-
Communities of the Central Lakes Area
- Nisswa
- Brainerd / Baxter
- Pequot Lakes / Jenkins
- Breezy Point
- Pine River
- Crosslake
- Northern Areas - Backus, Hackensack, Walker
- Eastern Areas - Garrison, Crosby
Nisswa
Nisswa comes alive for every season of the year. This quaint village, found 12 miles north of Brainerd, is as famous for it's crystal waters as for it's friendly people. Summer time bustles with the arrival of tourists looking for unique shopping, world class golf, or a quiet resort vacation. The Gull Lake Chain, located just south of Nisswa, provides year-round fun and recreation. Winter brings skiers and snowmobilers to the area while February is marked by the Winter Jubilee celebration - three days of winter fun, including a parade down main street. Fall and Spring are somewhat more relaxed with biking, golf, hunting and fishing.
Brainerd / Baxter
The Crow Wing County seat - the Brainerd / Baxter areas are exploding with commercial opportunities. Unprecedented growth along the Highway #371 corridor and increased new construction have made a marked difference to the area. Brainerd's school system is noted for it's excellent educational and athletic opportunities. Two shopping malls, several automobile dealers plus numerous other businesses, including Fleet Farm, Target and Walmart, allow you to find almost anything you're looking for. The Paul Bunyan Amusement Center, Brainerd International Raceway and other recreational activities make Brainerd / Baxter a destination for many.
Pequot Lakes / Jenkins
Located 15 miles north of Brainerd, Pequot Lakes is known as the gateway to the Whitefish Chain. Interesting shops are found here as well as professional golf courses - including The Preserve -open in '96. Attending the Bean Hole Day festivities in July is a must for any visitor to the area. The Pequot Lakes School system, one of the best run in the state, continues to provide an excellent education to area students. Local news for the northern Lakes Area is provided by the Country Echo - a weekly newspaper.
Breezy Point
The Breezy Point Resort and Convention Center is the heart of Breezy Point. A Summer resort and tourism mecca, Breezy Point is located on Pelican Lake. Several interesting restaurants provide casual dining. January brings the Ice Fest complete with hot air balloon rides, radar runs, skating, dogsledding & more! Popular summer activities include golfing, fishing, biking and boating. Breezy Point is a unique community, one you'll want to visit.
Pine River
Pine River has been a hub of activity for the lakes area. Located just west of the Whitefish Chain on Highway #371, the community features the largest school system in Cass County, a multitude of retail stores and auto dealers, clinic, library and a nursing home. Pine River has attracted many as a great place to retire or own a second home. Recreation abounds with excellent golf courses, lakes, the Pine River, and the Paul Bunyan Recreational Trail. A newly upgraded Regional Airport handles aircraft up to light business jets. The runway is 3,000 feet, paved and has medium intensity runway lights, runway end identifier lights and, visual approach slope indicators. An automated weather observation system was installed in January, 1996.
Crosslake
Located on the east end of the Whitefish Chain, Crosslake is fast becoming "the" destination for summer residents and tourists. The city is bordered by Cross Lake on the west and is also the site of the dam which controls the lake levels in the Whitefish Chain. There are a number of restaurants for fine dining, waterslide and other attractions and, of course, lots of shopping. The US Army Corps of Engineers maintains a public park and campground right in the heart of Crosslake.
Northern Communitites - Backus, Hackensack, Walker
For a change of pace, investigate the northern region. The pace, while active, is a little more serene. Hundreds of lakes cover this area - from the large (Leech Lake) to very small - making it a superb choice for a second or retirement home. It's also a great place for families who appreciate clean air, forests, lakes and good people.
Eastern Communities - Garrison, Crosby
From the great walleye fishing on Mille Lacs Lake at Garrison to the historic Cyuna Iron Range at Crosby and Deerwood, you'll find something of interest here. Superlative lakes, forests, the Mississippi River and water filled mine pits offer unlimited recreation. Excellent schools, shopping, hospital and employment opportunities are more reasons to choose this area for your next home.
| Area Map | Communities | Lake Data |