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 Lodge 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. Find information on local hotels here.
  • Pizza night!—Some of the best pizza in Minnesota can be found in Brainerd and Baxter. We recommend Big Jay's Pizza Arcade, Dough Bros., Rafferty's and Slice on Oak. You'll find a lot of places to eat and drink in Brainerd and Baxter.
  • Spooky Season Fun—The Haunted Trail at the Northland Arboretum only happens over MEA weekend, so make sure to check it out. There is also the Haunted Hidden Hollows located at Paul Bunyan Land. It includes a maze, hayride and haunted house and is open Fridays and Saturdays in October. New this year is a Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 18. From 12:00–5:00 p.m. guests can step inside the haunted house and corn maze with the lights on, the animatronics running, and no live actors inside. Perfect for younger guests and families who want the spooky atmosphere without the jump scares. Check out our calendar of events for more weekend fun.
  • 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, Kiwanis Park, Lum Park/Rice Lake, Lyman P. White Park, Mississippi River Overlook Park, and Rotary Riverside Park. Each location provides a different level of hiking, accessibility, and amazing views.
  • Family Fun—Test your skills at Copper Cat Escape Rooms, decorate some Halloween-themed cookies at Knotty Pine Bakery, bounce out the wiggles at Lakes Area Bounce House, and make some glow in the dark bug soap at Purple Fern.

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.