Summer in the Brainerd Lakes Area brings live music to parks, patios, and local venues across the region. Brainerd's free outdoor concert series at Gregory Park kicks off in June, featuring local bands and regional acts along the Mississippi River. Find out who's playing and where →

Nisswa's Thursday evenings come alive with acoustic performances at local restaurants, while community festivals and outdoor movie nights fill the calendar all season long. Most events are free or low-cost, making them perfect for families. Get the full event guide →

June in the Brainerd Lakes Area is the sweet spot for outdoor adventure. The Cuyuna mountain bike trails are flowing, the Crow Wing River is perfect for paddling, and the fishing bite is transitioning into prime summer patterns. See all five adventures on our bucket list →

From hiking the Paul Bunyan State Trail to exploring Crow Wing State Park's wildflower-filled prairies, there's something for every skill level and interest. The bugs haven't peaked, the trails are dry, and the water is just right. Read the full story →

The Nisswa Farmers Market is the crown jewel of the region's market scene, held every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM in downtown Nisswa. You'll find fresh produce from small family farms, artisan breads, handmade crafts, and live music creating a festival atmosphere every week. See what's in season and where to go →

Over in Brainerd, the Saturday morning market at Northgate Shopping Center offers an incredible selection of farm-fresh eggs, grass-fed meats, raw honey, and seasonal produce. Both markets emphasize local and sustainable agriculture. Get the full guide →

The Brainerd Lakes Area has officially flipped the switch to summer mode. As the calendar turns to June, the days are stretching longer, the lake water is warming up, and the whole region feels like it's taking a collective deep breath of fresh northern air. Discover what's happening on the lakes this week →

From Gull Lake to the Cuyuna trails, early June delivers the sweet spot before peak crowds arrive. Local resorts are filling up, downtown patios are open, and the cabin culture that defines this region is in full effect. Read the full story →

Some weeks don't need one giant headline — they just have that unmistakable feeling that the Brainerd Lakes Area is waking up again. This piece captures the local rhythm of the week, from community momentum to reasons to get out and pay attention.

It also tees up two of this week's standout stories, including what's happening around the lakes area right now and why this stretch of spring matters more than it looks.

Read the full story →

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to connect, network, and grow your business at the April Business After Hours event.   Join fellow business professionals for an evening of networking, appetizers, and conversation in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Read the full story →

If you live anywhere near Nisswa, mark your calendars: Duck, Duck, Bloom is coming.   On Thursday, April 17 , the Nisswa Elementary School PTO is hosting their spring fundraiser at Catalyst at Nature Link — one of the most beautiful event venues in the lakes area — from 5:00 to 9:00 PM .

Read the full story →

Ten years ago, someone had a dream: What if the Brainerd Lakes Area — one of the most beautiful places in Minnesota to be a kid — had its very own children's museum.   This summer, that dream becomes real.

Read the full story →

The Brainerd Dispatch and Pine and Lakes Echo Journal are collecting lake photos from local residents for their annual community photo feature — and the deadline is coming up fast.

The best submissions could be published in the 2026 issue of Love of the Lakes Magazine. Lakes Area Buzz is not affiliated with either publication, but we think this is worth knowing about. See the details and submission link here →

Central Lakes College brings The Grapes of Wrath to the Chalberg Theatre stage this week — a strong local arts pick for readers who want something meaningful to do in Brainerd.

If you want a worthwhile community event on your radar, this production is worth a closer look before tickets disappear.

Read the full story →

Entrepreneurs on Tap is back in Crosslake for a timely local conversation about staffing, marketing, pricing, and getting ready for tourism season. It's practical, local, and exactly the kind of gathering business owners in this area actually use.

If you run a business here, this Entrepreneurs on Tap session is worth knowing about before next week arrives.

Get the details →

Mike Munson is bringing the kind of intimate, rootsy live music that makes a small room feel electric.

If your Friday night is still open, this is one of the better local picks on the calendar — especially if you like authentic musicianship over noise. Get the concert details here.

This one feels like a hidden gem for the week ahead. Read the full story →

The Miss Pequot Lakes Scholarship Pageant is more than a stage moment — it’s a hometown tradition tied to courage, service, and real scholarship money.

