the B.L.A. is a snowmobiler’s paradise! Cross a scenic lake or cruise through snow-covered forests—either way, the area’s trails offer something for every skill level.
Want more trail info? Check out Brainerd Lakes Area Snowmobile Trails for grooming updates and local club details. They’ll help you find the best trails based on where you’re staying!
For those riding the Paul Bunyan Trail, SPR Motorsports & Marine is a great stop along the way. Located just north of Pequot Lakes on Highway 371, they offer repairs, gear from brands like FXR and 509, and storage options for snowmobilers passing through.
If you’re venturing out near the Whitefish Chain, Boats and Beyond Rentals provides a hassle-free way to hit the trails. While best known for summer boat rentals, they also help winter adventurers access some of the area’s best routes. Their close proximity makes it easy to get out and ride, whether you’re experienced or just starting out.
For top-notch snowmobile rentals and more, check out PowerLodge.They’re your one-stop shop for outdoor adventure, offering the industry’s top brands like Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha, and Alumacraft. Whether you’re hitting the trails or gearing up for snowmobiling, PowerLodge has everything you need to make it unforgettable!
Ready to ride? Explore more snowmobiling options in our Area Guide. If you’ve already booked with us, let our concierge book your snowmobile rental for you!
Skiing and snowshoeing are easily among the most popular things to do in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Gliding through the snowy landscape is absolutely magical, and there are miles of trails to trek through in snowshoes.
For cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Cut Lake Trail offers a 17-kilometer trackset with mostly intermediate-level trails that wind around scenic lakes like Cut and Deer. Be sure to stop at one of the shelters with fireplaces for coziness along the way! It really adds to the experience.
Over in Cuyuna, you’ll find even more winter wonderland fun. The Cuyuna Lakes State Trail features eight miles of paved trail within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, home to six natural lakes and 15 deep mine-pit lakes stretching from Crosby to Riverton. Whether you’re gliding on skis or crunching through the snow on snowshoes, it’s a winter paradise waiting to be explored.
Fun Fact: Did you know you can also mountain bike in the winter here? Check out the Cuyuna winter trail map for more info!
For downhill skiing, Mount Ski Gull offers a range of slopes for all skill levels. With family-friendly programs, rental options, and well-maintained trails, it’s a great place for both seasoned skiers and newbies alike.
Did you know many golf courses double as snowy playgrounds in the winter? Courses like Maddens, Craguns, and The Pines open their grounds for snowshoeing and skiing, with some even hosting moonlit or candle-lit guided snowshoe hikes for a magical twist. Don’t miss the trails behind the Crosslake Community Center, offering even more snowy fun.
Explore the winter wonderland! Find more skiing and snowshoeing options in our Area Guide. Booked a stay? Let our concierge handle the details for you!
Escape the winter weather and dive into some indoor excitement! At Copper Cat Escape Game, step into a movie-like adventure where you and your group solve puzzles and uncover clues before time runs out. For a futuristic twist, head to VR Action World, Brainerd’s first immersive virtual reality park, featuring 10 simulators and hundreds of games that blend stunning graphics with realistic experiences.
Golf enthusiasts can tee off year-round at Cragun’s Resort and Madden’s on Gull Lake, where high-tech golf simulators let you play virtual rounds, practice your swing, and even get fitted for clubs. And for a unique twist, visit Roundhouse Brewery, home to The Wreck Room for axe throwing, or explore other local spots like Jack Pine Brewery and 5Rocks Distilling Co. for craft drinks and cozy vibes.
When winter arrives in the Brainerd Lakes Area, ice fishing is the perfect way to pass the time. The crisp air and the sound of the ice beneath your feet make it a quintessential Minnesota experience you won’t want to miss!
Pelican Lake Fish House Rentals, located in beautiful Breezy Point, offers full-time, year-round guiding for ice fishing. Reel in a Northern Pike, Walleye, Crappie, or Perch while enjoying the stunning scenery of Pelican Lake.
For those looking to fish Leech Lake, Leech Lake Rentals provides a huge selection of custom, comfortable rental houses sprinkled across the lake. With expert guidance and houses located near dining, shopping, and entertainment in downtown Walker, it’s a great way to enjoy a day of fishing without venturing too far from everything else the area has to offer.
Mark Your Calendar: The Ice Fishing Extravaganza, the largest charitable ice fishing event in the world, happens on Gull Lake in February (conditions permitting). Don’t miss it! Learn more here.
Ready to drop a line? Explore more ice fishing options in our Area Guide. Already booked a stay? Let our concierge help you plan your ice fishing adventure—gear, guides, and more!
There’s a lot to see and do in the Brainerd Lakes Area during the winter months. Explore Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, or Crosby’s Main Street and discover quaint local shops throughout the area filled with antiques, gifts, outdoor gear, and more!
As the day winds down, enjoy the area’s live music and evening dining. Even a leisurely walk along the picturesque, shop-lined streets is an experience in itself!
Ready to shop ‘til you drop? Find more shopping spots and local gems in our Area Guide.
After all that outdoor adventure, you deserve a day to slow down and recharge! Whether you’re looking to stretch out the winter chill with a calming yoga session or sink into total relaxation at a spa, there are plenty of ways to unwind and warm up.
For a personalized self-care experience, C’est La Vie Beauty Lounge offers a boutique setting where you can enjoy a pampering nail treatment in Crosslake. If you’re seeking ultimate relaxation, Grand View Lodge Spa provides a tranquil retreat among the pines, where mineral-rich waters and expert treatments melt that stress away.
For yoga lovers, Notice Wellness brings experienced instructors to resorts, event centers, and even your vacation rental through their concierge service. Perfect for private sessions or group classes, it’s an easy way to add a little zen to your winter retreat!
For more ways to relax, explore our Area Guide—your go-to for spas, yoga, and wellness retreats to recharge and refresh.
A Midwestern tradition, meat raffles are a fun way to spend a winter evening while supporting local causes. For just a few bucks, you can try your luck at winning everything from steaks to seafood while enjoying each other’s company.
Heads up: Meat raffles often change locations, so check the Brainerd Lakes Chamber calendar for the latest updates.
After a day of exploring Brainerd’s dreamy winter landscape, nothing beats retreating to a warm and luxurious vacation home!
Whether you’re looking for a lakeside cabin, a charming A-frame, or a spacious lodge, our rentals offer the perfect escape from the cold. Curl up by the fire, soak in a private hot tub, or take in the peaceful winter views from the comfort of your home away from home.
At Book the B.L.A., we go beyond providing a place to stay—we create memorable guest experiences. Our concierge team can help plan curated activities, from private chef dinners to snowmobile rentals, making your stay effortless and unforgettable. And don’t forget to check out the Woods to Water Blog for updates on upcoming events like the 4th of July Celebration, Nisswa Rib Fest, Nisswa Lighting, and Winterfest!
Make the most of your winter getaway with a stay that’s as cozy as it is exciting. Book your stay with Book the B.L.A. today!
