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

Writer: Camp Nisswa
Camp Nisswa
Sep 2
8 min read

Updated: Sep 10


Nisswa Lake - Nisswa, MN | Fall
Nisswa Lake - Nisswa, MN | Fall
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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.


The Babinski Foundation Fall Festival - September 12, 2026

  • The Babinski Foundation’s 5th Annual Fall Festival celebrates 10 years of animal rescue on Saturday, September 12, from 9 AM–7 PM in Pequot Lakes. The day includes a 5K, puppy yoga, free pancake breakfast, food trucks, craft and farmers markets, family activities, raffles, contests, a Backyard BBQ Competition, and live music throughout the day. Highlights include a $10,000 raffle, Duck Derby, Fireman Fashion Show, public rib tasting at 4:30 PM, and Russ Parrish and the Lone Oaks performing from 4–7 PM. All proceeds support the care and rescue of stray and abandoned animals.


Copper Creek Fall Festival Days - September 18 - October 31, 2026

  • 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.


Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin' Hot BBQ - September 19, 2026


Paul Bunyan Flapjack Festival - September 19, 2026

  • Downtown Brainerd is serving up fun on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 AM–12 PM! The 6th Annual Flapjack Festival at the Brainerd VFW (309 S 6th St) features a pancake feed, games, and a costume contest.


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:

    • Cuyuna Brewing Co. (Crosby, MN) - Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 19, 2026

    • Snarky Loon (NEW LOCATION Pequot Lakes, MN) - Snarktoberfest on Saturday, September 26, 2026

    • Jack Pine Brewery (Baxter, MN) - Jacktoberfest on Saturday, September 26, 2026

    • Lakes Tavern (Pequot Lakes, MN) - Lakestober Fest on Saturday, October 3, 2026

    • Gull Lake Events Pub Crawl (Gull Lake) - Oktoberfest on October 3, 2026

    • Hacktoberfest Pub Crawl (Hackensack, MN) - Pub Crawl on October 3, 2026

    • Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort (Deerwood, MN) - Oktoberfest on October 16-17, 2026

    • Crosslake First Annual Oktoberfest - Oktoberfest on October 16-17, 2026


Loonfest 2026 - September 26, 2026

  • LOONFEST 2026 returns to the Brainerd Armory on Saturday, September 26, featuring Alien Ant Farm, FLIPP, FUZZRD, Christian Shields, and MVRROW. Doors open at 2 PM for general admission, with the show starting at 3 PM. Tickets range from $40 general admission to premium VIP experiences, including meet-and-greet and side-stage options.


Crosslake Days - September 24-26, 2026

  • Crosslake Days returns September 24–26, 2026, bringing three days of classic Up North fall fun to Crosslake. Highlights include the Lost Chili Pepper Hunt, arts and crafts fairs, Chili Cook-off, live music, cornhole, family activities, the Cider & Candlelight Tour, and Saturday night’s Ace Hardware Street Dance. Saturday is packed with events throughout town, making it one of Crosslake’s biggest fall weekends.


14th Annual Fishing To End Hunger – October 3, 2026

  • The 14th Annual Fishing To End Hunger WalleyeDan Tournament takes place Saturday, October 3, 2026, 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.


Annual Hackensack Chainsaw Event -  September 25 to 27, 2026

  • 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 25 to 27, 2026, 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.


Grand View Lodge’s Ironman Golf Tournament – October 10& 11, 2026

  • Grand View Lodge’s Ironman Golf Tournament returns October 10–11, 2026, with two days of challenging golf beginning at 11 AM each day. Day 1 is played at The Preserve, with Day 2 at The Pines Marsh & Lakes, and participants must play both days. Entry is $180 per person and includes dinner and awards each day, with NET and GROSS divisions plus a Giant Gross Skins Game.


2026 Mount Ski Gull Fall Fundraiser - October 11, 2026

  • Mount Ski Gull’s Fall into Winter Fundraiser returns Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 4–8 PM. The evening includes a catered meal from Sunshine Summerhouse, live music by Ted Feyder, sunset chairlift rides, photos, an online silent auction, and the 7th Annual Pumpkin Race. Proceeds support Mount Ski Gull’s youth ski and snowboard programs, family scholarships, and the future of skiing and riding in the region.


Haunted Trail at the Northland Arboretum - October 15 to 17, 2026

  • The Haunted Trail at the Northland Arboretum runs October 15–17, 2026, 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 15-18, 2026

  • Madden’s MEA Fall Break Weekend, October 15–18, 2026, 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 20-22, 2026

  • 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 2026 - November 27, 2026

  • The Nisswa City of Lights Celebration will be held Friday, November 27, 2026, in Downtown Nisswa. Families can enjoy cozy train rides, 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 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 Fish & Golf Tournament at Grand View Lodge September 26 & 27, 2026


Shop Local for the Holidays

  • As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to support local businesses and discover unique gifts and décor for your loved ones.


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!





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