We broke down what makes this year’s event worth showing up for, from the expanded awards to the bigger meaning behind the night. See the full pageant preview here.

If you want one strong local event on your Friday calendar, start here. Read the full story →

Earth Day lands differently when you live in a place built around water, woods, and shoreline.

This week’s lead story is a warm reminder of why the Brainerd Lakes Area is worth protecting — and a few simple ways locals can help keep it that way. Take in the Earth Day angle here.

If you love this place, this one will hit home. Read the full story →

If you're a local business owner, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves connecting with the people building this community — this is the event of the month.

Entrepreneurs on Tap is back on April 8 at Cuyuna Brewing in Crosby, running from 5:00–6:30 PM. It's relaxed, it's genuine, and some of the best conversations you'll have all spring will happen in that room.

New to the area? This is one of the best ways to plug into the local business community. Get the details and mark your calendar →

Easter is just around the corner, and the Brainerd Lakes Area has plenty of ways to celebrate — from egg hunts to spring brunches to family traditions you'll want to mark on the calendar.

We've rounded up everything happening this Easter weekend so you don't miss a thing. Whether you're looking for a fun activity for the little ones or a relaxed Sunday morning out, there's something for every family in the lakes area.

One heads-up: snow showers are in the forecast for Friday and Saturday — so keep an eye on the weather and dress those Easter baskets accordingly! See the full guide →

Picture this: a full-sized carrot walks into a first-grade classroom, followed by broccoli, an avocado, and a tomato. The kids immediately shout: "Can I eat you??"

For the seventh year running, Crow Wing Energized's One Vegetable, One Community initiative is spreading healthy eating and wellness to kids across Crow Wing County. Volunteers in veggie costumes have been visiting first graders in Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Crosby, Pequot Lakes, and Crosslake.

And here's the fun part: free carrot seeds will be available at community locations starting mid-April. Find out where to grab yours →

For decades, a quiet but powerful group of women has been investing in the future of this community — not with fanfare, but with scholarships that change lives.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Quota Club is now accepting applications, and this year's opportunity is one worth sharing with every young woman you know in the area. Whether it's a daughter, a neighbor, or someone working hard to build a better future — this scholarship could make a real difference.

Know someone who deserves this? Read the full story and share it →

After ten years of planning and dreaming, the Brainerd Lakes Area is about to get something truly special — WonderTrek Childrens Museum is set to open its Outdoor Adventure area in mid-2026!

Built on 9 acres in Baxter, WonderTrek is creating an interactive outdoor play space where children can explore, play, and learn through hands-on experiences. This is not just another playground — it is a place designed to inspire curiosity and foster self-directed learning in kids of all ages.

Project Director Peter Olson recently presented to the Nisswa City Council, sharing the vision: This museum will bring back the opportunity for children to play. And that is something our community has been missing.

WonderTrek mission is simple but powerful: create a space where imagination runs wild, where learning happens naturally through play, and where families can make memories together. Construction broke ground last summer, and the team is working hard to deliver this incredible asset to our community.

When completed, WonderTrek will be a destination attraction — not just for locals, but for families throughout central Minnesota. The museum promises to be a valuable community resource that will serve generations to come.

Learn more: Visit wondertrekmuseum.org or follow their progress on social media.

Know someone who makes Nisswa a better place? Someone who gives their time, energy, and heart to the community? Now is the time to recognize them!

The Nisswa Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for two prestigious awards: the Nisswa Citizen of the Year and the Heart of Nisswa Award. Since 1988, the Citizen of the Year award has recognized 38 outstanding individuals who demonstrate passion and commitment toward bettering their community.

You do not have to live in Nisswa full-time to qualify — summer residents are eligible too! Past winners include local legends like Sherri DeLaHunt (2025), Bob Reichenbach (2024), and Shawn Hansen (2023).

The Heart of Nisswa Award, created in 2025, honors a businessperson who consistently goes above and beyond for the community. Emma Krueger, owner of Nisswa A&W Restaurant, was the inaugural recipient.

