Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Brainerd September 2025 | Expedia.ca

  

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# What to do in Brainerd, MN

## Activities, attractions and tours

## Visit Brainerd

Types of activities

[Brainerd travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Brainerd.dx6059985)

![Photo by Chris Bruggeman](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/58580dc8b96bc3eca3a0b68a9cdbc9c9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo by Chris Bruggeman](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/58580dc8b96bc3eca3a0b68a9cdbc9c9.jpg)

![Photo by Dan Vang](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/0731d0cd9a3f4a3798c77c607d46a8bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo by Dan Vang](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/0731d0cd9a3f4a3798c77c607d46a8bd.jpg)

![Photo by Morena Hammer](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/1626171cde91ed0bf2f66013964f157a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo by Morena Hammer](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/1626171cde91ed0bf2f66013964f157a.jpg)

![Photo by Richard Remington](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/0e8b1f35b4203e22043b0c75a6027b08.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo by Richard Remington](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/0e8b1f35b4203e22043b0c75a6027b08.jpg)

![Photo by Richard Remington](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/59dceaf53017161541d584767eff1e61.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo by Richard Remington](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/59dceaf53017161541d584767eff1e61.jpg)

## Brainerd Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Brainerd has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

#### Activities and Tours

Brainerd is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Brainerd to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

#### Brainerd Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Brainerd.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Brainerd attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Explore thousands of activities with **free cancellation and no added fees**.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

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## Recommended things to do in Brainerd

| Number of things to do | 1 |
| --- | --- |
| Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Minnesota's Premiere 7 Line Zipline Experience](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/minnesotas-premiere-7-line-zipline-experience.a48941840.activity-details): CA $123 |
| Top 5 things to do | -   [Minnesota's Premiere 7 Line Zipline Experience](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/minnesotas-premiere-7-line-zipline-experience.a48941840.activity-details) |
| Half-day tours | -   [Minnesota's Premiere 7 Line Zipline Experience](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/minnesotas-premiere-7-line-zipline-experience.a48941840.activity-details) |
| With kids | |

## What to do in Brainerd

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### Discover the most popular places to visit in Brainerd

#### Brainerd International Raceway

You can take time to visit Brainerd International Raceway during your travels to Brainerd. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

[](https://expedia.ca/Brainerd-International-Raceway-Brainerd.d553248621532652096.Vacation-Attraction)

#### The Classic at Madden's Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in East Gull Lake at The Classic at Madden's Golf Course. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

[](https://expedia.ca/The-Classic-At-Maddens-Golf-Course-Brainerd.d553248621561636588.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Paul Bunyan Land

Bring the family to Paul Bunyan Land and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Brainerd. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the waterfalls in this family-friendly area.

[](https://expedia.ca/Paul-Bunyan-Land-Brainerd.d6092471.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Legacy at Cragun's

Enjoy a round of golf in East Gull Lake at Legacy at Cragun's. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

[](https://expedia.ca/Legacy-At-Craguns-Brainerd.d553248621532651996.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Cragun's Legacy Courses

Enjoy a round of golf in East Gull Lake at Cragun's Legacy Courses. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

[](https://expedia.ca/Craguns-Legacy-Courses-Brainerd.d553248621561636587.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Lake Ossawinnamakee

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Ossawinnamakee during your travels in Brainerd. Wander the lakeside or discover the waterfalls in this family-friendly area.

[](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Ossawinnamakee-Brainerd.d553248621532652071.Vacation-Attraction)

#### North Central Speedway

You can take time to visit North Central Speedway during your travels to Brainerd. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

[](https://expedia.ca/North-Central-Speedway-Brainerd.d553248621561636589.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Horseshoe Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Horseshoe Lake during your travels in Brainerd. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the waterfalls in this family-friendly area.

[](https://expedia.ca/Horseshoe-Lake-Brainerd.d553248635976196805.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Long Lake Upper

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Long Lake Upper during your travels in Brainerd. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the waterfalls in this family-friendly area.

[](https://expedia.ca/Long-Lake-Upper-Brainerd.d920055036955172864.Vacation-Attraction)

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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

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## Day trip destinations from Brainerd

![Photo by Chris Bruggeman](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/58580dc8b96bc3eca3a0b68a9cdbc9c9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### East Gull Lake

[](https://expedia.ca/East-Gull-Lake.dx3000409913)

![Photo by Ryan Kashmark](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/7d83a748a90b981699d30d5d28d54785.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Ironton

[](https://expedia.ca/Ironton.dx3000443293)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Brainerd worth visiting?

> Whether you plan to experience the cultural highlights and local charm or try regional foods and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Brainerd.

### How do I spend a day in Brainerd?

> Once you've checked off leading attractions like Paul Bunyan Land and Lake Ossawinnamakee, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Brainerd.

### What is the top tourist attraction in Brainerd?

> Paul Bunyan Land is one of the top tourist attractions in Brainerd and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.

### Is three days enough to stay in Brainerd?

> Three days in Brainerd is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Brainerd International Raceway, Lake Ossawinnamakee and Horseshoe Lake are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Baxter.

### What are some activities to do in Brainerd with kids?

> If you're searching for attractions and activities for all ages, check out these great ideas for what to do in Brainerd with kids.

### What to do in Brainerd for adults?

> Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in Brainerd for adults.

### Are there free things to do in Brainerd?

> In Brainerd, Horseshoe Lake is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Brainerd.

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![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)