Spread the love!

Nisswa, Minnesota: Where Fun Never Takes a Break! Check out the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

Plenty of small towns have a festival, and Nisswa has the turtle races. Not once a year either, but every single Wednesday right through the summer. That one has been running out here for well over 50 years now. The town has gone and named its bookshop and its pie after those turtles. That is a level of commitment that nobody else on this list can match.

If you want a small-town getaway, Nisswa, Minnesota is where to go. This town is known for its lakes, its outdoor days and the things you cannot do anywhere else. Whether you travel alone, with friends or with family, Nisswa serves everybody.

One of the strongest things about Nisswa is how small it stays. You’ll find people who talk to you, small shops and places worth eating in. But do not let the size fool you, because Nisswa runs plenty of attractions and outdoor days. From hiking and fishing to ziplining and turtle racing, the list does not run short.

So pack the bags and take Nisswa, Minnesota properly. In this article, we’ll work through the attractions, the eating and drinking, the shopping and a good deal more. Whether this is your first visit or your tenth, something here will be new to you in Nisswa.

Key Takeaways

• Nisswa, Minnesota is a charming small town with plenty of must-visit attractions and fun outdoor activities.
• You’ll find unique dining and drinking spots, sweet treats and unique eats, and indulgent experiences in Nisswa.
• Don’t miss out on the local festivities and events, and be sure to meet the friendly locals during your stay.

The Charm of Nisswa, Minnesota

You’ve heard of small towns, but have you heard of Nisswa, Minnesota? This town in northern central Minnesota is where to go if you want somewhere that treats a visitor like a neighbor.

Nisswa is proud of its heritage, and you see that in how the historic buildings and landmarks have been kept. Take a walk down Main Street and the century shifts under you. But do not worry, because the modern comforts are all still here.

One of the things that makes Nisswa work is where it sits. The town is in the middle of the Brainerd Lakes area, which means the outdoor options never run short. Whether fishing, hiking or an afternoon on the beach is what you want, Nisswa can supply it.

But it is not only the country around Nisswa that gets you. The town also runs a real arts and culture scene. From the annual Turtle Races to the Nisswa-stämman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival, something is always on in Nisswa.

And let’s not forget the food. Nisswa holds some of the strongest restaurants in the area, running from classic American cooking to food from much further off. And you cannot leave Nisswa without a slice of the Nisswa Turtle Pie.

In short, Nisswa, Minnesota is a small town that carries a great deal. Whether you came to slow down or to get out and move, this northern central Minnesota town has it.

Must-Visit Attractions

If you want things to do in Nisswa, Minnesota, you have landed in the right place. Nisswa runs a long list of attractions you should not skip. Here are the ones to put on the itinerary:

Paul Bunyan Trail

You cannot visit Nisswa without a run on the Paul Bunyan Trail. This 120-mile trail takes biking, hiking and snowmobiling alike. The trail runs from Brainerd to Bemidji, and it is the fastest way to see the country around Nisswa.

Mount Ski Gull

If skiing or snowboarding is your subject, you have to take Mount Ski Gull. This resort runs some of the strongest slopes in the area, and it works for beginners and experts alike. You’ll get the long views on the way up and the speed on the way down.

Nisswa City Park

Nisswa City Park is where you go to sit down and look at the country around Nisswa. The park runs picnic areas, playgrounds and walking paths. You can also get into the Nisswa Lake or take a game of frisbee golf.

Main Street

Main Street is the center of downtown Nisswa, and it is where the shopping, the eating and the people-watching happen. You’ll find independent shops, restaurants and cafes along it. Don’t skip the Turtle Races that run every Wednesday through the summer months.

Cragun’s Resort

Cragun’s Resort is where to stay if you want the days looked after for you. The resort runs golf courses, fishing and water sports between them. You’ll also get the long view over Gull Lake and the Loon Golf Course.

Zorbaz

Zorbaz is the local favorite, and the reason is easy to see. This restaurant turns out some of the strongest pizza and Mexican food in town. You’ll like the easy room and the water outside it.

Big Axe

If you want an evening out, head to Big Axe. This bar runs craft beers, live music and a room that carries the noise. You’ll like the staff and the way the night moves.