Deadline: Mail nominations postmarked by Friday, March 27, or email/drop off by Monday, March 30. Submit to info@nisswa.com or Nisswa Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 185, Nisswa, MN 56468.

Winners will be announced at the Nisswa Chamber Membership Event this spring. Take a few minutes to recognize someone who makes a difference!

The United States men’s ice hockey team captured Olympic gold for the first time in 46 years with a heart-stopping 2-1 overtime win over Canada in Milan.

Jack Hughes netted the game-winner just 1:41 into OT, shrugging off an earlier high-stick injury to deliver a moment of pure drama.

Set up by Zach Werenski, Hughes pushed the puck through Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates.

Matt Boldy struck first for Team USA, but Canada’s Cale Makar equalized late in the second period, setting up a tense finish.

Goalie Connor Hellebuyck’s 41 saves proved crucial, especially with Canada missing their injured captain, Sidney Crosby.

This golden moment marks the first time the U.S. has won both men’s and women’s ice hockey gold at the same Games, with President Trump sending swift congratulations.

The electric rivalry thrilled fans and cemented a legacy for this determined American squad.

Cuyler Adams, a determined surveyor, first sensed hidden riches beneath Minnesota’s dense forests when his compass spun mysteriously between Deerwood and Brainerd.

Accompanied by his St. Bernard, Una, Adams uncovered the Cuyuna Range, the name blending parts of their own.

This iron-rich region, stretching 68 miles from Brainerd to Aitkin, blossomed into a major mining hub after operations began in 1911.

Towns such as Crosby, Ironton, and Cuyuna quickly developed as mining boomed, especially with manganese-rich ore fueling steel production during World War I.

The legacy took a tragic turn with the Milford Mine disaster of 1924, Minnesota’s deadliest mining accident, claiming 41 lives.

By 1984, as mining faded, the water-filled pits became the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, now beloved for its mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing—preserving the range’s remarkable story for new generations.

Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center shines as a leader in rural hospital care at the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area, earning national recognition for outstanding excellence.

The hospital’s deep commitment to patient compassion and attentive nursing transforms ordinary care into a source of comfort and healing for local families.

Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s influences the entire area, providing over 2,000 jobs and driving economic stability throughout the region.

Future plans include a leading-edge musculoskeletal center in Baxter, set to expand access to advanced orthopedic care and support long-term community health.

The hospital remains an essential force—uniting expert medical care, compassion, and unwavering community impact.

The Brainerd Lakes area is alive with community pride as winter events unite locals and visitors alike.

In Crosby, Tori Oehrlein captivated the town by breaking Minnesota's state career scoring record in basketball, reaching 5,085 points. Her remarkable achievement is celebrated as she prepares for her next journey at the University of Minnesota.

The Crosby-Ironton Rangerettes showcased talent and teamwork, earning their fifth section high kick title and fourth in jazz, embodying the region’s commitment to excellence.

Crosslake’s 24th annual WinterFest brought lively winter fun, highlighted by SoupFest, where Andy’s Bar & Grill’s Chicken Fiesta soup won the People's Choice for the seventh time.

At Mount Ski Gull, Hope on the Slopes combined racing, music, and charity, raising vital funds for local causes and underscoring the community’s generosity.

Innovative educators like Nicole Harmer and John Bellear further inspire Brainerd’s spirit of growth and support.

In Baxter, Minnesota, Jack Pine Brewery stands as a vibrant hub for locals, offering more than just craft beer — it brings people together.

Founded in 2013 by Patrick Sundberg, a dedicated brewer with a background in math and physics, the brewery quickly became a cherished gathering spot in the Brainerd Lakes region.

Patrick’s vision filled a void in the local scene, providing fresh, inventive beers and a welcoming taproom with choices ranging from malty to hoppy, light to spicy.

Beyond beer, Jack Pine offers non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and a family-friendly atmosphere complete with games and a dog-friendly patio.

Regular community events, including the Business After Hours Speed Networking and Entrepreneurs on Tap, foster connections and support local businesses.

Through initiatives like Pints for a Purpose, Jack Pine reinforces its dedication to community, uniting patrons in support of local causes and celebrating the spirit of Baxter.