What quirky summer tradition in Pine River draws thousands of visitors every Friday?

The 2025 Minnesota State Sporting Clays Championship returns August 20–24 at Hunts Point Gun Club in Pequot Lakes, delivering excitement for shooting enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Presented by Federal, the event features over $15,000 in added prize money, creative target presentations, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Esteemed setters such as Pete Melloy and Game Unlimited Crew, Ed Prechel & Top Gun Shooting Sports, and John Barr & Hunts Point Staff are crafting demanding courses to challenge every competitor.

Special attractions include a new non-resident division, plenty of trophies, exciting options, a vendor fair, and the fan-favorite Make-A-Break competition.

Guests can access on-site dry camping, nightly appetizers and drinks, plus live country music from Minnesota’s own Up South.

Enjoy BRAT NIGHT on Friday and Saturday and a memorable Von Hanson Steak Dinner on Saturday night, alongside whiskey and cigars for extra flair.

Register on Score Chaser—cart rentals close July 20. Don’t miss Pequot Lakes’ signature shooting celebration.

Passport Restaurant in downtown Brainerd stands out for blending international cuisine with hometown warmth.

Located at 606 Laurel Street, the vibrant eatery, led by Matt and Jacquelyn Calos, has quickly become a favorite stop for locals craving fresh flavors and culinary creativity.

Passport invites guests to explore new cultures each month, with rotating menus featuring the authentic dishes of countries from Morocco to Japan.

Signature items like pot pie, lasagna, curry bowl, and spring rolls are always available, while monthly specials add global flair.

The historic, artsy interior and inviting patio set the scene for memorable meals and lively conversations, whether indoors or outside.

Open daily—including brunch—Passport wins praise for its inventive menus, attentive service, and commitment to bringing world flavors to the heart of Brainerd.

Lola, a charming 6-month-old Great Pyrenees-German Shepherd mix, is hoping to find her forever family at The Babinski Foundation in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota.

This affectionate pup boasts a soft tan and yellow coat, hinting at her impressive lineage.

Expected to grow large and strong, Lola already displays the loyal and graceful qualities of her breeds.

She is currently in the "Foster to Adopt" program, fully spayed and ready to bond with a loving household.

While house training is still needed due to her young age, Lola’ new family can easily guide her through this stage.

Visit her in Dog Kennel #10 during shelter hours, Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM or Sunday 12:00–5:00 PM.

Adoption fees for puppies are $300, helping support animals in need.

Meet Lola and embark on a rewarding journey with this lovable companion.

1. 2025 Minnesota State Sporting Clays Championship

• 📅 Dates: Wednesday–Sunday, August 20–24

• ⏱ Time: All day

• 📍 Location: Hunts Point Gun Club, 2142 78th St. SW (County Rd 29)
   Pequot Lakes, MN

• 📄 Details: The premier sporting clays competition in Minnesota, featuring over $15,000 in prize money, top-tier target setups, evening entertainment, and a full slate of competitive shooting events.

2. 19th Annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival

• 📅 Dates: Wednesday–Saturday, August 20–24

• ⏱ Time: All day

• 📍 Location: 2591 Bluegrass Blvd SW, Backus, MN 56435

• 📄 Details: Four unforgettable days of authentic Bluegrass music and camping—bring your lawn chairs, set up camp, and enjoy acoustic performances under the stars!

3. Sun‑Kissed Summer with DJ Noelle

• 📅 Date: Wednesday, August 20

• 🕒 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Northwoods Pub, 23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa, MN

• 🎟️ Admission: Likely free (confirm locally)

• 📄 Details: An indoor summer vibe mixer featuring DJ Noelle from Power Loon, plus food, drink specials, and fun giveaways.

4. Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Concerts

• 📅 Dates: Thursday–Sunday, August 21–25

• ⏱ Time: Evening concerts at Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul

• 📍 Location: State Fair Grandstand, Falcon Heights (near St. Paul)

• 📄 Details: Don’t miss these headlining acts during the fair:

  • August 21: Old Dominion

  • August 22: Meghan Trainor

  • August 23: Atmosphere, Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde, DJ Abilities

  • August 24: Melissa Etheridge & Indigo Girls

  • August 25: Happy Together Tour (The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Vogues, The Cowsills)

Brainerd Lakes Fishing Outlook: Aug 19 – 25

• Tuesday, Aug 19 – Mostly sunny & humid, high 84°F
  Great catch window during early morning and late evening—light afternoon storms may stir up feeding activity.
  Best bait: Topwater lures for bass; leeches for walleye.

• Wednesday, Aug 20 – Sunny, high 83°F
  Full sunshine heats the water—best bets are dawn or dusk near structures where fish seek shade.
  Best bait: Plastic worms for bass; minnows for crappie.

• Thursday, Aug 21 – Humid and sunny, high 82°F
  Consistent conditions throughout the day—expect solid action from mid-morning through early evening.
  Best bait: Crawlers for walleye; spinners for northern pike.

• Friday, Aug 22 – Partly sunny & less humid, high 77°F
  Milder temps should boost fish activity—perfect day for family outings or casting from the pier.
  Best bait: Jigs with fatheads for perch; spoons for pike.

• Saturday, Aug 23 – Breezy and cooler, high 69°F
  Fresh air and cooler temps make this morning ideal for trout, bass, or walleye—layer up and enjoy.
  Best bait: Nightcrawlers for walleye; crankbaits for bass.

• Sunday, Aug 24 – Mostly cloudy with spotty showers, high 66°F
  Cloud cover could mean extended bite windows—pack light rain gear in case showers roll through.
  Best bait: Live minnows for crappie; jigs tipped with leeches for walleye.

• Monday, Aug 25 – Partly cloudy, high 66°F
  Steady conditions heading into the week—go early while water is cool and fish are active.
  Best bait: Spinnerbaits for bass; slip bobber with leech for walleye.

Pine River, which claims to be the "birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail," hosts weekly duck races every Friday during summer months.