Best of the Midwest Newsletters
The best contests, places, and stories from the Midwest — delivered to your inbox.
Sign up for newsletters
Your guide to
Brainerd
Explore the best places to eat, stay, and play.
View current and past contests to nominate, vote, and discover local favorites.
The Brainerd Lakes Area's top places to eat, stay, and play.
Stories from communities across Minnesota and the upper Midwest.
·
4d ago
In Vining, the Nyberg Sculpture Park welcomes visitors with whimsical statues of dancing cutlery, a playful elephant, curious alien and many more.
·
6d ago
When locals are looking for a balanced and delicious meal, they know The Blue Moose is a spot they can count on.
·
Jul 13
From hunting and fishing gear to yard and garden supplies, these are the sporting goods stores locals love in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
·
Jul 10
While much of Park Rapids scales back or shuts down in the off-season, Red Barn is open the same hours all year long.
ADVERTISEMENT
·
Jul 6
Stay for one night and you'll see why Pier B was voted the top lodging in Duluth.
·
Jul 3
These Minnesota Lakes Country coffee shops offer handcrafted lattes, unique flavors and welcoming atmospheres.
·
Jul 1
Ribs that fall off the bone. Brisket so juicy it doesn't even need sauce. Sauce so delicious that you want it anyway. These Upper Midwest BBQ joints have it all.
·
Jun 26
Itasca State Park is among the most iconic places in Minnesota. Home to the headwaters of the Mississippi, this national landmark is the perfect place for a day away.
ADVERTISEMENT
This calendar of events is continually being updated as communities across the heartland prepare to celebrate.
·
Jun 24
D. Mike's Resort Bar & Grill won 10 categories in Alexandria's 2025 Best of the Best contest. It's easy to see why.
·
Jun 22
From multi-day celebrations to traditional fireworks displays without any added fanfare, these are some of the Upper Midwest's best places to be on the Fourth of July.
·
Jun 19
Whether you're visiting to celebrate the United States' birthday or to cross a major sightseeing stop off your bucket list, you don't want to miss these destinations near Mount Rushmore.
ADVERTISEMENT
·
Jun 17
Burgers are one of the quintessential American dishes. These Midwest restaurants are serving up perfect patties loaded with toppings or completely bare — whatever you prefer!
·
Jun 15
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the type of place you could spend all day exploring. This guide will help you make the most of your time, even if you only have a few hours.
·
Jun 12
When Olivia and Mason Pack opened the Forbidden Love bookstore last month, they weren't sure how it would go over. Then they saw the line of people waiting for the shop to open on April 25.
·
Jun 10
From a curated collection of rare and vintage clothes to retro home decor and furniture, Kismet is worth the drive, whether it's across town or across the state.
ADVERTISEMENT