What is the meaning of the name "Nisswa," which is derived from the Ojibwe word "Nessawae"?

Nisswa, in central Minnesota, blends deep Ojibwe roots with a dynamic present.

The town’s name, meaning “in the middle,” reflects its scenic spot among lakes and forests.

Its transformation began in the late 1800s with the Gull River Lumber Company and the Brainerd & Northern Minnesota Railway, making it a key logging hub.

Tourism flourished after the historic Grand View Lodge opened in 1916, bringing rustic hospitality.

Nisswa is now famed for lively traditions like the Turtle Races and festive celebrations, including milestone anniversaries of the Fall Festival and BBQ Challenge.

New projects, such as Schaefer’s Foods’ retail center, signal local growth.

The town’s forward spirit and enduring heritage keep it a beloved destination.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday (Nov 11)
46 °F 🌡️ 30 °F | ⛅ | 💨 SSW 6 mph
Mild with some clouds and sun.

Wednesday (Nov 12)
46 °F 🌡️ 29 °F | ☀️ | 💨 WNW 10 mph
Mostly sunny and breezy.

Thursday (Nov 13)
50 °F 🌡️ 36 °F | ⛅ | 💨 WNW 6 mph
Warmer with some cloud breaks.

Friday (Nov 14)
52 °F 🌡️ 45 °F | ⛅ | 💨 SE 10 mph
Clouds increasing; comfortable.

Saturday (Nov 15)
52 °F 🌡️ 32 °F | 🌥️ | 💨 SE 14 mph
Cloudy and breezy; cooler overnight.

Sunday (Nov 16)
43 °F 🌡️ 25 °F | ⛅ | 💨 WNW 6 mph
Cooler and breezy with some sun.

Monday (Nov 17)
39 °F 🌡️ 24 °F | ☁️ | 💨 SW 5 mph
Mostly cloudy and colder.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has chosen the buttonhook interchange as its preferred plan to overhaul the Highway 371 and Highway 210 intersection in Baxter.

This design will elevate Highway 371 over both Highway 210 and the BNSF Railway, adding roundabouts to improve traffic flow.

Planning will continue through 2027, with construction set for 2028.

MnDOT stresses this design will boost safety and efficiency, but local business owners and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce worry about harder access to Baxter’s commercial hub and possible loss of business.

Public meetings have allowed community members to share feedback and learn more about the project.

As design work moves ahead, MnDOT pledges continued community engagement to address concerns and balance local priorities with improved traffic safety.

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The townspeople cheered, and nature echoed their joy—waterbirds flew over the lakes, and the sun set, painting the sky gold.

Thus, the town of Nisswa found its heart, teaching us a powerful lesson: when we respect everyone's story and include every voice, we create a stronger community—one that glows as brightly as the summer sun over Minnesota's lakes.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, November 11

1:30 PM–2:30 PM — Veterans Day Celebration — Whitefish at the Lakes Senior Living, Crosslake 

4:00 PM–6:00 PM — Ruby’s Pantry Pop-Up Food Distribution — Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd 

5:00 PM–8:00 PM — Taco Tuesday's — Big Axe Brewing Co., Nisswa 

5:00 PM–8:00 PM — Meat Raffle — The North Star, Pequot Lakes 

7:00 PM — BHS Orchestra Concert ★ — Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd 

Wednesday, November 12

4:00 PM–9:00 PM — Premium Series Old Fashioned Wednesdays — Sunshine's Summerhouse, Lake Shore 

5:00 PM–8:00 PM — Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Fundraising Dinner — Bites Grill & Bar, Pine River 

5:00 PM–9:00 PM — Chef Dinner with John Vanhouse ★ — Grand View Lodge, Nisswa 

6:30 PM–8:00 PM — Initials Game Live — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa 

7:00 PM–10:00 PM — Karaoke — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake 

Thursday, November 13

5:00 PM–9:00 PM — All You Can Eat Ribs — Dunmire's Bar & Grill, Brainerd 

6:00 PM–7:30 PM — Music Bingo – Bar Favorites Mix — Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter 

5:30 PM–7:30 PM — Movie Night at the Library (Family Film) — Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library, Crosby 

6:30 PM–8:00 PM — Trivia Mafia ★ — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa 

7:00 PM–8:00 PM — Fall Choirs Concert ★ — Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts (Central Lakes College Choirs), Brainerd 

Friday, November 14

5:00 PM–7:00 PM — Kringle Market Opening Reception ★ — The Crossing Arts Alliance, Brainerd 

5:00 PM–10:00 PM — Smoked Rib Fridays! — Sunshine's Summerhouse, Lake Shore 

6:00 PM–9:00 PM — Pictionary Game Night — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake 

8:00 PM–11:00 PM — Karaoke with Kevin — Canoe & Paddle Pub, Cragun's Resort, Brainerd 

8:00 PM–12:00 AM — Live Music – Andy Austin — Northwoods Pub, Grand View Lodge, Nisswa 

Saturday, November 15

9:00 AM–6:00 PM — Christmas Showcase at Common Goods ★ — Common Goods (Baxter, Crosslake & Crosby locations) 

1:00 PM–4:00 PM — High Stakes Bingo — The Side Track, Brainerd 

2:00 PM–4:30 PM — 6th Annual Hotdish Invitational ★ — Northland Arboretum, Baxter 

6:00 PM–9:00 PM — A Magical Evening with Patti Negri — Coco Moon Coffee Bar, Brainerd 

6:00 PM–9:00 PM — AJ Spoff Music – Live Music at Quarterdeck Resort — Quarterdeck Resort, Lake Shore 

Sunday, November 16

8:00 AM–12:00 PM — Sunday Breakfast! — Brainerd VFW Post 1647, Brainerd 

9:00 AM–11:30 AM — Breakfast at Sunshine's — Sunshine's Summerhouse, Nisswa/Lake Shore 

1:00 PM — Ready! Set! Puzzle! Jigsaw Event — Zorbaz on Gull, Lake Shore 

1:00 PM–4:00 PM — Live Music – Mark Petersen Band — Green Lantern Bar and Grill, Brainerd 

3:00 PM–5:00 PM — Songs for the Ages Concert ★ — Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts (Legacy Chorale & Legacy Youth Chorale), Brainerd 

Monday, November 17

7:00 AM–10:30 AM — Lakeview Dining Breakfast — Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake, Brainerd 

5:00 PM–8:00 PM — Trivia Night with Alex Londo ★ — Big Axe Brewing Co., Nisswa 

6:00 PM–8:00 PM — Sea Glass Christmas Tree Workshop — Snarky Loon Brewing Co., Jenkins 

7:00 PM — BHS Jazz Concert ★ — Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd

Nisswa means "In the Middle"

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