Chamber of Commerce

If Nisswa is new to you, make the Chamber of Commerce your first stop. They carry maps, brochures and recommendations for whatever you are after.

Nisswa runs a long list of attractions nobody should skip. Whether you came for the outdoors or for a slow few days, Nisswa serves both. So pack the bags and head there for a week worth remembering.

Fun Outdoor Activities

Ah, the outdoors. Nisswa, Minnesota rewards anybody who came for the country, and the list of outdoor days never runs short. Whether you do this often or simply want a good afternoon, Nisswa serves everybody.

First, let’s talk about the lakes. Nisswa sits among some of the strongest lakes in Minnesota, including Lake Gull and Gull Lake. If fishing is your subject, you have landed well. These lakes hold plenty, and you can lose hours casting and pulling them in. And if you come in the winter, do not miss the annual ice fishing tournament.

For the children, there is plenty outdoors to hold them. Take them tubing on the lake or rent a pontoon for a slow cruise. And if you come in the summer, check out the Meat Raffle, a Nisswa tradition the children find genuinely funny.

If you want something more demanding, take the trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. And if you come in the warmer months, the cycling routes around here run through the strongest country Nisswa has.

Of course, no visit to Nisswa is complete without the ski area. Whether you have skied for years or never at all, there is a slope for you. And if skiing is not your thing, do not worry, because the boating, the swimming and the picnicking in the parks are all still here.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and take what Nisswa has around it.

Where to Dine and Drink

You cannot visit Nisswa without eating and drinking properly. From classic American comfort food to craft beer, everybody is served. Here are the strongest places to work through:

Ganley’s Restaurant

If classic diner food is what you want, Ganley’s Restaurant is where to go. This family-owned place has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1971. You cannot go wrong with the pancakes or the burgers, and the homemade pies are the reason people come back.

Main Street Ale House

For something more formal, head to Main Street Ale House. This gastropub keeps a strong craft beer list and food that matches it. Try the truffle fries or the mac and cheese bites for a turn on standard pub food. And if you want to spend properly, order the lobster risotto.

Big Axe Brewing

If beer is your subject, you cannot miss Big Axe Brewing. This microbrewery runs a small taproom where you can work through their rotating list. They also keep a food truck on site doing sandwiches and snacks. Plus the outdoor patio is where a sunny afternoon goes.

Ye Old Pickle Factory

For an evening you will describe afterwards, check out Ye Old Pickle Factory. This restaurant sits in a historic pickle factory and does classic American cooking with a turn on it. Try the pickle soup or the mac and cheese topped with bacon and pickles. And wash it down with one of their pickle cocktails.

No matter where you eat and drink in Nisswa, the evening will stay with you. Just bring the appetite with you.

Sweet Treats and Unique Eats

You may think Nisswa is only a small town in Minnesota, but the eating here is among the strongest in the state. From the sweet end to the savory, everybody who cares about food is served.

First, let’s talk about chocolate. If you have a sweet tooth, you have to check out the Chocolate Ox. This shop works entirely in chocolate and carries a long run of it. Try their hot chocolate or take one of the chocolate-covered strawberries.

But if candy is more your subject, do not worry. Nisswa has that covered too. Stop at one of the local candy shops and stock up on whatever you grew up on. From gummies to chocolates, everybody finds theirs.

Now, the cheese curds. If you have never had them, you have a gap in your education. These fried bites are a Minnesota staple and most local restaurants carry them. But if you want something further along, check out one of the local shops selling flavored cheese curds. Trust us on that one.

If you want something lighter, Nisswa has that as well. Check out one of the local shops selling oils and vinegars. You can taste your way across the range and take home the one that suits your own kitchen.

And finally, the full meals. Nisswa runs restaurants that will feed you seriously. But if you want something quieter, check out one of the local bakeries. They turn out everything from savory scones to sweet pastries.

In conclusion, Nisswa may be small, but the flavors here are not. Whether sweet or savory is what you want, something here will get you. So go ahead and order more than you planned. You have earned it.

Main Street holds the shops, the food and the turtle track all together. The lakes are all around it and the resorts sit right on them. Mount Ski Gull and the Paul Bunyan Trail are the two needing a car. The City Park is a short walk from the middle of the town. Park once in the downtown and the rest of it sorts itself out.

