Tourism Blog

A little piece of heaven. That’s what you will find when you visit Towering Pines Resort of Pequot Lakes Minnesota. Tucked in the pines and yet still close to shopping and fun, this scenic resort is just the ticket if you are looking to escape the daily grind and cherish a little quality time with the family. Family owned and operated for over 30 years and proud of it!

Towering Pines Resort borders the beautiful Clamshell Lake, part of the famous Whitefish Chain. 540 feet of scenic lake frontage is the perfect back drop for a little sun worshiping, relaxing with a good book, or just "chillin" with friends and family. Sit back enjoy watching your kids splash, play, swim, and enjoy all the kid-friendly amenities such as Mini Golf, paddleboats, and nature walks. The Up-North scenery and wildlife is guaranteed to wash your stress away and help you decompress after a long week at the office. 19 fully furnished cabins are designed for all tastes, comfort levels, guaranteed to provide a healthy dose of peace and tranquility. Whether you are a family of four or a party of 10, their 2-5 bedroom cabins will fit the bill for any vacation.

Get your hike on! If you feel like venturing out and experiencing some of the great outdoors, try our hiking and biking trails. Adjacent to the Towering Pines Resort wooded-hiking trail, our guests can access the Paul Bunyan National Scenic Byway which covers a 54-mile looped road route that travels both north around the Whitefish Chain and south along the north side of Pelican Lake. In addition to this being an interesting drive-route, the expanded paved shoulder invites scenic biking, running and rollerblading. Along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway you'll find the Veteran's Hiking Trail with their new 1.5 mile Wetland Walk, and the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area .

Got Golf? Golfers enjoy more than 20 quality golf courses in our area. We have listed the contact information of some of our favorite courses below for your convenience. Let us know if you would like our staff to set up a tee time for you during your stay. Discounts & coupons are available in our gift shop for guests staying at Towering Pines Resort. FORE!

Or perhaps you’d like experience first hand the thrill of landing your first Minnesota Walleye! Towering Pines Resort is located on crystal clean Clamshell Lake with easy boating into 14 interconnecting lakes of the Whitefish Chain. On Clamshell Lake you will enjoy convenient access to the larger lakes of the chain as well as scenic landlines which protect us from the strong winds you will find on "the Big Lake". Boat and pontoon rentals are available.

Staycation, daycation, or week long stay. We have all your needs right here. Stop by and pay us a visit, visit us on the web, or find us on Facebook. We look forward to seeing you soon at the lake!

We do not remember the days, we remember the moments-Cesare Pavese

Towering Pines Resort
35172 S Clamshell Drive
Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
(800) 950-0267 or (218) 543-4738
www.toweringpines.com

Prairie Bay Grill and Catering is your true local restaurant here in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Our goal is to provide our guests, new and loyal, with a great dining experience every time they visit. We want to create an atmosphere that is comfortable to everyone, whether from the cabin or right off the farm. Prairie Bay has been in Baxter for 6 years now, and we work hard everyday to set ourselves apart from the “chain” restaurants that you find just about everywhere.

The most important thing to know about us: we love food! Whether it is cooking, serving, eating, or just talking about it, food is our profession and our passion. We make nearly everything fresh, to order, for you and source as much local product as we can. Chef Matt has created great relationships with over twenty farmers in the area and as the seasons progress, we have a constant supply of fresh goods coming in the back door. There is nothing better then a tomato picked off the vine that day, right down the road, and put on you plate that night.

Our menu changes frequently as fruits and vegetables come into their seasons, and also when inspiration hits. Because we are not a chain, we make the type of food we would like to eat. We have thick stacked sandwiches and hand tossed wood oven pizzas. Pasta dishes, seafood/pork/chicken entrees, fresh salads, and of course amazing steaks. There is lots for the kids as well, including pizzas, pastas, and the Chef’s favorite grilled cheese. Our signature item and a must have is the Build your own Bruschetta. With over twelve ingredients and garlic brushed toasts, this fan favorite is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds.

Not only do we have a full service restaurant, but we also cater events of any size, all year long. From pig roasts to large wedding receptions our goal is to bring the quality of an in-house dining experience to your event. Catering menus are custom built for every occasion and we can make any budget stretch its furthest. We can host large parties here as well, for seminars, Christmas parties, or just getting together with a few friends. In addition to catering we offer private chef service for a one night occasion or a whole summer season.

Want to make a night out of it? Why not stay right next door at the area’s premier lodging, Comfort Suites ~ Rapid River Lodge and Water Park. Mark and his staff will make you feel right a home…away from home! They have spacious rooms, Serta Perfect Sleepers, and a great continental breakfast. For those on vacation through, the best part of your stay will be the Indoor Water Park. Act like a kid again floating down the lazy river or shooting down the water slide. Or… remember your age and soak those tight and worn muscles in either of the two hot tubs. Check out their website for more information.

