Brainerd travel guide

Brainerd Tourism | Brainerd Guide

You're Going to Love Brainerd

With a population of 13,590, Brainerd is a must-see destination in Minnesota, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Brainerd deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Brainerd

If you’re looking for affordable options, Prairie Bay Grill & Catering (15115 Edgewood Dr) and Legacy Dining Room (11000 Craguns Dr) are great picks.

When to visit Brainerd

Brainerd in March
Estimated hotel price
$112
1 night at 3-star hotel
Brainerd in March
Estimated hotel price
$112
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Brainerd in July, when the average temperature is 69.8 °F, and the highest can go up to 80.6 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as -4 °F, with an average temperature of 6.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in June, when precipitation is around 4.2″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Brainerd, with an average rainfall of 0.6″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Brainerd

Plane

When flying to Brainerd, you’ll arrive at Brainerd Crow Wing County (BRD), which is located 4 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Brainerd departs from Minneapolis and takes around 52m.

Car

Another option to get to Brainerd is to pick up a car rental from Minneapolis, which is about 105 miles from Brainerd. You’ll find branches of Ace and Thrifty, among others, in Minneapolis.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Brainerd Bus Stop, located 0.9 miles from downtown Brainerd. Brainerd Westgate Mall is also a commonly used station, and is 1.2 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Brainerd, you’ll arrive at Brainerd Crow Wing County (BRD), which is located 4 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Brainerd departs from Minneapolis and takes around 52m.

Car

Another option to get to Brainerd is to pick up a car rental from Minneapolis, which is about 105 miles from Brainerd. You’ll find branches of Ace and Thrifty, among others, in Minneapolis.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Brainerd Bus Stop, located 0.9 miles from downtown Brainerd. Brainerd Westgate Mall is also a commonly used station, and is 1.2 miles from the city center.

Airlines serving Brainerd

Delta
Good (4,602 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (137 reviews)

Where to stay in popular areas of Brainerd

Most booked hotels in Brainerd

Good Ol' Days Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 223 reviews)
$100+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baxter, MN
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 318 reviews)
$129+
Lost Lake Lodge
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 32 reviews)
$118+
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baxter Brainerd Area
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 175 reviews)
$76+
Rapid River Lodge
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 121 reviews)
$132+
Super 8 by Wyndham Baxter/Brainerd Area
2 stars
Good (7.9, 204 reviews)
$62+

Renting a car in Brainerd

Renting a car in Brainerd costs $71 per day, on average, or $143 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Brainerd (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99.

Renting a car in Brainerd costs $71 per day, on average, or $143 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Brainerd (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99.