local parks

We have parks that give you lots to do. City parks with pavilions, playgrounds, and even nice sandy beaches that make great places for a picnic. The Crow Wing State Park has trails along the Mississippi. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time at the historic sites along the river trail.

Brainerd

Northland Arboretum: Nearly 12 miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing trails are available, too. Trails accommodate all ages and skill levels and are some of the best trails in Minnesota—within the Brainerd city limits.

Crow Wing State Park: The Crow Wing State Park also has over 18 miles of hiking trails within the park some along the banks of the Mississippi River. Step back in time seeing the history of an epic Ojibwe and Dakota battle. Walk the boardwalk into the settlement of Old Crow Wing. Camping is available in the park. A new paved trail connects to the Paul Bunyan Trail for easy access for hikers, cyclists, and snowmobilers.

Kiwani’s Park: This park is in the center of Brainerd. The paved trail around Boom Lake is a perfect walk, especially for wheelchairs and strollers. You can see lots of wildlife, have a picnic, and kids can use the playground.

Crosslake

Crosslake Community Center: Over 13 miles of trails for hiking, crosscountry skiing, and snowshoeing. There’s an outdoor skating rink, sledding hill, 9-hole disc golf course, and tennis courts. Equipment is available to rent. Inside, there’s a gym and weight room. Open 7 days a week. Day passes and memberships available.

Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreational Area: A series of three islands located within the Upper Whitefish Lake with hiking trails, swimming beach, and 11 primitive campsites available on a first come, first served basis.

Nisswa

Fritz Loven State Park: A beautiful 80-acre park with a playground, picnic shelters, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails. Come see this beautiful nature sanctuary with wildlife, towering pines, and a stony brook. Go West on County Road 77 (off Hwy. 371 North), take a right on County Road 78, and then right on Ridge Rd.

Pequot Lakes Area

Mayo Lake Nature Preserve: This 67-acre nature preserve is located on the southern portion of Mayo Lake in Pequot Lakes. The preserve is surrounded by diverse trees, plus picnic tables, recreational trails, and lookouts to Mayo Lake.

Central MN Council, Boy Scouts of America

(320) 251-3930 www.bsacmc.org

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent valuesbased youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. Have fun, make friends, and see new things.

National Loon Center

(218) 692-5666 www.nationallooncenter.org

Visit the informational center, The Nest, at Crosslake Town Square! Experience fun and informative displays, learn about the upcoming facility, and purchase National Loon Center merchandise. Stay tuned via our website or newsletter for upcoming events. Or book a trip aboard the StewardShip to observe loons out on the water!

Northland Arboretum

(218) 454-8773 www.northlandarb.org

400 acres of stunning nature reserve hosting a year-round 12-mile trail system, educational programming, and beautiful backdrops for weddings and events. Enjoy our beautiful groomed and lit cross-country and snowshoe trails. Snowshoe rentals available.