Indulgent Experiences

Looking for somewhere to be looked after in Nisswa? Look at the spas and resorts around here. Treat yourself to a day of doing nothing at one of these.

Glacial Waters Spa

At Glacial Waters Spa, the list of treatments runs longer than a single visit covers. From massages to facials to body treatments, this spa does the lot. You’ll like the quiet and the staff, who make sure you leave better than you arrived.

Grand View Lodge

For the full version, head to Grand View Lodge. This resort runs a spa, a golf course and serious dining on one site. Treat yourself to a massage or facial at the Glacial Waters Spa, then eat properly at one of the restaurants there. And if you have the energy, take a round on the championship course.

Spa Day

If you want a day given entirely to doing nothing, book a spa day at one of the places around here. You’ll get massages, facials and body wraps between them, all aimed at slowing you down. And with this many to pick from, one of them will suit you.

So go ahead and take a day for yourself in Nisswa. You have earned it.

Shopping Spots and Gift Shops

You cannot leave Nisswa without working through the shops and gift stores. Whether you want a souvenir, a gift for somebody or simply something for yourself, Nisswa can supply it.

First, we have CoCo & Co. This gift shop is the one to take if you want something odd and cheerful. They carry a long run of gifts, from handmade jewelry to greeting cards that actually land. You’ll find something here that makes you laugh out loud.

If you want something more upscale, head over to The Woods. This boutique keeps a strong run of clothing, accessories and home decor. You might even see somebody famous shopping there, so try to keep it together.

Another strong stop for gifts is Turtle Town Books & Gifts. This store carries books, toys and souvenirs between them. It’s where you find the gift for a child or for somebody who reads.

And of course there is the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce Gift Shop. This is where you pick up the Nisswa-themed souvenirs, from t-shirts to hats to mugs. You can also get the details on local events and attractions there.

Overall, Nisswa runs a strong spread of shops and gift stores. Whether you want something funny, something upscale or simply something Nisswa-themed, it is here.

Accommodation Options

When it comes to somewhere to sleep in Nisswa, you will not go short. From small cabins to modern resorts, every preference is covered. Here are the strongest options for your stay:

Breezy Point Resort

If you want a stay that fills itself, Breezy Point Resort is the pick. With golfing, fishing and boating on site, the days sort themselves out. The resort also runs a spa, an indoor pool and restaurants, so nobody has to leave to eat.

Modern Lodging

If modern accommodation is what you want, Nisswa has plenty. There are lodges and resorts running contemporary rooms with everything you need in them. Check out the Grand View Lodge or the Lost Lake Lodge for the strongest of them.

Cozy Cabins

For something more rustic, renting a cabin in Nisswa is the answer. There are rental companies running small, warm cabins that suit a couple or a family equally. Some of the strongest options include the Nisswa Cabins or the Good Ol’ Days Resort.

Stay at a Resort

If you want everything Nisswa has without much driving, a resort is the way. Many of them run access to the area’s strongest attractions, including Mount Ski Gull and the Nisswa City Park. Some of the ones to look at include the Quarterdeck Resort or the Cragun’s Resort and Hotel.

No matter what you prefer, Nisswa has somewhere that will fit. From full resorts to small cabins, you will find the right place to sleep on this trip.

Festivities and Events

Nisswa is not only a place for the outdoors, because the events here are half the reason people come. Here are the ones to look out for:

Turtle Races

Yes, you read that right, turtle races. Every Wednesday through the summer months, you can watch the turtle races at the Nisswa Turtle Track. It’s an hour you will not get anywhere else, and the whole family takes to it. Who knows, you might see the legendary Turbo Turtle run.

Weekend Getaway

If you want a weekend away, Nisswa is built for it. With its quiet lakes, its heavy forest and its walkable downtown, you will come home in better shape than you left. There are also resorts and lodges running golfing, fishing and spa treatments.

Snowmobiling

Winter in Nisswa is not only about the cold, because the season has its own list. If snowmobiling is your subject, you have landed well. The Paul Bunyan Trail, the longest continuously paved trail in the country, takes snowmobiles properly. You can also work the forests and lakes around it while the winter does its thing.

