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"Wildflower Chocolate's Rise to Fame in Nisswa + Win a $50 Gift Card! Spooky Halloween Fun & Local Events Await"
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"Wildflower Chocolate's Rise to Fame in Nisswa + Win a $50 Gift Card! Spooky Halloween Fun & Local Events Await"
Lakes Area Buzz
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"Wildflower Chocolate's Rise to Fame in Nisswa + Win a $50 Gift Card! Spooky Halloween Fun & Local Events Await"
Joshua McElmurray
Oct 14, 2025
Trivia Question❓The iconic Paul Bunyan statue in Brainerd, Minnesota stands at a towering 26 feet tall. But do you know how much he weighs? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
In the heart of lake country, Wildflower Chocolate has become a beloved Nisswa, Minnesota, institution since opening in 2016.
Founder Kate Stumvoll pivoted from a career as an American Sign Language Interpreter to create a business centered on family, community, and the art of seasonal flavors.
Operating from a dedicated gluten-free kitchen on Hazelwood Drive, the craft confectionery is renowned for sourcing ingredients from local Minnesota gardens and farms.
The business became a community pillar, formerly organizing the Nisswa Chocolate Walk which raised over $10,000 for local causes.
Stumvoll’s story is a testament to female entrepreneurship in the Brainerd Lakes Area, balancing family life with a passion for creating high-quality, artisanal treats.
Wildflower Chocolate is more than a shop; it’s a community hub built on genuine connection and care. Read More... |
Embracing the beauty of nature and community, an opportunity to win a $50 Wildflower Chocolates gift card is a delightful chance to indulge in local flavors and support small businesses.
CONTEST ENDS OCTOBER 31st Read More... |
Something wicked this way comes—and it's bringing 28 incredible Halloween events to the Brainerd Lakes area!
Whether you're a parent seeking safe, family-friendly fun or an adrenaline junkie craving genuine frights, October 2025 delivers unprecedented seasonal entertainment across Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, and Emily.
Picture this: exploring a three-story haunted house at Central Minnesota's largest haunted attraction, navigating a 14-acre corn maze under moonlight, or solving an 80's-themed murder mystery over dinner and drinks.
Maybe you'd prefer joining over 1,000 costumed kids at the area's premier trunk-or-treat event, or experiencing artistic haunted trails with professional lighting that won't traumatize the little ones.
The best part? Most family events are completely free or under $15, while adult experiences range from complimentary horror trivia nights to premium entertainment packages.
With events concentrated on strategic weekends—especially October 25-26 and Halloween night itself—you can maximize your spooky season adventures without breaking the bank.
From the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office showcasing their K9 and Drone Teams to a unique camping-based Halloween celebration with pumpkin carving contests and wagon rides, these aren't your average Halloween happenings.
Local businesses, churches, and attractions have pulled out all the stops to create memorable experiences for every age group.
With less than three weeks until the festivities begin, now's the time to mark your calendar and plan your costume.
Discover which events offer the best value, where to find the most intense scares, and how to pack multiple activities into single weekends.
Your ultimate Brainerd Lakes Halloween adventure awaits—are you brave enough to explore it all? Read More... |
Weather Forecast |
Tuesday 14th
Wednesday 15th
Thursday 16th
Friday 17th
Saturday 19th
Sunday 20th
Monday 21st |
Upcoming Events |
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
4:30 PM — Ruby’s Pantry Pop Up — Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd
5:00 PM — Confident Kids Cabin Trick or Treat — Confidence Learning Center, East Gull Lake
6:00 PM — The Art of Sensational Soups — The Woods (Gather on 3 Event Center), Brainerd
6:30 PM — Candlelight Vigil — Lyman P. White Park, Brainerd
5:00 PM — The North Star Meat Raffle — The North Star, Pequot Lakes
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
11:00 AM — ★ 2025 Chili Cook-Off — Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd
5:00 PM — Pints for a Purpose (HOPE) — Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter
5:30 PM — October Sketchbook Club — The Crossing Arts Alliance, Brainerd
6:00 PM — Xtreme Music Bingo: Hair Bands — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa
6:30 PM — Bar Bingo — Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa
Thursday, October 16, 2025
5:00 PM — Boulder’s Oktoberfest Bash — Boulder Tap House, Baxter
5:30 PM — Spooky Ghost Needle-Felting Workshop — The Last Turn Saloon, Brainerd
6:00 PM — Jimmie Jay Anderson: Live Music — Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa
6:00 PM — Beer vs Bourbon Dinner — The Preserve Smokehouse, Pequot Lakes
7:00 PM — ★ Haunted Trail — Northland Arboretum, Brainerd
Friday, October 17, 2025
6:30 PM — Meat Raffle — Crosslake Fifty Lakes American Legion Post 500, Crosslake
7:00 PM — ★ Haunted Trail — Northland Arboretum, Brainerd
7:00 PM — ★ Haunted Hidden Hollows — Paul Bunyan Land, Brainerd
5:00 PM — Live Music Friday — B*Merri at The Woods, Brainerd (TBA artist)
7:00 PM — Live Music — Ernie’s on Gull, East Gull Lake (TBA artist)
Saturday, October 18, 2025
10:00 AM — Visit the Northern Minnesota Railroad Trackers Train Club — Crosslake
12:00 PM — First Annual Kids Octoberfest — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake
5:00 PM — Oktoberfest Dinner & Brews Cruise — Gull Lake Cruises (Cragun’s), Brainerd
6:00 PM — Whiskey & Water: Live Music — Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa
7:00 PM — ★ Haunted Trail — Northland Arboretum, Brainerd
Sunday, October 19, 2025
11:30 AM — Football Tailgate Cruise: Game On! — Gull Lake Cruises (Cragun’s), Brainerd
1:30 PM — Bingo — Crosslake Fifty Lakes American Legion, Crosslake
2:00 PM — Sunday Meat Raffle — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake
3:00 PM — Meat Raffle — Snarky Loon Brewing, Jenkins
6:00 PM — Sunday Music — The Green Lantern, Brainerd (TBA artist)
Monday, October 20, 2025
5:00 PM — Nisswa Lions Meat Raffle — The Pickle Factory, Nisswa
6:00 PM — Community Yoga (Drop-in) — Northland Arboretum, Brainerd
6:30 PM — Trivia Night — Zorbaz on Gull, Lake Shore
7:00 PM — Open Mic Monday — Manhattan’s at Manhattan Beach Lodge, Lake Shore
7:00 PM — Monday Night Music — The Wharf, Crosslake |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Paul Bunyan statue in Brainerd, Minnesota weighs a whopping 2.5 tons! |
Thanks a bunch for reading Lakes Area Buzz today! If you spotted something handy, go ahead and pass it along to a neighbor or a friend—ya never know, it might make their day too. |