Brainerd, MN Outdoor Activities

At a certain point, the Rum River's slow, meandering current bends around a corner on its journey south, almost stopping entirely to soak in the view of Stones Throw Golf Course. In addition to the two holes directly on the Rum River, the course features O'Neill Brook, which babbles into play on six holes, and ponds that await on four more holes. The omnipresent water hazards, along with tight tree lines that form fairway chutes through dense forests, force players to demonstrate control over ball placement and enough self-control to leave portable-party-starting slip 'n' slides in their golf bag. In an effort to further beautify the grounds, the course received a major overhaul in 2000, with 11 new holes added.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par-70 course
• Total length of 6,103 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 69.9 from the back tees
• Course slope of 123 from the back tees
• Four sets of tees per hole

Masters of all-season fishing and camping, Fishermen’s Wharf Resort splashes the calm waters of Mille Lacs Lake with winter and summer activities. Situated on 90 acres of land on the southeastern shore’s Big Point, Fishermen’s Wharf rests in a protected harbor on a sandy, scorpion-free beach. From this point, it launches chartered fishing trips in the summer and rents ice fishing cabins in the winter.

During chartered fishing trips, guides lead groups across Mille Lacs in search of walleye, Bass, Northern Pike, and Loch Ness monsters. They also explain the seasonal movements of the fish, how to select the best tackle, and how to use electronic detection equipment. Once the lake has frozen over, ice fishing cabins rest on fishing spots where fish are known to congregate and watch humans hold sticks. The cabins feature nine fishing holes, a TV, and microwave oven. Throughout the year, RV camping spots invite visitors to spend a night in rustic surroundings, while an on-site restaurant serves warm meals in full view of the lake.

Peruvian paso horses travel with a smooth, four-beat, lateral gait, instilling every step with a certain grace and dignity becoming of the Midwest. At Hiddenbrook Farm, breeders have sought out these particular horses to lead elegant trail rides through the Central Minnesota woods. Whether walking through leafy trails, streams, or snow-dusted routes, the horses keep a steady pace without bouncing up and down like most horses or club bouncers do when you attempt to ride them.

MN Surf Co. is intent on converting Minnesota's richest natural resource—water—into pure adrenaline. The company has two locations in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and both stock a wide variety of vessels and apparel to make days on the water exciting, stylish, and safe. First-timers can get their feet wet by renting a paddleboard, wake surfer, wakeboard, or kayak for up to seven days. MN Surf Co. also sells boards, plus wetsuits and tees suited for the beach.

Beyond supplying equipment, MN Surf Co. offers plenty of water-based instruction. Standup paddleboard lessons impart various techniques for mounting boards, paddling, and staying safe. Once students master the basics, instructors show them how to tone muscles with paddling workouts and test their knowledge of basic mathematical concepts by asking for a quick series of high-fives. With options for beginners and advanced water athletes, windsurfing lessons rely on a similar system of positive reinforcement as students learn to cut across the windswept surfaces of Lake Calhoun, Lake Minnetonka, and other Minnesota waterways.

When they aren't building students' self-esteem during group lessons, MN Surf Co.'s crew use the standup paddleboards for fishing expeditions and yoga classes to help fishermen work on their balance before being tugged around in circles by a disgruntled large-mouth bass.

Your Boat Club helps people enjoy the benefits of boat ownership without hassles such as towing, cleaning, and repairs. The club maintains a fleet of more than 70 boats, including leisurely pontoons, fishing boats up to 18 feet long, and runabouts with powerful engines that contain up to 300 tiny horses. Members need only make online reservations for one of these vessels, arrive at their dock of choice, and speed away with a fully fueled and clean boat. Seven different lakes set the stage for these aquatic excursions, giving members—based on the membership level they choose—many boating options. On any given day, Your Boat Club's vessels tow water skis across White Bear Lake and ferry anglers into Lake Minnetonka, where largemouth bass, bluegill, and goldfish crackers swim through 14,528 acres of water.