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A red barn stands amidst a snowy landscape, surrounded by evergreen trees. A row of harvested corn stalks is lined up in front of the barn, casting shadows on the snow under a clear blue sky.

Winter Activities

Home >> Explore >> Play Outdoors >> Winter

Bunyan Wunderland 

Q:  What’s more Minnesotan than the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway? 
A:  The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway covered in snow! 

Bunyan Country is the perfect winter playground. If you love snowsports or just enjoy the brisk winter air, you belong here just as Paul did. 

A snowy landscape with people on snowmobiles. A group is standing near a red barrier fence. In the background, there are trees and a cloudy sky. The scene suggests a gathering or event on the snow-covered ground.
A person wearing a dark winter jacket and gloves is sitting on snow while holding a fishing rod. The reel appears metallic, and the person is focused on their fishing activity.

Ice Fishing

The Whitefish Chain offers spectacular ice fishing opportunities. With 14 interconnected lakes, anglers enjoy the chain year round. 

Native Species

  • Lake whitefish
  • Walleye
  • Large/smallmouth bass
  • Black crappie
  • Bluegill
  • Lake trout
  • Sunfish 
  • Northern pike
  • More!
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Ice Safety

Remember to check ice conditions and use caution when heading out on the ice. 

Check out these MN DNR resources: 

A person wearing winter gear and goggles rides a snowmobile on a snowy landscape. The snowmobile kicks up a spray of snow while trees stand in the background against a cloudy sky.

Snowmobiling

The Brainerd Lakes Area is home to 1,200 miles of snowmobiling trails. Trail numbers 114, 115, 119, and 120 travel in and around the Byway region. Area Chambers have printed trail maps, or download them from the MN DNR’s web site.

For tips and trail recs, connect with our local snowmobile club Ideal Sno Pros.

About The Club

Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and enjoy indoor and outdoor rinks!

A hockey player in a white jersey skates towards the puck on an ice rink, closely followed by two players in red jerseys. Advertisements are visible along the rink's barrier.

Breezy Point Ice Arena

Hockey and ice skating camps, team practices, leagues, and tournaments. Pro Shop. Open skating.

1.5 miles west of Breezy Point Resort on Cty Rd 11

7370 Cty Rd 11, Breezy Point

(218) 562-5678

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Outdoor Rinks

Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Play in the fluff on miles of XC ski and snowshoe trails.

Breezy Point X-Country Ski & Walking Trails

More Info

The ski trail can be accessed from Winter Trail off Ranchette Drive. Users can park on the roadside, or in the Ice Arena lot and walk over to the trail. Maps of the trail are available from the city clerk. 

During other seasons, the Breezy Point Trail is used as a pleasant woods walk. The trail is available to the public at no charge. On your next Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway drive along CSAH #11, turn on Ranchette Drive and make a point to visit the Breezy Point Cross Country Ski Trail.

Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area trails

Located off of CSAH 16, 4 miles west of Crosslake.

More Info

One of the most popular spots in the area, Uppgaard WMA offers skiers the choice of a short loop around one pond or a longer loop around two ponds.

Landscaped to attract various kinds of wildlife, the area serves as a demonstration site for the concepts outlined in Carroll Henderson’s well-known book, Landscaping for Wildlife. Highlights include wildlife viewing areas, wide snow-covered paths and a gazebo resting area.

Crosslake Community Center – Winter Amenities

More Info

Enjoy winter fun in Crosslake! Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice-skating.

View Details

Maps

Breezy Point Resort – Traditional Golf Course trails

Off of CSAH 11 & CSAH 4 in Breezy Point

Website Sponsors

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Dedicated to Service

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Deep Creative. Powerful Strategy.

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Invest in Today for a Better Tomorrow


Rod Nelson

Logo of Pequot Lakes Area Historical Society featuring a drawing of the Cole Memorial Building and Museum, constructed in 1937, near the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. The text reads, "Remember the past, enrich the future..." Address: P.O. Box 493, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472-0493.
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Logo for Millner Estate Planning featuring the company's name in bold, dark blue lettering. Above the text, several stylized, downward-slanting blue lines suggest motion or progress, akin to the winding paths of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.

Association Partners

Logo of Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce featuring a stylized blue bull head above the text
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