Fourth of July fireworks display during celebration on Steamboat Bay of East Gull Lake near Brainerd.( Getty Images).
The area’ s dining scene is one example.
“ We have mostly locally owned restaurants and businesses, not big chains,” Vogt said.“ You can get to know the owners. There’ s a more personal touch and a real community feel.”
Still, Vogt said people who live here sometimes overlook what’ s close to home.
“ People tend to save exploring for when they go somewhere else,” she said.“ They don’ t always realize what’ s right in their own backyard.”
Between the lakes, the trails and the many local businesses built around visitors, Vogt said residents can easily discover new experiences without traveling far from home.
Sometimes it just takes the decision to go see what’ s out there.
WHERE THE WATER SETS THE PACE
In the lakes area, many days start on the water.
At Gull Lake, mornings arrive quietly. Fishing boats drift out from shore. The lake stays calm except for the splash of a jumping fish or the call of a loon somewhere across the water.
By afternoon, the scene changes.
Pontoons move slowly past docks. Paddleboards skim along the shoreline. Kids leap into the water while someone nearby fires up a grill.
Then evening settles in again.
The breeze softens. Boats turn toward shore. The sun slips down behind the trees, turning the water shades of orange and gold.
TRAILS THROUGH THE PINES
Not every staycation revolves around the lake.
Some people trade the boat for a bike and head out on the Paul Bunyan Trail. The paved trail winds through forests and past quiet lakes, offering mile after mile of scenic riding beneath tall pines.
A popular ride leads north to Nisswa. That’ s usually where the ice cream comes in. Riders stop for a cone, maybe a cup of coffee, wander through a few shops, then point their bikes back toward Brainerd.
Others head east to the trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, where mountain bikers ride through forests and around the area’ s clear mine lakes. People travel from across the country to ride those trails.
Locals might just call it the weekend.
THE PLACES WE REMEMBER
Some parts of the region are tied to childhood memories.
Maybe it was a summer afternoon playing mini golf with grandparents. Or climbing into a go-kart for the first time. Or standing beneath
It’ s the kind of sunset people drive hours to see. Unless you already live here.
Boats are docked at sunset along the Mississippi River in the Brainerd area.( Photo provided)
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