top of page
Search

30 Fall Things To Do In Nisswa & The Brainerd Lakes Area | Minnesota

  • Writer: Camp Nisswa
    Camp Nisswa
  • Sep 1
  • 9 min read

Updated: Oct 15


Nisswa Lake - Nisswa, MN | Fall
Nisswa Lake - Nisswa, MN | Fall
Camp Nisswa Weekly Bulletin Board sign-up ad for Nisswa Lakes Area events and updates.

A Guide to Enjoying the Fall Season in Nisswa Lakes Area


As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there's a magical transformation happening in Nisswa, Minnesota and the surrounding lakes area. The leaves are trading their summer green for a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, and it's the perfect time to get outdoors and immerse yourself in the beauty of fall. To help you make the most of this season, we've put together a list of exciting fall activities and events in the Nisswa Lakes Area.


Copper Creek Fall Festival Days - September 19 - October 26, 2025

  • Join in the family fun at Copper Creek with activities like a Hay Bale Maze, Corn Pit Sandbox, Kids Activities, Face Painting, Pumpkin Carving, and more. Explore fall-themed classes and shop for seasonal goodies while enjoying the autumn ambiance.


Loonfest 2025 - September 19-20, 2025

  • Loonfest 2025 takes over Stewart C. Mills Field in Brainerd on September 19–20 with two nights of live music. Friday is country night featuring LANCO and Chase Bryant with special guests Eddie and The Getaway and If Nothing Else. Saturday shifts to rock with Saliva and Drowning Pool joined by Earshot, Make Fire, and Bullets & Butterflies. Ticket options include GA, VIP, 2-day VIP, and Platinum VIP passes with perks like front-stage access, VIP bars, and free beverages. 


Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin' Hot BBQ - September 20, 2025

  • The Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin’ Hot BBQ Challenge 2025 takes place on Saturday, September 20, celebrating its 50th annual festival and the 20th year of the BBQ competition. The day kicks off with a community breakfast hosted by A&W for the Nisswa Fire Department, followed by a full lineup of family activities, including a Fall Artisan & Crafters Market, KidZone, live music, and tournaments. The aroma of smoked ribs fills downtown Nisswa as BBQ teams compete for cash prizes, with the public getting the chance to sample the entries after judging. Festival-goers can also enjoy fun competitions like the pie-eating contest, cornhole, and bocce ball, along with a medallion hunt for prizes. Live music runs throughout the day, highlighted by an evening concert from Wyld Ryce. With VIP tickets, guaranteed BBQ tastings, and major sponsors backing the event, this long-standing Nisswa tradition promises a full day of food, music, and community fun.


Paul Bunyan Flapjack Festival & Touch-a-Truck - September 20, 2025

  • Downtown Brainerd is serving up fun on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 AM–12 PM! The 5th Annual Flapjack Festival at the Brainerd VFW (309 S 6th St) features a pancake feed, games, and a costume contest—all benefiting the Historic Water Tower restoration. Just down the block at 7th & Laurel, families can explore fire trucks, garbage trucks, and more at the free Touch-a-Truck event. Bring the kids, wear your flannel, and enjoy a perfect fall outing in Brainerd!


Craft Beer and Oktoberfests

  • Fall and beer go hand in hand, and the Nisswa Lakes Area has its fair share of Oktoberfest events. Check out these Oktoberfests and mark your calendars for their fall festivities:


Crosslake Days - September 25-27, 2025

  • Crosslake Days, happening September 25–27, 2025, is a signature fall festival set against northern Minnesota’s brilliant autumn colors. The three-day event features favorites like the chili cook-off, craft fairs, the Search for the Lost Chili Pepper, and the Cider & Candlelight Tour. Each day is filled with activities—Thursday kicks off with trivia and a spaghetti dinner, Friday brings live music and haunted mini golf, and Saturday showcases artisan markets, family fun, contests, and a lively street dance. It’s a weekend packed with local tradition, entertainment, and community spirit.


Annual Hackensack Chainsaw Event -  September 26 to 28, 2025

  • Every September, Hackensack, Minnesota, hosts the annual Chainsaw Event, where chainsaw artists from across the nation gather to transform raw logs into stunning works of art. From September 26 to 28, 2025, the town will resonate with the sound of chainsaws and the vibrant energy of creativity, as artists carve mesmerizing sculptures before an awe-inspired audience.


