Things to Do in Minnesota's Central Lakes Region

“Lake life” is one of the first things you’ll hear about when you visit Minnesota. It may even be the reason you’re interested in the state in the first place.

But what is it? Well, like most things, it depends on who you ask. Some insist that lake life is a state of mind, a plane of existence, something you can conjure no matter where you physically are.

To that we say: sure! But isn’t there something truly special about bobbing along a body of water — on your back, on a boat, from the other side of a fishing line — with the sun creating those little translucent cones just under the surface of the lake? Taking in the tranquil sound of a loon call at dusk? Roasting marshmallows in a shoreside firepit with your whole wild, funny, singular, perfect family as the sun turns the rippling lake into a mirrored watercolor?

There’s no better place to live the lake life than this part of our state, which is home to some of the most swimmable, boatable bodies of water in charming, amenity-filled resort towns like Brainerd, Nisswa, and Alexandria.

Sound alright? Next step: see our favorite lake resorts.

St. Joseph, a picturesque college town about an hour northwest of Minneapolis and 15 minutes from St. Cloud, is one of the state’s sweetest surprises — quite literally. St. Joseph is home to Flour and Flower, Erin Lucas’ tiny-but-mighty bakery tucked behind Krewe, her husband Mateo Mackbee’s James Beard-nominated eatery.

Lucas’ expert, technique-driven pastries range from traditional laminated goods like croissants to a salty rosemary shortbread that pairs perfectly with Earl Grey — and the greatest dog biscuits in existence (scientifically speaking).

Enjoy a latté and a breakfast bite, then wander over to Krewe — an unexpected slice of New Orleans in central Minnesota — and make a reservation for the evening. You won’t want to miss Chef Mackbee’s loving tribute to his family’s Creole heritage, including the richest, most flavor-packed shrimp bisque this side of the Mason-Dixon Line.

After dinner, pop over to Obbink Distilling for a signature cocktail made with their small-batch spirits. You can even browse class offerings and book a custom whiskey-blending experience for your next trip.

If you’re looking to spend the night, consider an architecturally significant abbey. The church at Saint John’s Abbey is one of the Midwest’s foremost examples of Brutalist architecture. The abbey also offers rooms in a guesthouse with lake views, spiritual guidance and breakfast included.

The next day, start with a stroll through the Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum, then stop by Bruno Press, artist Mary Bruno’s studio-classroom, to pick up her signature cheeky greeting cards or posters.

From there, browse local home goods at WR Home Company, grab a handcrafted ice cream at Jupiter Moon, and sample ciders at Milk + Honey, a minimal-intervention cidery with a cozy, barn-style taproom.

Take a road trip to St. Joseph and Collegeville.

The Brainerd Lakes Area — usually considered to include nearby Nisswa, Baxter and Pequot Lakes — is perhaps Minnesota’s “resortiest” destination. Home to family-friendly heavyweights like Madden’s, Grand View Lodge, Breezy Point and Cragun’s, the area has also seen new openings in recent years, including the romantic, contemporary Nature Link.

While the area prides itself on an abundance of water — and the boating, water sports and swimming culture to show for it — there’s plenty to do on dry land as well. If you’ve got kids in tow, take them to see the world’s most famous lumberjack at Paul Bunyan Land (admission to Old Farm Pioneer Village is included), or hit the little links at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf.

Plan a stop at the Chocolate Ox in Nisswa for a sweet treat, then settle in at Big Axe Brewing for a classic burger, waffle fries and an easy-drinking “Axetoberfest.” 

You can also dine waterside at local favorites like Ernie’s on Gull, Bar Harbor Supper Club or Zorbaz — the beloved local pizza joint that has famously banned the letter “s.” Zee you there!

See our favorite things to do in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

A chain of lakes encircles Alexandria, with another smaller chain running directly through town like an aqueous paint drip. It’s no wonder the Legacy of the Lakes Museum — a seasonal space celebrating Minnesota’s rich history of boating, fishing and lake life — is located here. On the grounds, Legacy Gardens is a popular place to relax, picnic and enjoy live music.

Of course, there’s also Big Ole, the world’s largest Viking — a 28-foot fiberglass tribute to Minnesota’s Norwegian heritage. Snapping a photo with him won’t lift any NFL-related curses, but it does make a fun shot to send to grandma.

Alexandria is home to family-first resorts like Geneva Beach, as well as romantic B&Bs like the Cedar Rose Inn for those seeking a getaway with fewer cannonballs and water skis. For a more adult-oriented outing, Carlos Creek Winery, Minnesota’s largest winery, pours balanced bottles made from cool-climate grapes like Frontenac Gris and Itasca on expansive, scenic grounds. 

Beer more your speed? Head next door to 22 Northmen Brewing Co. for wood-fired pizza in seasonal, creative combinations like spicy cranberry sausage with jalapeños and a drizzle of raspberry chutney.

While you’re in the area, plan a stop at Redhead Creamery in Brooten, one of Minnesota’s foremost cheese producers (our state has quite a few). Take a $10 tour of the farm, then pick up a few bags of Ridiculously Good Cheddar Cheese Curds to bring home. If you’re feeling feisty, add a bottle or two of their innovative milk-based spirits.

See more things to do in Alexandria.

St. Cloud, often considered the gateway to the Central Lakes region, is actually a river town. Nestled along the Mississippi, the area is home to The Ledge, a state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater tucked between two quarries in nearby Waite Park.

