WHO WE ARE

Visit Brainerd is the official destination marketing organization and visitor’s bureau for the cities of Baxter and Brainerd, MN. Established in 1995, as a 501c6 non-profit corporation, we represent the tourism and hospitality businesses within the cities of Baxter and Brainerd. We are committed to promoting the cities as a leisure, business and convention travel destination, and as the economic center of the Brainerd Micropolitan Area. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, unbiased information to all travelers.

MISSION

To promote Baxter and Brainerd, MN, as a premiere destination for visitors, convention and meeting services. To provide unbiased information about our community to visitors.

OBJECTIVE

Visit Brainerd exists to attract the maximum number of visitor dollars into the economy. Our job is to create and capitalize on opportunities to support, promote and expand tourism within our cities. By doing this, Visit Brainerd contributes to the local economy by creating jobs, bringing outside customers to local businesses, and increasing our community’s quality of life.

OPERATIONS

Visit Brainerd is primarily funded by a three-percent local lodging tax collected from short-term lodging properties in the Cities of Baxter and Brainerd. The organization is managed by a full-time Executive Director and is overseen by a Board of Directors with representatives from the local lodging, tourism and hospitality industry. Visit Brainerd is located at 214 South 7th Street, Brainerd, MN 56401, which is a information center, gift store, and the corporate office.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • Julie Degen, Director | Northland Kart Kountry
  • Katie Goenner, President | Baymont Inn & Suites
  • Ken Lacy, Director | Lakes Jam
  • Rachael Lund, Vice President | Rapid River Lodge & Suites
  • Matt Means, Director | RiverWood Bank
  • Vidhi Patel, Director | Super 8
  • Karen Rettke, Director | County Inn & Suites
  • Tom Vasecka, Treasurer | Holiday Inn Express & Suites

ANNUAL EVENTS

The annual Visit Brainerd Brochure Exchange is held in early May as a kick-off to the summer tourism season. This networking event is an opportunity for representatives and employees from local lodging, events, attractions and businesses to gather and share what is happening this season. Learn more HERE.