2025 Mount Ski Gull Fall Fundraiser - October 02, 2025

  • Mount Ski Gull’s 2025 Fall Fundraiser, Pumpkins & Premieres, takes place Thursday, October 2 from 5–9 PM. Guests will enjoy a catered dinner from Sunshine’s Summerhouse, sunset chairlift rides, and professional photos from Chelsie Elizabeth Photography. The evening features the premiere of the ski film Stomping Grounds, plus the 6th Annual Red Carpet Pumpkin Race with multiple race divisions and prizes. Proceeds from the event and silent auction will support youth ski and snowboard programs, scholarships, and the future of skiing in the region.


13th Annual Fishing To End Hunger – October 4, 2025

  • The 13th Annual Fishing To End Hunger WalleyeDan Tournament takes place Saturday, October 4, 2025, on Gull Lake, with 240 anglers competing for a $16,000 grand prize. Hosted at Bar Harbor Supper Club, the event includes weigh-ins, raffles, and fun for the public. Proceeds benefit The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes, which provides meals to families in need locally and for disaster relief. This year, a $20,000 fundraising match from National Conductor will double donations, helping provide more than 114,000 meals.


The Babinski Foundation Fall Festival - October 04, 2025

  • The Babinski Foundation Fall Festival returns Saturday, October 4, 2025, with activities from 9 AM to 7 PM. The day starts with a 5K run and yoga with shelter pups, followed by all-day fun like food trucks, live music, carnival games, hayrides, and a flea market. Guests can also enjoy free kid-friendly activities, the Haunted Shed, contests, and Roundhouse Brewery’s adult area. Proceeds benefit the Babinski Foundation’s mission to rescue and care for stray and abandoned animals.


Italian Gardens Wine Dinner at Grand View Lodge – October 10, 2025

  • Grand View Lodge hosts a special Italian Gardens Wine Dinner on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6–9 PM in Nisswa. Presented by Alfonso Aiello of Wine Merchants, the evening features a family-style dinner paired with curated wines. Courses include crostini and bruschetta starters, Tuscan scallops, kale and fruit salad, pumpkin ravioli, truffle risotto, and herb-crusted veal, finishing with a classic Tuscan chestnut dessert. Tickets are $100 per person, with reservations required.


Haunted Trail at the Northland Arboretum - October 16-18, 2025

  • The Haunted Trail at the Northland Arboretum runs October 16–18, 2025, from 7–9 PM. This major fundraiser features three frightening experiences—Low Scare, High Scare, and the extreme Insane High Scare—plus the brand-new Super Spooky Maze. One ticket covers all trails, with Fast Passes available for shorter waits and new group ticket packs for discounted late entry. Guests can also enjoy concessions, kids’ games, and prizes, with all proceeds supporting the Arboretum’s mission in the community.


Madden’s MEA Fall Break Weekend - October 16-19, 2025

  • Madden’s MEA Fall Break Weekend, October 16–19, 2025, is designed for family fun with kids (ages 12 & under) staying, eating, and playing free. The package includes daily breakfast and dinner, golf on select courses, recreation at the Tennis & Croquet Club, and non-motorized watercraft at the marina. Families can enjoy Halloween trick-or-treating, a costume contest, Adventure Cove day camp, bonfires, cruises, movies, bingo, and more.


Grand Brewfest Weekend - November 21-23, 2025

  • Don't miss the Grand Brewfest Weekend at Grand View Lodge in November. This event celebrates Minnesota's craft beer scene with a beer run/walk, brewery mastermind meetings, and a Grand Tasting featuring a wide range of MN brews.


Nisswa City of Lights Celebration 2025 - November 28, 2025

  • The Nisswa City of Lights Celebration will be held Friday, November 28, 2025, in Downtown Nisswa. Families can enjoy cozy train rides, live reindeer, Polar Express storytelling, food vendors, bonfires, cider, mini donuts, and holiday carolers throughout the afternoon. Santa will be on hand to hear children’s wishes before the evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display. This long-standing tradition lights up downtown with dazzling holiday displays, kicking off the festive season in true Nisswa style.


