For real, live exhibits, check out Moondance Ranch and Wildlife Park. This is the largest wildlife park in the area, with native and exotic animals, plus trail rides, waterslide and hot tub, go-karts, mini-golf, a unique gift shop, and great food.

In Nisswa, the place to be on a hot day is the Nisswa Family Fun Center. Cool down with a 400-foot waterslide, hot tubs, and Minnesota's only roller blade track and hockey rink. Now boasting a rock-climbing wall and a few select rides that used to reside at the Paul Bunyan Amusement Center. This is sure-fire family fun!

Whether you are a go-kart fan, a dirt track fan or maybe you prefer muscle car and dragster racing, the Brainerd Lakes in Minnesota has it all. Lots of Things to Do.

If you're visiting on the weekend, you'll want to spend Saturday evening at the North Central Motor Speedway. Located south of Brainerd, this is dirt-track racing at its best!

For a different kind of entertainment, stop by Northern Lights Casino. Visit us 24-hours-a-day for non-stop gaming action.

Then, when you're ready for a peaceful day, visit Northland Arboretum. Hiking, cross-country skiing, gardens, picnics, and educational opportunities on 600 acres in the heart of the Lakes Area.

More fun awaits the whole family at Outback Trail Rides. Outback Trail Rides, Inc. provides a full day of equestrian fun. Try 1-hour, 2-hour, 1/2-day, or full-day guided rides through nature.  Take a trail ride at Pine River Riding Stable where you can ride horse on the numerous trails winding along the Pine River. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of wildlife and unique birds. Be sure to stop by the Petting Zoo where you'll find a variety of animals to play with and feed.

Start on a theme created by our area's favorite legend by visiting the Paul Bunyan Bowl. Old-fashioned fun with automated scoring, moonlight bowling, and video games. It now has the addition of "Babe," the great blue ox that used to reside at the Paul Bunyan Amusement Park.

Another fun namesake is the Paul Bunyan Nature Learning Center. Quietly walk the trails and listen for the bird songs — don't forget your binoculars.

Whatever the season, don't miss Paul Bunyan Land and This Old Farm Museum. Located east of Brainerd this heritage site includes a log house, schoolhouse, sawmill, blacksmith shop, and depot, constructed as it would have been decades ago. It has the addition of amusement rides and the towering 27-foot Paul Bunyan that used to greet visitors from the now-closed Paul Bunyan Amusement Park.

When it's time to get down to business, take an interesting factory tour at Potlatch Corp.  See how quality paper is made. Sensible walking shoes required. 8-years-of-age and older.

If you're up for a movie while you're in the Lakes Area, you can catch the latest movie releases at a number of area cinemas. Additionally, the Gull Drive-In is open most weekends during the summer, offering a selection of classic films.

Of course you will have to visit the Paul Bunyan Trail before you leave. With over 14 towns located on the 100 miles of trail it is an experience not to be missed!