"Who's that calling at the milking stool / Up in Brainerd, where the children go to milking school." -- From "Toolmaster of Brainerd" by Trip Shakespeare
Gallons of milk are produced in one of the largest cities in central Minnesota, Brainerd. The town has long been regarded as something of a tourist attraction in a region that is otherwise almost completely devoid of tourism prospects. First incorporated in 1873, the city spent its early days focused on the agriculture and lumber industries. However, as visitors from greater Minnesota began to recognize the area's natural beauty and abundance of lakes, they began arriving in droves in hopes of spending their summer weekends in lakeside cabins. Although it remains primarily a summer cabin town, the friendly nature of residents and the surprising number of cultural attractions makes Brainerd a great place to find condos for rent all year-round.
Brainerd's neighborhoods are somewhat split into tourist residences and year-round locals
"Who's that calling at the milking stool / Up in Brainerd, where the children go to milking school." -- From "Toolmaster of Brainerd" by Trip Shakespeare
Gallons of milk are produced in one of the largest cities in central Minnesota, Brainerd. The town has long been regarded as something of a tourist attraction in a region that is otherwise almost completely devoid of tourism prospects. First incorporated in 1873, the city spent its early days focused on the agriculture and lumber industries. However, as visitors from greater Minnesota began to recognize the area's natural beauty and abundance of lakes, they began arriving in droves in hopes of spending their summer weekends in lakeside cabins. Although it remains primarily a summer cabin town, the friendly nature of residents and the surprising number of cultural attractions makes Brainerd a great place to find condos for rent all year-round.
Brainerd Neighborhoods
Brainerd's neighborhoods are somewhat split into tourist residences and year-round locals. Whether you're in town just a few months each year or are planning on moving to Brainerd on a permanent basis, you should have no problem finding an apartment for rent that meets all your needs.
Merrifield: Merrifield is an unincorporated neighborhood located just to the north of Brainerd's downtown area. Found right between Crystal Lake and North Long Lake, Merrifield is the perfect place for anyone looking for a slower-paced lifestyle. It is far quieter than the rest of Brainerd, which, while still small town in its general approach, is busier than your average central Minnesota community.
Buffalo Hills: The area between Buffalo Hills Park and Buffalo Lake is generally referred to as Buffalo Hills. This neighborhood is also home to the lovely Little Buffalo Creek, which connects to the Mississippi River.
Downtown Brainerd: Quaint and charming, Brainerd's historic downtown district is where all the action takes place. There, you'll find the Brainerd Public Library, in addition to Adamson Field and Gregory Park. Dining options are similarly abundant here, with locals constantly praising the pies at Barn and the delicious pizza at Giovanni's.
Rice Lake: Much of Brainerd's impressive scenery is located in its northeastern corner, along the vast Rice Lake. This area is also home to several of the city's finest recreational areas, including Memorial Park, Lum Park and Mill Park. Whether the winter winds are raging or the summer mosquitoes are buzzing, it's worth emerging from comfy property rentals and taking on the occasionally bothersome Minnesota weather conditions to witness the beauty of the Rice Lake neighborhood.
Choosing Brainerd
Self-described trendy hipster Minnesotans are generally reluctant to live in the central region of the state. After all, Brainerd is a little over a two hour drive from the Twin Cities. But the great thing about Brainerd is that, with so much to do and see, there really is no reason to go on a Twin Cities trek. This city offers many of the same conveniences you'd find in the metro area, along with the feel of small town Minnesota.
Brainerd is a wonderful place to live, in part because it offers some of the best scenery in all of Minnesota. Many of the furnished apartments in Brainerd are located right on the edge of central Minnesota's finest lakes, including Boone Lake and Rice Lake. The Mississippi River also cuts through the center of Brainerd, offering yet another opportunity for excellent water-based scenery.
Water Recreation: Brainerd's Greatest Strength
If you live in or near Brainerd, you're basically required to spend all of your time out on the lake. Whether you enjoy fishing, swimming or simply lounging at the beach, you can pursue your favorite form of water-based outdoor recreation in Brainerd. Unfortunately, the lakes and the Mighty Mississippi freeze over during the winter months, but this is no reason to hide out in your rental apartment. True Minnesotans are willing to emerge from the indoors, bundled in heavy coats, hats, mittens and boots. They venture onto the frozen lake, equipped with beer for ice fishing sessions. Other outdoor winter recreation options include ice skating and pond hockey, both incredibly popular in the Brainerd area.
