Pillar 1 · Guide to Nisswa
We're former Nisswa locals, and this is the guide we'd hand a friend: what to do downtown, on the lakes, on the trail, and when the weather won't cooperate. Nisswa sits in the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota, with Gull Lake, Lake Hubert, Clark Lake and West Twin close by.
- Downtown
- Four lakes
- Paul Bunyan
- Parks
- Rainy days
- Where to stay
Key takeaways
- Downtown is walkable: shops, coffee, turtle races in summer, City of Lights after Thanksgiving.
- The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs through town — and right across from our Clark Lake home.
- Dogs are welcome at our homes; Whipple Beach in Baxter does not allow pets.
- Dining → restaurants guide · snow season → winter guide.
Downtown Nisswa and Main Street
Start with StoneHouse Coffee, browse Turtle Town Books & Duck Duck Turtle Toys, save room for Chocolate Ox fudge. Summer: Turtle Races. After Thanksgiving: City of Lights. Shopping deep-dive: Holiday Shopping · markets: Christmas Markets.
On the lakes
Gull Lake is the big chain lake; Lake Hubert, Clark Lake and West Twin are quieter neighbors. Swim, paddle, fish, or sit with a book. Outfitters: Sportland Outdoor Outfitters (formerly Dave's Sportland), 23910 Hazelwood Dr S, and Nisswa Boat and Jet Ski.
Vacation rental — sleeps 14.
Sunroom & clear shallows.
Trail-side lakefront.
Paul Bunyan State Trail
Paved multi-use trail through Nisswa — bike, walk, snowshoe. Dogs leashed. Our Clark Lake home sits directly across the street.
No. 04ParksParks and walks
- Fritz Loven Park (Lake Shore) — ~80 wooded acres along Stony Brook; hiking, snowshoe, XC. Spelling: Fritz Loven, not “Fitz.”
- Whipple Beach (Baxter) bans pets. Leashed dogs OK in other Baxter parks; fenced dog park at Clearwater. Deer season: pup guide.
Family and rainy-day fun
BJ's Arcade in Brainerd, a bookstore afternoon, or 5,000+ games at our Gull Lake arcade. Every home has a gas fireplace and year-round hot tub.
No. 06GolfGolf
Championship and public courses are a short drive away. We don't name resort courses here — ask us during your stay for a fit for your group.
Where to eat
Guests rave that the eggs are “cooked perfectly,” the hash browns “crisp,” and the sausage patties “wonderful,” while the friendly, efficient service and small-town charm make every breakfast feel warm and genuine.Guest notes on Ganley’s, downtown Nisswa
Full list: Restaurants & Bars · winter hours: Eat Like a Local.
No. 08SeasonsSpring, summer, fall and winter
Fishing opener energy; pack layers.
Turtle races, boat days, Main Street evenings.
Color drives, hot tub nights — see November.
Ski Gull, ice fishing, City of Lights — winter guide.
Monthly calendar
Start with Nisswa in November 2026; December follows. Confirm before you go.
No. 10Where to stayWhere to stay
Four lakefront homes, each with a hot tub — Clark, West Twin, Hubert, Gull — or browse Nisswa lake house rentals.
FAQ
What is there to do in Nisswa, MN?
Downtown, Paul Bunyan Trail, four nearby lakes, Fritz Loven Park, seasonal festivals, Mount Ski Gull — this page is the year-round overview.
Is Nisswa good for kids?
Yes — turtle races, easy trails, beaches, arcades on gray days.
Can we bring a dog?
Dogs welcome at all four homes (leashed on property). Whipple Beach bans pets.
How far from the Twin Cities?
About 2.5 hours from Minneapolis–St. Paul.
Our best rate, no booking fees, straight from us.