November Festivities

November is the month Nisswa starts getting ready. It’s when the town turns toward the festive season with one thing after another. You can watch the town Christmas lights go on, take the annual tree lighting ceremony, and meet Santa Claus himself. It’s the kind of month that puts you in the mood early.

Stonehouse Coffee & Roastery

If coffee is your subject, do not skip the Stonehouse Coffee & Roastery. They pour a long run of blends, all roasted in-house daily. Their coffee is seriously good, exactly as the slogan claims. You can also eat there and sit in a room built for staying in. It’s where you refuel before the next thing in Nisswa.

Meet the Locals

Ah, the locals of Nisswa, Minnesota. They’re an easy crowd, and visitors get treated as such. You’ll find them at the bars, talking about the last fishing trip or the next town festival. So why not get among them and find out what they know?

First, we have the walleye people. These are the ones who know where the fish are and why. They’ll tell you about the biggest one they ever took and how you might take your own. Just do not ask where their spot is, because that stays with them.

Next, we have the northern pike people. These are the ones who came for the fight rather than the fish. They’ll tell you about the monster they landed and how close it came to costing an arm. But they will also tell you how to take one without the drama.

And finally, the people at the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce. They’re the ones keeping this town running and looking after whoever turns up. They’ll tell you where to eat, drink and shop before you have finished asking. And with some luck, you leave with a free Nisswa bumper sticker.

So whether fishing is your subject or you simply want company, meet the locals of Nisswa. They’re easy to talk to and glad to show you what the town is.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with the turtle races in Nisswa?

Ah, the turtle races. If you have never watched these animals compete, you have something coming. Every Wednesday through the summer months, head to the Nisswa Turtle Track for the racing. The rules are simple: pick a turtle, shout for it and hope it reaches the line first. It’s a tradition running over 50 years, and it earns the hour.

Can you recommend any tasty restaurants in Nisswa?

Absolutely. If classic American cooking is what you want, head to the Iron Waffle Coffee Company for the breakfast. If you want something more formal, you cannot go wrong with the Prairie Bay Grill and Catering. And if pizza is the plan, you have to try the pies at Rafferty’s Pizza. Trust us on that.

Where’s the best place to stay in Nisswa?

There are plenty of strong options in Nisswa, but if you want something out of the ordinary, check out the Good Ol’ Days Resort. With its setting, its small cabins and the amenities on site, it is where a week goes quietly. Plus they hand out free bikes, so the town is yours on two wheels.

What are some fun events happening in Nisswa?

Nisswa likes to celebrate, so something will be running whenever you arrive. If you are here in February, do not miss the Nisswa Winter Jubilee, which runs ice fishing, snow sculptures and a frozen turkey bowling competition. And if you are here in August, take the Nisswa-Stämman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival, which marks the town’s Scandinavian heritage with music, dancing and food.

What’s the distance between Brainerd and Nisswa?

Not far at all. In fact, Nisswa sits a 15-minute drive north of Brainerd. So if you are staying in Brainerd and want a day out, Nisswa is where to go.

Frequently asked questions about Nisswa, Minnesota

How long is the Paul Bunyan Trail out of Nisswa?

Some 120 miles of it in all. It runs from Brainerd all the way up to Bemidji, paved the whole distance, which means bikes in summer and snowmobiles once the weather turns. You do not have to take the whole of it in one go. The flat surface is what makes it work for everybody. Pick a stretch and turn back when the legs tell you to.

How hard is Mount Ski Gull for a complete beginner?

Not very, as it turns out. The resort runs slopes for beginners as well as for experts, so a first-timer and somebody who has skied for years can share the same day without either being bored. The cross-country trails around here are the gentler option again instead. Snowshoeing asks even less of you than either one of those. Pick by how much of the day you want spent standing up.

Is the Nisswa City Park an easy walk from downtown?

Yes, it genuinely is so. The park runs picnic areas, playgrounds and walking paths on flat ground, and the Nisswa Lake sits right there if anybody wants to get into the water. The frisbee golf is the other thing running out there as well. Nothing about the place asks very much at all of the legs. That is what makes it the default whenever the weather holds up here.

Spread the love!