Book the BLA

06/12/2026

Ladies and gentlemen... They're HERE! ⭐🤑

You may have heard that we're doing something extra special for America's 250th at Stars & Stripes Days 2026. We're excited to partner with local businesses to offer Blinky Button Deals & Discounts on July 3–4, 2026!

What does this mean for you?
Starting now through July 4, you can purchase a 2026 Blinky Button from participating businesses for just $5. Then, present your button to unlock exclusive discounts at your favorite businesses on July 3–4 (unless otherwise noted).

A huge thank you to Book the BLA by Woods to Water Real Estate our official Blinky Button Sponsor, for helping make this possible! 🎉

That's not all! The buttons light up and flash, helping brighten the night sky during the Stars & Stripes Days Fireworks.

✨ Explore participating businesses and find out where to purchase your button:
https://pequotlakes.com/ssd-deals

06/10/2026

🇺🇸 We are the proud Blinky Button Sponsor for the 2026 Pequot Lakes Stars & Stripes Days! Support the Pequot Chamber by purchasing your $5 button and in return support locals receive discounts at Pequot Lakes participating businesses on July 3-4th.

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

Advocating for the Future of Minnesota Tourism & Hospitality

This week, Woods To Water Founder Colton Maher is representing the Brainerd Lakes Area in Washington, D.C. as Chair of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Board, joining fellow Minnesota business and community leaders at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Fly-In.

Why does that matter to us?

Because the future of tourism, hospitality, workforce development, infrastructure, and economic growth directly impacts destinations like the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Every family vacation, weekend getaway, fishing trip, and lake tradition supports local restaurants, shops, attractions, resorts, service providers, and small businesses throughout our communities. A strong visitor economy helps keep our region thriving.

We’re proud to be part of conversations that help strengthen the places we call home and the experiences that bring people here year after year.

The Brainerd Lakes Area has a story worth telling—and we’re honored to help represent it on a national stage.

06/05/2026

🚨 BIRCH BAY ON GULL LAKE - One of our most sought-after Gull Lake stays just opened up two rare summer windows.

☀️ June 22–29
☀️ July 14–19

Snag reduced nightly rates and a lower minimum stay of just 4 nights for July on Gull Lake.

If you’ve been hoping for a summer escape on Gull Lake, this is one of the best opportunities left on the calendar.

✔️ Prime Gull Lake location
✔️ Peak summer dates
✔️ Reduced rates
✔️ Flexible 4-night minimum

These openings won’t last long.

Book your stay today:
https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Birchbay-30-15

BrainerdLakesArea

06/05/2026

🏆 NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN! 🏆

For years, we’ve had the privilege of helping families create lifelong memories in the Brainerd Lakes Area through exceptional vacation homes, local expertise, and curated guest experiences.

Now we’re asking for a small favor.

The 2026 Best of the Best nominations are officially open from June 1–14, and we’d be honored to earn your nomination.

Whether we’ve helped you plan a family vacation, find the perfect cabin, celebrate a special occasion, or simply experience the Brainerd Lakes Area like a local, we’d love your support.

❤️ Nomination Period: June 1–14
🗳️ Voting Begins: July 1

Every nomination helps us continue sharing the places, people, and experiences that make this area so special.

Nominate us here:
https://www.bestofthemidwest.com/brainerd/best-of-the-best-brainerd #//

Thank you for supporting local businesses, local jobs, and the people who work every day to make the Brainerd Lakes Area a destination worth returning to year after year.

Exceptional Homes. Curated Experiences. Lifelong Memories.

06/04/2026

🚨TICKET GIVEAWAY TIME 🎫
·
This time to THIS SATURDAY's Pop 2000 Tour at Grand Casino Mille Lacs 🎤
·
Task is simple...
1.) Tag 4 friends you'd bring with
2.) Follow Grand Casino MN, Listen Local, BlazeAir Productions & Woods to Water Real Estate
3.) Have a BLAST singing your hearts out on Saturday to 2000s hits by Ryan Cabrera, O-Town, LFO and Chris Kirkpatrick 🤩
·
🎙️We'll be announcing the winner on THIS AFTERNOON's LIVE show🚨

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

The wait is over—today marked the kickoff of the famous Nisswa Turtle Races! 🐢

One of the Brainerd Lakes Area’s most beloved summer traditions is back, and the races will take place every Wednesday throughout the summer, running through August 12, 2026.

Find this and all upcoming summer events in the B.L.A. in our full guide to start planning your summer adventure:
👉 bookthebla.com/blog/summer-events-activities-brainerd-lakes-area/

06/03/2026

Summer in the Brainerd Lakes Area is packed with can’t-miss traditions, family favorites, and unforgettable lake memories. ☀️

In fact, one of those long-standing traditions kicks off TODAY in Nisswa! Don’t miss #1 on our top 5 list. →

If you’re planning a trip to the B.L.A., make sure these local summer staples are on your list:

🐢 Nisswa Turtle Races (every Wednesday through August 12)
🇺🇸 Fourth in the North & Fourth of July festivities
🫘 Pequot Lakes Bean Hole Days
🛍️ Shop the Lakes events, Crazy Days, and local sidewalk sales
⛳ Championship golf at some of Minnesota’s most iconic courses

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a full week at the lake, these are the events that make summer in the B.L.A. so special.

Read the full guide and start planning your summer adventure:
bookthebla.com/blog/summer-events-activities-brainerd-lakes-area/

Which summer event is your favorite? Tell us below! 👇

MinnesotaSummer