How many times have you heard this refrain from the kids or grandkids. "I'm bored, there's nothing to do"? Then pack up the kids and bring them to Brainerd Lakes Country. There is more fun stuff to do than can possibly be accomplished in a year and it just keeps getting better. The area is known for its pristine lakes, green forests and fishing, but there are activities happening all year long!

From mid-June to mid-August go to downtown Nisswa and check out the famous turtle races that have been a summer ritual for over 20 years. They occur every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. sharp, rain or shine. After the races, walk the streets of the quaint town of Nisswa and enjoy unique shopping experiences.

Another great summertime opportunity for the kids can be found at the Paul Bunyan Amusement Center located at 17553 State Highway 18, between Garrison and Brainerd. There is a variety of rides, an authentic logging camp and a haunted house. With the change of seasons into fall there is a corn maze and winter brings a show of lights.

While in the Brainerd Lakes area make sure you see Minnesota's deepest lake, the Portsmouth mine lake. This area lake was created after iron mining operations ceased on the historic Cuyuna Iron Range. The mine is just north of Crosby on Highway 6 and has a wonderful scenic overlook. If you are into trout fishing, spend some time fishing on this pit lake.

The Crosby area is known for antique shops, so make sure you allow time to do some casual strolling through town. If you are visiting Crosby in the summer be sure to visit the Croft Mine Historical Park on the north edge of town. Take an underground mine tour and pick up tidbits about mining history. Also, in the interpretive center see the one ton copper nugget discovered during mining operations in the area.

Looking for mountains? There aren't official mountains in the Brainerd Lakes Country area, but just northwest of Ironton there is a scenic overlook that sits on top of mine spoils pile and it is large enough to be a mountain. From here there is an breath-taking view of a blue-green countryside. The mine pits are famous for having turned into crystal clear lakes that provide fantastic areas for scuba diving.

This lake area of Minnesota is known for fishing and is a great place for Ice fishing. Every winter the Brainerd Jaycees hold their fishing extravaganza on Gull Lake with up to 10,000 people participating in this event. The $150,000 extravaganza brings in people from throughout the country that fish for prizes ranging from four-wheelers to trucks to the huge $10,000 cash prize!

For those looking for a little faster pace, pay a visit to the Brainerd International Raceway. In addition to world class drag racing in the summer, there is dryland dog sled racing, sports snowcross racing, car racing on ice and an annual cross country snowmobile race. .

The Brainerd Lakes Area is also known for world class multi-use trails that offer opportunities for a family outing of biking, in-line skating or simply a hike. The Paul Bunyan Trail is paved and runs from Brainerd for many miles to Walker. The Cuyuna Country State Recreational Trail is a hard surfaced trail winds its way around several of Minnesota's newest lakes created when mining operations ceased in the Cuyuna Iron Range on the north edge of Crosby. No matter which one you choose you are bound to see a white tailed deer or a bald eagle, hear the call of the loon or just enjoy the north woods ambiance in our beautiful forests.

If you prefer snowmobiling we have mile upon mile of designated trails winding through some of the most beautiful areas you will ever see. There are also many opportunities for cross country skiing.

Looking for nightlife? Head over to Grand Casino Mille Lacs where you can spend some time on the slot machines, enjoy a meal, and great entertainment.

There plenty to do in in the Brainerd Lakes area no matter what season you come to visit. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, catch that prize winning fish, shop in quaint stores or catch some night light, make sure you put some time in your vacation schedule to visit the area.