The Best Lakes to Live On in the Brainerd Lakes Area

Choosing the right lake is the most important decision you will make when buying a lake home in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The house can be changed. The lake usually cannot.

Not all lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area are equal. They differ in size, water clarity, depth, boating, fishing, shoreline quality, community character, seasonal use patterns, and long-term value. Two lakes that look similar on a map can feel completely different in person.

Here is what you need to know about the major lakes in the area and how to decide which one is right for you.

Gull Lake

Gull Lake is the area's most well-known lake and one of the largest in central Minnesota at over 9,400 acres. It offers a full-service lake experience: restaurants, bars, golf courses, resorts, and year-round activity. The Gull Lake Chain connects to several smaller lakes, giving boaters a large area to explore.

Best for: Buyers who want a large recreational lake with community activity, dining, golf, and strong resale value. Gull Lake holds its value well because of its size, reputation, and year-round appeal.

Tradeoffs: Gull Lake is popular, which means more boat traffic in summer, especially on weekends. Properties on the main lake command premium prices. Some buyers prefer quieter water on smaller connected lakes in the chain.

The Whitefish Chain

The Whitefish Chain is a system of interconnected lakes spanning over 7,000 acres. It includes Whitefish Lake, Lower Whitefish Lake, and several smaller connected bodies of water. The chain offers deep privacy, wooded shorelines, and a quieter, more secluded feel than Gull Lake.

Best for: Buyers who prioritize privacy, fishing, and a more residential lake experience. The Whitefish Chain attracts families who want a quiet retreat with excellent boating and fishing.

Tradeoffs: Fewer commercial amenities directly on the water compared to Gull Lake. Properties vary significantly depending on which lake in the chain they sit on and the quality of the individual shoreline.

Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake is a large, shallow lake known for excellent fishing, particularly for panfish and bass. It has a loyal following of year-round residents and seasonal visitors who appreciate its relaxed, uncrowded character.

Best for: Fishing enthusiasts, buyers who want a quieter lifestyle, and those seeking value on a larger lake.

Tradeoffs: The shallow depth means less swimming and water-sport variety. Water clarity is lower than some other area lakes. The lake is large enough that conditions vary by location.

North Long Lake

North Long Lake sits near Crosslake and offers a good balance of size, water quality, and accessibility. It is a popular fishing lake with a mix of seasonal and year-round homes.

Best for: Buyers who want a mid-size lake with good fishing and proximity to Crosslake amenities.

Tradeoffs: Less exclusive than some smaller private lakes. The mix of seasonal and year-round properties means the character of different areas on the lake varies.

Serpent Lake

Serpent Lake near Crosby is a clear, spring-fed lake with good water quality and a growing reputation. The Crosby area offers an emerging arts scene, breweries, and outdoor recreation on the Cuyuna trails.

Best for: Buyers who want clear water, a quieter setting, and proximity to Crosby's growing community.

Tradeoffs: Smaller than the major recreational lakes. Fewer on-water commercial options. The Crosby area is still developing its identity.

How to Choose

The right lake depends on how you plan to use the property:

• • Year-round living: Consider proximity to services, healthcare, schools, and shopping. Gull Lake, Brainerd, and Baxter offer the strongest year-round infrastructure.
• • Weekend retreat: Focus on the lake experience itself. What activities matter most to you? Boating, fishing, swimming, privacy, entertaining?
• • Investment and resale: Gull Lake and the Whitefish Chain have the strongest long-term value retention. Smaller lakes can offer better value but may appreciate more slowly.
• • Multi-generational gathering: Look for larger lots, good shoreline, and enough space to accommodate extended family comfortably.

The best approach is to spend time on the water before you buy. I help my clients understand the tradeoffs between different lakes so they can make a decision they will not regret.