Summary of Brainerd Lakes, MN
- Overview of the Brainerd Lakes region.
- Recreational activities and charm of the area.
- Real estate trends and investment opportunities.
Small-town charm, beautiful lakes, and excellent vacation homes await in Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota.
As the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is a dream for travelers seeking idyllic waterfront views, cool breezes, and plenty of water sports. Moreover, with some of the largest and best resorts in the Midwest as well as the state’s most beautiful lakes, the Brainerd Lakes area is a vacationer’s haven.
Located approximately a two-hour drive north of Minneapolis, the area is dotted with hundreds of crystal-clear lakes, about a hundred miles of rivers and streams, hiking trails, and lush forests. Consequently, Brainerd Lakes is a year-round destination that lives up to its reputation as “Minnesota’s playground.” The region offers amusement parks, top-notch golf courses, mountain biking, and excellent ice fishing, catering to travelers of all ages.
The region’s pristine nature and plethora of recreational activities have made it one of the top places to own a vacation home, both for personal enjoyment and as an investment.
“The Friday afternoon drive to the lake, kids splashing at the beach, leisurely afternoon boat rides, and s’mores around the campfire have been the draw to the Brainerd Lakes area for generations of Minnesota families,” says Brad Wadsten, a broker at Edina Realty. “As seasonal cabins become year-round lake homes, and the work-from-home evolution finds a new work-from a front deck overlooking the lake norm, life in the Brainerd Lakes Area is evolving as well.”
Despite high interest rates and a nationwide housing downturn, demand for real estate in Brainerd Lakes hasn’t diminished. According to data from Redfin, in November 2022, home prices were up 15.5 percent compared to the same time the previous year, with homes selling after only a couple of weeks on the market. One of the reasons Brainerd Lakes is popular among second home buyers is that residences here are relatively affordable—the median sale price stands at $229,990, according to Redfin’s findings. It also offers good cap rates—around five percent in popular communities such as Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, Emily, and Crosslake, as noted by vacation rental company Evolve.
Although Brainerd Lakes is made up of hundreds of bodies of water, the most sought-after neighborhoods are around lakes such as the Gull Lake chain, Mille Lacs Lake, and North Long Lake.
Wadsten advises his clients to choose their vacation homes based on three main criteria: First, select the lake; second, determine the exact location; and third, focus on the home structure.
“The number one objective that every buyer has is to be on a good quality body of water—good water quality, good water clarity, and a family-friendly beach where the kids or grandkids can play in the summertime,” he explained.
Brainerd and Baxter are home to many water parks, green spaces, and family-friendly facilities, while Lake Gull, Crosslake, Rice Lake, and Pillager Lake feature public sandy beaches, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Notably, Gull Lake, which is part of a chain of eight lakes covering 13,000 acres, is also a popular spot for cruises. In the winter, it hosts the largest ice-fishing contest in the world, The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, drawing thousands of participants.
While most travelers come here seeking the relaxed life by the lakes, others prefer adrenaline-inducing activities on land.
“There’s also a significant draw to our market, which is mountain biking. A burgeoning industry in Crosby, Minnesota, is attracting homebuyers who seek properties based on this recreational sport. Additionally, there has been considerable interest in Walker, Minnesota, approximately 50 miles north of Brainerd Lakes,” said Wadsten.
Unsurprisingly, as individuals spend more time in Brainerd Lakes, many second homes eventually transition into primary residences.
Wadsten explained, “While the draw to the beauty of our lakes area for boating, fishing, swimming, biking, golf, and other outdoor activities remains at the forefront, many weekend residents are discovering that the excellent shopping, entertainment, and medical services available support their lifestyles beyond weekends. Consequently, many are planning to spend their retirement years here.”
