Winter Wonderland: Your Guide to Nisswa, Minnesota's Best Cold Weather Activities

Winter nights at The Nordic : Cozy up by the fire, take in the frozen lake views, and experience Minnesota winter magic at its finest.

When the snow blankets the Brainerd Lakes area and temperatures drop, Nisswa, Minnesota transforms into a winter paradise that beckons outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. This charming small town offers an impressive array of cold-weather activities that celebrate the season rather than simply endure it. From heart-pumping downhill adventures to serene lakeside pursuits, here's your comprehensive guide to making the most of winter in Nisswa.

Hit the Slopes at Mount Ski Gull

The crown jewel of Nisswa's winter recreation scene is undoubtedly Mount Ski Gull, where winter fun reaches new heights. This family-friendly ski area offers something for every skill level and age group, making it the perfect destination for both seasoned winter sports enthusiasts and first-time adventurers.

Skiing and Snowboarding Paradise

Mount Ski Gull features 12 expertly maintained runs that cater to all abilities: 40% beginner-friendly slopes, 30% intermediate challenges, and 30% expert terrain that will test even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. The mountain boasts 275 feet of vertical elevation gain, providing plenty of thrills without being overwhelming for newcomers.

For those looking to perfect their tricks and jumps, the dedicated terrain park features its own high-speed rope tow, allowing freestyle enthusiasts to practice their skills efficiently. The facility also includes a gentle bunny hill with its own tow rope, perfect for children and beginners taking their first tentative slides down the mountain.

Snow Tubing Adventures

Perhaps one of Mount Ski Gull's most beloved attractions is its exceptional tubing hill, featuring five lanes that stretch an impressive 700 feet – making it one of the longest snow tubing runs in Minnesota. This activity requires no prior experience or equipment, making it ideal for families with children or anyone looking for pure, uncomplicated fun. The automated lift system ensures you spend more time racing down the hill and less time trudging back up.

The tubing experience at Mount Ski Gull consistently earns rave reviews from visitors who appreciate both the length of the runs and the well-maintained facilities. Whether you're planning a family outing or a group adventure with friends, the tubing hill provides hours of laughter and excitement.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

For those who prefer a more peaceful connection with winter's beauty, Nisswa offers excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. The Pines Winter Recreation Center provides access to over 20 kilometers of scenic, groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through the pristine Pines Golf Course. These trails offer a perfect blend of gentle terrain and beautiful winter landscapes, suitable for both beginners and experienced Nordic skiers.

The same trail system welcomes snowshoers, providing an accessible way to explore Minnesota's winter wonderland. Equipment rental is available for those who don't own their own gear, making these activities easy to try without a significant investment.

Ice Fishing: A Minnesota Tradition

No Minnesota winter experience is complete without trying ice fishing, and the Brainerd Lakes area provides some of the state's best opportunities. Gull Lake, Mille Lacs, and the Whitefish Chain offer excellent ice fishing for walleye, northern pike, and other species. Local bait shops and guides can provide everything needed for beginners, from equipment rental to fishing licenses and expert advice on the best spots and techniques.

Many visitors find ice fishing to be a surprisingly social and relaxing activity, often enjoyed alongside a warm shelter (fish house) and good company. It's a uniquely Minnesota way to experience the outdoors during the coldest months.

Snowmobiling Adventures

The Nisswa area is connected to hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails that traverse some of Minnesota's most beautiful winter scenery. Whether you bring your own machine or rent one locally, snowmobiling offers an exhilarating way to explore the region's vast winter landscape. The trail system connects to other popular destinations throughout central Minnesota, making it possible to plan day-long adventures or shorter scenic rides.

Winter Festivals and Events

Nisswa's winter calendar is packed with community events that celebrate the season, offering visitors authentic Minnesota experiences and the chance to join in beloved local traditions.