We are here to share our passion and our food with all adventures to the northland. Come visit us today and join our extended family!

Prairie Bay
15115 Edgewood Dr
Baxter, MN 56425 (218) 824-6444
http://www.prairiebay.com/

Comfort Suites/Rapid River Lodge
7376 Woida RoadBaxter, MN 56425
(877) 543-8938 or (218) 825-7234
http://www.rapidriverlodge.com/

The Northland Arboretum will hold its annual Minnesota Country Sampler Picnic on Wednesday, July 14 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd. All proceeds from this family-style event benefit the Northland Arboretum.

The Country Sampler Picnic will feature food, wine and beer tasting from more than twenty-five Minnesota restaurants and vendors. The Picnic will begin with a pig roast, and continue with various vendors along the trails at the Arboretum. There will be a dunk tank featuring local celebrities and politicians, live entertainment, hay rides, children’s games, picnic basket silent auction and other events. Tickets are available at the Arboretum and are $10 for adults, $5 for children. For Arboretum members tickets are $8 for adults and $3 for children. All children under the age of five are free.

For more information about the Minnesota County Sampler Picnic, contact the Arb at 218-829-8770.

Please see the press release below from the DNR pertaining to the new aquatic invasive species law that went into effect on July 1.

Aquatic invasive species laws require boaters to ‘Pick it or Ticket’
(Released July 1, 2010)

“Pick it or Ticket.” That’s what will happen if people don’t do their part to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species, according to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

DNR conservation officers and watercraft inspectors will step-up enforcement of invasive species law over the Fourth of July weekend. They will also be out educating boaters about a new law that goes into effect July 1 requiring boaters to now remove the plug and drain water before leaving any lake and river in Minnesota.

“Our lakes and rivers are too important to take for granted,” explained Larry Kramka, DNR assistant commissioner. “Boaters need to be accountable and personally responsible to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasives.”

The water draining law is intended to help prevent the spread of fish diseases such as VHS, and invasive species such as zebra mussels and spiny waterfleas that cannot be seen when free floating in the water in early life stages.

Boaters are required by law to:
- Remove aquatic plants and zebra mussels from boats and trailers.
- Drain all water, including pulling the drain plug, open water draining devices, and draining bilges and live wells.
- Drain bait buckets when exiting lakes that have been designated as infested with spiny water flea or zebra mussels. Anglers can keep unused bait when leaving infested waters if they replace the water with tap or spring water.

The increased enforcement efforts over the holiday weekend will include an increased presence at public water accesses at infested waters where officers will look closely for violators of existing laws who could face fines from $50 up to $1,000.

Minnesota’s water resources are threatened by numerous aquatic invasive species such as the zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas. These species could be easily spread within the state if citizens, businesses and visitors don’t take the necessary steps to contain them.

The zebra mussel populations currently in Lake Mille Lacs, Alexandria chain of lakes, (Le Homme Dieu, Carlos, and Geneva), Pelican Lake in Otter Tail County, Prior Lake in Scott County and Rice Lake near Brainerd are a particular concern as they can be key sources for zebra mussel spread.

For more information about which lakes are infested with aquatic invasive species, visit http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/infested_waters.pdf

For general information about invasives - go to:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index.html

July 4th launched SUMMER at Madden's on Gull Lake. Activities are in full swing...Waterski School, Adventure Cove kid's program, daily golf, tennis, croquet and lawnbowling clinics, a naturalist program, happy hour and pontoon cruises to get you out on Gull Lake...and of course, plenty of beach and pool space to allow you to kick back and just relax. And the food...did I tell you about the food? I'm not sure which is the favorite...Walleye 'three ways' or the shrimp tacos... We're saving a chair for you...Madden's on Gull Lake, Minnesota's Classic Resort.

Madden's on Gull Lake
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula
Brainerd, MN 56401
(800) 642-5363
www.maddens.com

Aquatic invasive species like Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels can make it difficult to enjoy the beautiful lakes in Crow Wing County. Clean your boat of aquatic plants, drain all water and dry before launching. And, use dock installers trained to recognize aquatic invasive species. Our lakes are our business and our economy. Do your part to arrest the spread.

Black Pine Beach Resort on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes between the towns of Pequot Lakes and Crosslake has more than you've imagined to make your vacation the best one yet. Beautiful cabins featuring tiled floors, fireplaces, comfortable furniture, satellite TV, free high speed wireless, decks, big sandy beach, convenient boat launch, attractive grounds and the intriguing and unique Secret Garden. More? Yes. Fresh, clean aromas inside every cabin because they're scrubbed from ceiling boards to floor corners. Customer service that really is exactly what you've been seeking for a restful, carefree vacation. Don't hesitate. Call today and start enjoying what you never thought you'd find. 1-877-575-1455 or stay@blackpinebeach.com.

Black Pine Beach Resort
10732 County Road 16
Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
(877) 575-1455 or (218) 543-4714
www.blackpinebeach.com