Gull Lake

Set in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area, Gull Lake is one of Minnesota’s quintessential resort destinations—a place where pine-lined shorelines, sandy beaches and classic lake cabins meet championship golf, waterfront dining and some of the state’s best-known resorts. The greater area connects visitors with Nisswa, Brainerd, Baxter and surrounding lake communities, creating an easy mix of Northwoods relaxation and vacation-town energy.

The Gull Lake resort experience can be as laid-back or activity-filled as you want. Summer days revolve around boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, followed by sunset cruises, lakeside dinners and evenings around the fire. The surrounding Brainerd Lakes region adds miles of hiking and biking trails, shopping in Nisswa and Brainerd, family attractions and numerous golf courses. Gull Lake Recreation Area also provides a public sandy beach, swimming area, boat launch, fishing and hiking opportunities.

Accommodations range from small family-owned cabin resorts and lakefront vacation rentals to full-service destination properties offering golf, spas, restaurants, pools and extensive recreation programs. The broader Brainerd Lakes lodging scene remains particularly well known for multigenerational, family-owned resorts and cabins that preserve Minnesota's traditional lake-vacation atmosphere.

What makes Gull Lake especially appealing is its balance. Visitors can spend the morning fishing, the afternoon on a beach or golf course, head into Nisswa for shopping, and return to the lake for dinner and a Minnesota sunset. Whether the trip is centered around a family vacation, couples getaway, fishing weekend, golf trip or reunion, the Gull Lake resort area captures the timeless appeal of summer at the lake in Minnesota.