Looking for fun things to do over the MEA weekend? We’ve got you covered!
  • Splash Around the Indoor Water Parks – Holiday Inn Express, The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes and Rapid River all have indoor water parks. Plus there are a handful of Baxter hotels with indoor pools if you’re looking for a quick getaway that will make a splash.
  • Pizza night! – Some of the best pizza in Minnesota can be found in Brainerd/Baxter. We recommend Big Jay’s Pizza Arcade, Dough Bros., Rafferty’s and Slice on Oak.
  • Spooky Season Fun – This weekend only is the Haunted Trail at the Northland Arboretum, so make plans to attend. There is also the Haunted Hidden Hollows at Paul Bunyan Land maze, hayride and haunted house.
  • Fall Color Hunting – There are six spots in Brainerd/Baxter along the banks of the Mississippi River that are great for checking out the colors. French Rapids, Lum Park/Rice Lake, Lyman P. White Park, Kiwanis Park, Rotary Riverside Park, and Riverview Park. Each location provides a different level of hiking, accessibility, and amazing views.
  • Family Fun – WonderTrek Childrens Museum will be at the Brainerd Public Library on Friday with fun and engaging toys and activities, make some glow in the dark bug soap at Purple Fern, check-out VR Odyssey virtual gaming studio, test your skills at Copper Cat Escape Rooms, and bounce out the wiggles at Lakes Area Bounce House.

For more inspiration be sure to check out our business directory, lodging page and calendar of events. We hope you enjoy your visit to Brainerd and Baxter, MN, this year.