Aerial view of curving road along Mississippi River in northern Minnesota on a bright autumn morning.( Getty Images).
STAYCATION
JEFF HAGE • CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A Getaway Close to Home
REDISCOVERING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA
For generations, the Brainerd Lakes Area has been where people go to get away. Every summer weekend, cars packed with coolers, beach towels and fishing rods head north from the Twin Cities.
Cabins fill up. Resort docks grow busy. Boats scatter across the lakes.
For a few days, life slows down. But for many Central Minnesota residents, the getaway everyone else is driving to isn’ t far away.
It’ s just up the road.
Close enough for a spontaneous afternoon drive. Close enough for a weekend that feels like a vacation without packing a suitcase.
Sometimes the best getaway is the one waiting quietly in your own backyard.
A GETAWAY MANY LOCALS OVERLOOK
For many Central Minnesota residents, the Brainerd Lakes Area has always been just up the road— familiar enough that it can be easy to overlook. People from across the Midwest travel hours to experience the lakes, trails and small-town charm of the lakes area.
Those who live here can reach it in less than an hour. Jess Vogt, welcome center manager for the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce, said the region offers all the ingredients for a perfect staycation.
“ In short, it’ s a staycation spot with rich local dining, plenty of ways to get outside and a strong sense of local character that many residents haven’ t fully explored,” Vogt said.
14 2025 | destinationupnorth. com