At the height of summer, the weekly races can attract 500 to 600 young racers, VanVickle said— and each racer often brings parents, siblings or grandparents along.
“ So Nisswa is really packed,” she said.
For many Central Minnesota families, the turtle races have become the kind of tradition that turns a simple afternoon into a staycation memory.
Around here, Wednesday afternoons sometimes belong to turtles.
GATHERING PLACES
After a day on the water, the trail or the golf course, people eventually start thinking about two things.
Food.
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“ Treasures From All Over The World”
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE....
SINCE
1962
( 320) 584-5140 | 308 N. U. S. Hwy. 10 Royalton, MN 56373
• Gifts • Souvenirs • Jewelry
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A PLACE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET
And where to sit down for a while.
Restaurants and patios have long been part of the lakes-area experience.
In recent years, craft breweries have become gathering places of their own.
FIND YOUR INNER OTTER
IN OTTER TAIL LAKES COUNTRY
At Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter, owner and founder Patrick Sundberg said the atmosphere often feels more like a neighborhood living room than a business.
“ We have such a strong sense of community here,” Sundberg said.“ For a lot of people, it’ s one of their favorite places to be.”
“ You never know who you’ re going to meet. Someone might sit down at the bar and strike up a conversation with a new friend,” he said.“ A lot of that comes from the people behind the bar. They’ re warm, welcoming and really connect with our community members.”
“ We’ ve had people who were brand new to the area find us and now they’ re regulars,” Sundberg said.“ And of course, we get plenty of cabin folks stopping in too.”
JUST UP THE ROAD
For many Central Minnesota residents, the Brainerd Lakes Area has always been nearby— familiar enough that it’ s easy to overlook.
Visit Otter Tail Lakes Country Minnesota
TEE OFF at Pierz!
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Yet every summer, visitors travel hours to experience the same lakes, trails and smalltown charm that locals can reach in less than an hour.
Sometimes all it takes is a free afternoon, a tank of gas and the decision to explore what has been there all along.
Because when it comes to the Brainerd Lakes Area, the perfect getaway might be waiting just up the road.
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