We may grumble as the first snow falls and brace ourselves for the cold snap, but there’s a certain pride in how Minnesotans embrace the winter months. The snowstorms don’t stop us from bundling up and heading out to snowshoe, ice fish, or glide down a ski slope. In fact, we’ve mastered the art of finding joy in the chill.
Cozied between Brainerd and Nisswa, about 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities, Gull Lake is an oxymoron of serenity and winter playground. The crisp air sparkles with fresh snowfall. A blanket of white billows across the lake, surrounded by a fortress of frosted spruce and pine trees beckoning to hundreds of miles of peaceful trails. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to embrace the beauty of a Minnesota winter.
Courtesy of Quarterdeck Resort
Home Away From Home
Whether you want to stay in a charming cabin or a spacious lakeside suite with stunning views, Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake delivers—and then some. Situated on over 1,100 feet of shoreline, its mountain modern design provides a refreshing, cozy escape from the hustle and bustle.
Accommodations range from fully furnished two-, three-, and five-bedroom cabins/condos to comfortable lodge rooms and suites, all designed to feel like your own private retreat. The five-bedroom, three-story lakeside loft offers incredible floor-to-ceiling views, perfect for enjoying the winter scenery from the warmth inside. It sleeps up to 14 with ample private and shared spaces—and the star of the show is the private rooftop bar 35 feet above Gull Lake, featuring a gas fire pit, seating for 10, and a grilling station. After a day in the snow, guests can also warm up in the resort’s (outdoor!) year-round heated pool or gather around a fire to enjoy tranquility under the stars.
Courtesy of Quarterdeck Resort
For a hearty meal, visit the on-site Quarterdeck Grill, where classic Minnesota comfort food is served up with lake views. The oversize, cube-shape cheese curds come with an incredible jalapeño raspberry dipping sauce, and the Cajun pasta is prepared with a house Creole sauce that has a creamy, sweet-yet-spicy heat. For a more private experience, many of Quarterdeck’s cabins have full kitchens, allowing guests to prepare meals and relax by the fire.
Outdoor Recreation
Winter’s arrival on Gull Lake is nothing short of magical, and the area’s variety of outdoor activities ensures there’s something for everyone. The picturesque lake, which stretches across 9,400 acres, offers ample opportunities for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual winter enthusiast, the landscape around Gull Lake offers everything you need to enjoy Minnesota’s winter season.
Courtesy of Quarterdeck Resort
For ice fishing aficionados, Gull Lake is known for its pristine waters and healthy fish population, including walleye, northern pike, and panfish. As the lake freezes over, a community of anglers sets up their shelters on the ice, turning the lake into an outdoor fishing village. Quarterdeck Resort can also arrange ice fishing trips for guests, providing all the gear and expertise needed for a successful outing.
Gull Lake and the surrounding Brainerd Lakes Area are prime destinations for snowmobiling enthusiasts, with over 1,200 miles of groomed trails to explore. Glide across scenic landscapes, with snowy forests and frozen lakes as your backdrop, and feel the rush of excitement as you explore miles of winter wonderland.
For those who prefer to take things at a slower pace, cross-country skiing is an ideal way to experience the area’s beauty—plus, Quarterdeck offers equipment rentals. The Gull Lake region is home to several top-tier groomed trails that weave through snow-covered forests and offer stunning views of the lake. The Pine Beach Ski Trail, located just a short distance from the lake, offers a 10-mile loop perfect for skiers of all levels. If you’re looking to experience the thrill of skiing under the stars, the nearby Northland Arboretum provides a 9-mile trail that’s lit for night skiing.
Just a stone’s throw from Gull Lake, Mount Ski Gull offers winter thrills for skiers, snowboarders, and tubers. Known as one of the best ski hills in the region, it boasts a variety of slopes, including terrain parks and tubing hills. The hill’s tubing setup is particularly popular, with 12 runs providing hours of family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a first-time skier or a seasoned pro, Mount Ski Gull caters to all skill levels and is a perfect place for a winter outing with family or friends. Plus, Brainerd Dispatch’s 2024 Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest voted Mount Ski Gull No. 1 “Best Place for Winter Family Fun” in the area.
Winter Events Near Gull Lake
In December, don’t miss the beloved Mugg’s S.N.O.W.FEST, just east of Brainerd, where you can explore a variety of vintage snowmobiles, enjoy unique displays, and participate in rallies and shows. For those seeking more icy thrills, head to Ice Fest at Breezy Point in January for pond hockey, ice fishing, snow golf, horse-drawn trolley rides, and more outdoor fun. February’s Frozen Fore winter weekend on Gull Lake is a highlight, drawing visitors from near and far for a one-of-a-kind experience of snow/ice golf, a scavenger hunt, contests, live music, food, and other exciting activities.
Courtesy of Explore Minnesota
