Brainerd, MN

Travel Guide

A calm lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees.
A calm lake with lily pads and reeds, surrounded by dense forest.
A sunset over a calm lake with a dock and people standing on it.
A frozen river with ice formations and a sunset in the background.
A forested path with birch trees and fallen leaves.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Brainerd-Baxter by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Brainerd-Baxter by IHG

3 out of 5
15739 Audubon Way Brainerd MN
$134 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$149 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Brainerd. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Brainerd-Baxter by IHG
The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
6967 Lake Forest Rd Brainerd MN
$126 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$140 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Brainerd. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and water park access (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"It was our first time staying"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2026

The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Cragun's Resort & Hotel

Cragun's Resort & Hotel

3 out of 5
11000 Craguns Dr Brainerd MN
$159 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Sep 13 to Sep 14
$171 total
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Brainerd. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (406 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2026

Cragun's Resort & Hotel
See all 1,194 properties in Brainerd
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cabin on Rice Lake access to Mississippi River 1 bedroom/1 bath sleeps 4

Cabin on Rice Lake access to Mississippi River 1 bedroom/1 bath sleeps 4

Brainerd MN
Stay at this cabin in Brainerd. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Rice Lake and Lum Park are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Such a cute little cabin. The views of the lake are amazing!"

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2026

Cabin on Rice Lake access to Mississippi River 1 bedroom/1 bath sleeps 4
NEW - The Boardwalk on North Long Lake Brainerd with Hot Tub, Pet-Friendly

NEW - The Boardwalk on North Long Lake Brainerd with Hot Tub, Pet-Friendly

Brainerd MN
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Brainerd. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Brainerd International ...
10/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"This place was amazing and the getaway I needed. It had everything a person could think of from the kitchen, to water fun, to kid toys, they even had sleds in case you're there in the winter time, and firewood. My family is already asking me to book another stay."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2026

NEW - The Boardwalk on North Long Lake Brainerd with Hot Tub, Pet-Friendly
Brainerd Waterfront Lake Retreat Sleeps 18 Hot Tub, Sand Beach, Great Fish

Brainerd Waterfront Lake Retreat Sleeps 18 Hot Tub, Sand Beach, Great Fish

Brainerd MN
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Brainerd. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Lum Park and Rice Lake are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"We had a an amazing time here, perfect space relaxing on the beach with a campfire. Will be back this winter to take in all the area has to offer for winter activities."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

Brainerd Waterfront Lake Retreat Sleeps 18 Hot Tub, Sand Beach, Great Fish
See all properties in Brainerd
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Brainerd attractions

Brainerd International Raceway

8.6/10 (129 reviews)
You can take time to visit Brainerd International Raceway during your travels to Brainerd. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Brainerd worth visiting?
Brainerd is worth visiting for its exciting attractions, including the Brainerd International Raceway and The Classic at Madden's Golf Course. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining options, with local establishments offering both North American and Italian cuisine to savor during their trip.
When is the best time to visit Brainerd?
The best time to visit Brainerd is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities. For fewer crowds and good value, the quieter months of November through February are also a great option, offering a cooler experience for travelers.
What is Brainerd known for?
Brainerd is known for its motorsports, with Brainerd International Raceway drawing travelers. It also offers excellent golf at courses like The Classic at Madden's and Cragun's Legacy Courses. This riverside city on the Mississippi River provides a strong North American food culture for travelers to enjoy.
What is a good itinerary length for Brainerd?
A good itinerary length for Brainerd is two to three days to experience highlights like Brainerd International Raceway and one of the golf courses, such as The Classic at Madden's Golf Course or Cragun's Legacy Courses. For a longer trip of four to five days, travelers can enjoy all the attractions and explore the dining options, including North American, Italian, and Asian cuisines.
What are the top things to do in and around Brainerd?
Brainerd offers travelers a mix of motorsports, golf, and family fun:


How do I plan a trip to Brainerd?
To plan your trip to Brainerd, search for places to stay on Expedia and book flights and rental cars ahead of time. You can enjoy experiences like Brainerd International Raceway, The Classic at Madden's Golf Course, and Cragun's Legacy Courses. For outdoor plans, always have indoor alternatives ready for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Brainerd?
In Brainerd you can find Japanese cuisine, with dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, and teriyaki. Travelers also have options for North American favorites, Italian classics, Latin American flavors, and fresh seafood.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Brainerd?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Brainerd by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Brainerd with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Brainerd trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Brainerd?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Brainerd can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Brainerd trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Brainerd trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Brainerd trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Brainerd trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Brainerd?
If it's your first trip to Brainerd, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Brainerd hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Brainerd hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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