City of Lights Celebration/ Light the Town in Nisswa

Nestled in downtown Nisswa, Minnesota, the annual City of Lights celebration—also affectionately known as “Light the Town”—is a heartwarming kickoff to the holiday season held the day after Thanksgiving. Streets are transformed into a glittering winter wonderland, with lights adorning trees, fences, and buildings, while families cozy up by bonfires, sip hot cider, nibble mini‑donuts, and enjoy storytelling, carolers, live reindeer, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festivities culminate in a breathtaking fireworks display—often hailed as “absolutely incredible” and the “grand finale…like nothing I’ve ever seen before”

This cherished event is a magical blend of tradition and community spirit, offering something for every age—from kids’ crafts and Polar Express storytelling to warm, festive ambiance that makes downtown Nisswa feel straight out of a storybook.

Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza

The crown jewel of winter events in the area is the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, held annually on February 1st on Gull Lake's Hole in the Day Bay. This isn't just any fishing tournament – it's Minnesota's coolest tradition and has grown to become one of the world's largest charitable ice fishing contests. 150 prizes were awarded in 2025, ranging from Ford or GMC trucks to top-notch fishing gear and cash prizes, making it an event that draws thousands of participants from across the Midwest.

What makes this event special is its community spirit and accessibility – whether you're an experienced angler or have never dropped a line through the ice, the Extravaganza welcomes everyone. Tickets can be purchased in the ticket tent on Gull Lake starting at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the contest, and concessions serve food and beverages throughout the day.

Local Winter Celebrations

The Nisswa Fire Department Fishing Carnival will take place on February 16th, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Nisswa Community Center. It will offer a more intimate, family-friendly fishing experience perfect for introducing children to this Minnesota winter tradition.

For those interested in local winter markets and community gatherings, the Deerwood Farmers Winter Market occurs on January 11, 2025, from 9 AM - 2 PM at the Deerwood Auditorium, providing an opportunity to sample local goods and crafts while supporting area vendors during the winter months.

Regional Winter Festivals

The broader Brainerd Lakes area hosts additional winter celebrations that complement Nisswa's offerings. The Breezy Point Ice Fest, held January 3-4, 2025, at Breezy Point Resort, includes Radar Runs, Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, Ice Auger Contest, Ice Slides, Pond Hockey, Snow Golf, and Fireworks over the ice – a perfect example of how Minnesota truly celebrates winter rather than merely enduring it.

These events showcase the unique character of Minnesota winter culture, where communities come together to turn the coldest months into opportunities for celebration, competition, and camaraderie. The combination of outdoor winter sports, local traditions, and community spirit creates an atmosphere that visitors find both welcoming and authentically Minnesotan.

Family-Friendly Winter Fun

Beyond the major activities, Nisswa offers numerous smaller-scale winter pursuits perfect for families. Local ice rinks provide opportunities for skating, while many resorts and lodges maintain winter recreation areas with activities like sledding hills, winter hiking trails, and outdoor fire pits perfect for warming up between activities.

The town's compact size and friendly atmosphere make it easy to move between activities, whether you want to start the day on the ski slopes, enjoy lunch in town, and finish with some ice fishing or a peaceful snowshoe walk.

Planning Your Winter Visit

Nisswa's winter season typically runs from December through March. The town's location in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes area means visitors have easy access to additional winter activities in nearby communities, while still enjoying Nisswa's small-town charm and hospitality.Visit The Nordic website to check availability! We offer two luxury vacation rentals—one on Lake Hubert and one on Clark Lake—both just a short walk from downtown Nisswa.

Embracing the Minnesota Winter

What sets Nisswa apart as a winter destination is its community's wholehearted embrace of the cold season. Rather than viewing winter as something to endure, locals and visitors alike celebrate it as a time for unique outdoor adventures, cozy gatherings, and the kind of pristine natural beauty that only snow can create.

Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures at Mount Ski Gull, peaceful moments on cross-country ski trails, or the camaraderie of ice fishing with friends, Nisswa offers a winter experience that will leave you planning your return visit before you've even left. Pack your warmest clothes, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to discover why Minnesotans don't just survive winter – they thrive in it.