Nerissa & Ryan
Things To Do
Lake Days
The best part about where we live: it's the land of more than 10,000 lakes! Everywhere you look, there's water to enjoy. Take a day to relax at the beach, catch some sunshine, and swim in the clear, refreshing water. Here's a list of some of our favorite public beaches in the area: Whipple Beach in Baxter, Lum Park in Brainerd, Pelican Lake in Merrifield, Cross Lake Recreation Area in Cross Lake, Serpent Lake in Crosby, Hogsback Beach on Mille Lacs Lake, and Lone Lake or Little Pine Lake in Aitkin.
Our Favorite Restaurants
Looking for some local dining ideas? Here are some of our favorite places! -Casual dining: Local 218 in Brainerd, Block North Brew Pub in Aitkin, 40 Club in Aitkin, BMerri Gastro Pub in Merrifield, Lucky's Tavern in Pequot Lakes -Pizza: Slice on Oak in Brainerd, Zorbaz on Cross Lake/Gull Lake, Rafferty's in Crosby/Brainerd/Nisswa/Cross Lake, Rosallini's in Aitkin -Mexican: El Loro in Baxter -Upscale Dining: Char at Grandview Lodge in Nisswa, Norway Ridge in Pequot Lakes -Dessert: cheesecake at Block North in Aitkin, key lime pie at Local 218 in Brainerd, gelato at Slice on Oak in Brainerd, ice cream at Victual in Crosby or at the Chocolate Ox in Nisswa
Explore the Outdoors
One of our new favorite things to do is hike around the old mine pits in the Crosby/Ironton area. We love it so much, that's where we decided to take our engagement pictures! But you don't have to explore the mine pits only by foot. You can also rent mountain bikes, fat tire bikes, kayaks, and canoes from Cycle, Path, and Paddle or Red Raven in Crosby! After your physical activity, enjoy a cool down and a snack at the swimming/picnic area by Yawkey mine. So bring your swimsuit, food to grill, and maybe a hammock to hang. You're bound to have a great day exploring! (NOTE: You do need a Minnesota State Park Permit to visit the Cuyuna Country State Recreation area. You can easily purchase one from this website ahead of time or the day of your adventure: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html. Day passes are $7 and a year-round pass is only $35.)
Take a Day Trip
There's nothing better than a day trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior. Stop in Duluth for breakfast at the Duluth Grille and then check out the lift bridge before setting off further up the shore. Be sure to take scenic highway 61! Our go-to stops along the shore include Kitchi Gammi Park in Duluth, the breakwater/lighthouse in Two Harbors, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, the Palisade Head, and the Baptismal River at Tettegouche State Park. You can also visit Black Beach or hike your way up to Bean and Bear Lake! Highly recommend picking up some smoked fish at Russ Kendall's Smoke House or Lou's Fish House for a picnic. Also, try and stop at Betty's Pies if the parking lot isn't too full! (NOTE: The state park stops do require a Minnesota State Park Permit. You can easily purchase one from this website ahead of time or the day of your adventure: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html. Day passes are $7 and a year-round pass is only $35.
Visit Nisswa
Nisswa has a lot of summer fun to offer for people of all ages! Whether you want to shop at the local gift shops/boutiques, visit a candy store or coffee shop, get a drink at a brewery, spend the day on the water slides at the water park, or race turtles on a Wednesday afternoon, Nisswa has it all.
Grab a Local Beer
The Brainerd Lakes Area has multiple breweries with locally crafted beer. Stop in and grab a cold one at Jack Pine Brewery in Brainerd, Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa, Big Axe Brewery in Nisswa, 14 Lakes Brewery in Cross Lake, Cuyuna Brewing Co in Crosby, or Block North Brew Pub in Aitkin! (NOTE: Roundhouse Brewery has relocated to Nisswa. Be sure to check the address before you go! They also recently added ax throwing to their tap room.)
Fishing Launch on Mille Lacs
Once in a lifetime opportunity to fish on the infamous Mille Lacs Lake! And the best part: the launch service does everything for you including baiting your line. So all you have to do is sit back, grab a drink, and reel in the big one! There are countless places to book a fishing launch on Mille Lacs. Some of our favorites include Barneveld's Resort, Fisher's Resort, and Twin Pines Resort. (NOTE: You will need to purchase a Minnesota fishing license prior to the launch, but it's super easy to get a 24-hour license! Check this website for approved local license vendors or to purchase online: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html. Also note that COVID may affect launch service availability.)
Paul Bunyan Land
If you have kids or if you want to embrace your inner child, be sure to check out Paul Bunyan Land at This Old Farm in Brainerd! This was one of Nerissa's favorite place to go as a kid, especially since Paul always knew her by name. Spend the day with your favorite lumberjack while riding rides, exploring the pioneer village, and visiting the petting barn. Oh, and don't forget to get your picture with Babe the Blue Ox in the parking lot!