Public Gull Lake Cruises at Cragun’s Resort

  • Gull Lake Cruises at Cragun’s Resort offers scenic outings aboard the North Star yacht, from brunch and lunch to themed dinner cruises. Favorites include the BBQ Dinner Cruise with ribs and chicken, the Taco & Tequila Cruise with margaritas, the Lakeside Lunch Cruise with fresh sandwiches, and the Brunch Cruise featuring breakfast favorites plus two mimosas. Each cruise pairs delicious food with panoramic lake views and full bar service. Kids 4 and under ride free, making it a family-friendly experience.


Catch a Farmers Market Before It’s Too Late

  • Farmers markets across the Nisswa and Brainerd Lakes Area run through September and October, offering fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more. Weekly markets pop up in Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Crosby, Deerwood, and Pine River, each with its own schedule of days and times. From Tuesday mornings in Brainerd to Thursday gatherings in Nisswa and Friday afternoons in Pine River, you’ll find something special nearly every day of the week. Grab your market bag and enjoy one of the best traditions of fall while supporting local growers and makers.


Guided Nature Hikes at Northland Arboretum

  • Connect with nature by joining a guided nature hike at the Northland Arboretum in Baxter, MN. Some events may require an RSVP and may have a fee. Additionally, don't miss other fall events like the Scarecrow Contest, Haunted Trail, and Trunk or Treat.


Haunted Hidden Hollows at Paul Bunyan Land

  • Get into the spooky spirit by visiting Haunted Hidden Hollows at Paul Bunyan Land. It's an immersive Halloween experience that promises chills and thrills.


Explore the Paul Bunyan Trail

  • Fall is the perfect time to take a leisurely walk, hike, or bike ride along the Paul Bunyan Trail. As the leaves change color, the trail offers a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures. If you need a bike rental, Up North Bike Rentals in Nisswa has you covered with a variety of bicycle options, including e-bikes and bike trailers for kids.


Fall Fishing in the Lakes Area

  • While the weather may be cooling down, the fishing in the lakes area is heating up during the fall season. It's your chance to enjoy some quality time on the water and make the most of the last few weeks of fishing before winter sets in. Stop by Sportland Outdoor Outfitters in Nisswa to gear up with bait and tackle for your autumn fishing excursions.


Fall Football and Pizza Nights


Explore Fritz Loven Park

  • Take a leisurely walk around Fritz Loven Park in Lake Shore, MN, and appreciate the serene nature trails adorned with the stunning fall colors.


Pine River, MN, Dam Riffle

  • Visit Pine River, MN, to admire the views around the Dam Riffle. After your visit to the Pine River Riffle Dam, head down the street to GuidePoint Pharmacy for a delightful treat and a chance to experience their charming old-time soda fountain!


Fall Flannels, Brews, and Axe-Throwing

  • Embrace the season by wearing your favorite fall flannels and trying your hand at axe-throwing at the Wreck Room at Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa, MN.


Fall Golfing in the Lakes Area

  • For golf enthusiasts, fall offers the perfect weather for hitting the links. Explore the amazing golf courses in the Lakes Area and enjoy a round of golf surrounded by the beauty of autumn. Be sure to check out GOLFTOBERFEST at Grand View Lodge October 3-5, 2025


Shop Local for the Holidays


Live Music!


Visit 5Rocks Distilling Co. For Unique Crafted Cocktails

  • Make a stop at 5Rocks Distilling Co. in Brainerd, MN, to try their small-batch vodka, gin, whiskey, and unique cocktails.


Explore Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park

  • Climb the Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the fall foliage from above the treeline. Capture stunning photos of the vibrant leaves as they change color. Additionally, take a hike around the park's 3,000 feet of walking trails to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.


Explore Fall Colors on Foot, Bike, or Horseback at Pillsbury State Forest

  • Discover the vibrant fall colors of the Nisswa Lakes Area with a hike through the scenic Pillsbury State Forest. The forest offers trails perfect for hiking, off-road cycling, and horseback riding, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Minnesota's autumn beauty. View Map



Fall is a time of vibrant colors, exciting events, and cozy gatherings. With this guide, you're ready to make the most of the fall season in the Nisswa Lakes Area. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or a fan of seasonal festivities, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque corner of Minnesota. Get out there and savor the beauty and fun that autumn brings to the Northwoods!





bottom of page