Drawing major acts ranging from “Weird Al” Yankovic to the Goo Goo Dolls, The Ledge hosts food trucks for concertgoers and offers generous free parking. Yes, seriously — free parking.

Those quarries aren’t a coincidence. St. Cloud is granite country, and rocky outcroppings throughout the area have been transformed into beautiful swimming holes at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. In winter, they become well-groomed cross-country ski trails.

While in St. Cloud, plan a visit to Munsinger & Clemens Gardens, a former sawmill site transformed into an artistic, colorful botanical garden, with dense peninsulas of interwoven perennials and annuals. In Clemens Gardens, you’ll find fountains with plenty of seating, along with a white garden inspired by the famous version at Sissinghurst Castle in England.

Families with kids should also pencil in a stop at Great River Children’s Museum, which features interactive exhibits like a massive water table representing the Mississippi River and a magnetic gear wall designed to inspire future engineers. Afterwards, swing by Val’s Rapid Serv, a St. Cloud takeout institution since 1959, where a cheeseburger still costs $2.30 and Oreo shakes come garnished with a whole cookie.

See more things to do in St. Cloud

When you think about it, it makes sense that one of the nation’s longest paved bike trails is in Minnesota. After all, this is the best biking state in the nation. Stretching 115 miles, the Paul Bunyan State Trail follows the former Burlington Northern Railroad and connects with the Heartland State Trail, Blue Ox Trail and Cuyuna Lakes State Trail.

Much of the trail runs through the Central Lakes region, with five bicycle repair stations along the route and a town to stop in every eight to 10 miles. The terrain is mostly flat — aside from a nine-mile stretch through the Chippewa National Forest — making it a great option for riders of all levels, including kids.

Plan your trip with our complete guide to the Paul Bunyan State Trail

As it turns out, former iron ore mines make for superlative shred. Cuyuna is one of Minnesota’s top destinations for mountain and fat-tire biking (we like to post up in one of the lakeside cabins at True North Basecamp or Cuyuna Cove while we’re there).

With more than 50 miles of scenic, mixed-difficulty singletrack trails, Cuyuna has been designated a Silver IMBA Ride Center. It’s also close to Crosby, a main street town that knows exactly what it is, with multiple bike shops that sell gear, rent bikes and handle repairs. Check out Red Raven (also a coffee shop) or Cykel. For kayak or paddleboard rentals, head to Cuyuna Outfitters.

Hungry after your ride? Fill up on a hearty Reuben and cheese curds at Iron Range Eatery, or stop by Victual for charcuterie and house-made ice cream. For a nightcap, Hard Water Lounge serves seasonal drinks like gingerbread sours and smoked Old Fashioneds, or grab a beer at Cuyuna Brewing Company.

Minnesota’s second-largest lake, Mille Lacs, is well known as a spot to snag a walleye, Minnesota’s prized trophy fish, and it’s nationally recognized for bass. But it’s hardly the only place in the Central Lakes region to catch your dinner. Gull Lake, Pelican Lake and the Whitefish Chain of Lakes are all fertile territory for those posted up at a Brainerd area resort.

Up in Otter Tail County, northern pike are plentiful, while in the Willmar Lakes area, anglers will find sunfish, crappie, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Other great fishing spots in the Central Lakes region include the Lincoln Lakes Area, Lake Minnewaska, the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes and the Alexandria Chain of Lakes.

Coming in winter? This is a top region for that cool Minnesota pastime: ice fishing. In fact, the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Gull Lake is one of the nation’s largest ice fishing events. Even if you’re not planning to fish, the event itself is worth attending — it kicks off with an epic party aptly named “Jig and Swig.”

We’re so there.

If there’s one (non-water-based) leisure activity synonymous with Central Lakes, it’s golfing. This region is home to Cragun’s Legacy Courses, which recently underwent a Tom Lehman-led, 17-million-dollar renovation; The Preserve at Grandview Lodge, where you can enjoy an unparalleled view from the deck of their clubhouse; and the Crosswoods Golf Course, which is in a uniquely forested, secluded setting. 

But no matter which way you drive, you’re never far from some serious green. Deacon’s Lodge in Breezy Point, GreyStone Golf Club in Sauk Centre, Lakeside Golf Club in Perham, Territory Golf Club in St. Cloud, Eagle Creek Golf Club in Willmar, and Princeton Golf Course in Princeton are all prime locations for serious golf-heads.

Great news for everyone who has “see a life-sized elephant made out of scrap metal” on their bucket list: Nyberg Sculpture Park in the tiny (but cute!) town of Vining has you covered. The work of construction guy–turned-sculptor Ken Nyberg, the park features 10 whimsical sculptures that took hundreds of hours to build and weld.

In true small-town fashion, you can step right across the park to visit Big Foot Gas and Grocery (yes, there’s a “Big Foot” sculpture in the park), which is also owned by Nyberg. Who doesn’t love their local public-artist-slash-grocer?

Vining is in Otter Tail County, one of the state’s largest — and home to the most lakes of any county in the country (1,048, if you’re counting).

With 21 sweet small towns spread across the county, there’s never a lack of things to do in Otter Tail County. From slamming Swedish pancakes at Töast in Fergus Falls to catching the fall migration on the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, both “outdoorsy” and “indoorsy” visitors will find plenty to keep them busy.

See our favorite things to do in Otter Tail County