Straddling the Mississippi River, upstream from its confluence with the Crow Wing River, Brainerd is the seat of government for Crow Wing County, Minnesota. Originally the area was inhabited by the Ojibwe. The first European-American settler known to have come to the area was Zebulon Pike in 1805, as he was searching for the headwaters of the Mississippi River. During the early to mid-1800s, fur traders, trappers, and loggers began comping to the area. Fort Ripley was established nearby. The town itself was founded in 1870 by the president of the Northern Pacific Railroad, John Gregory Smith, who named the township for his wife’s maiden name. The railroad constructed a bridge over the Mississippi seven miles north of Crow Wing Village, and used the Brainerd station as a machine and car stop, which prompted many residents of Crow Wing Village to move to the new town, and Brainerd became a city in 1873. The railroad was an important part of the city’s development, but Brainerd has been, and is, home to several other industries as well, including paper mills. Today, Brainerd is heavily developed into commercial and residential areas, with most new construction taking place in neighboring Baxter. It is served by Minnesota Highways 18, 25, 210, and 371.
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Published in Brainerd, Minnesota, the newspaper offers news and sports stories, features relating to the outdoors, entertainment, and lifestyles, as well as obituaries and opinion columns. Advertising options are featured, and subscriptions may be made through the site. Full access requires a subscription.
http://www.brainerddispatch.com/
Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Headquartered in Brainerd, Minnesota, the non-profit organization represents the interests of member companies doing business in Aitkin, Baxter, Brainerd, Breezy Point, Crosslake, Cuyuna Range, East Gull Lake, Jenkins Lake Shore, Little Falls, Manhattan Beach, Mille Lacs Lake Area, Motley, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Pillager, and Pine River. Chamber programs and projects are highlighted.
http://www.explorebrainerdlakes.com/
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport
Developed as an airfield in the 1920s, BRD has served central Minnesota since 1948. The Airport Commission controls, operates, and manages the jointly owned city/county airport operations. Commercial air services, general aviation, and airport information are featured, including its hangars and organizational structure.
http://www.brainerdairport.com/
The Brainerd, Minnesota public school district offers a PK-12th grade curriculum through several campuses, including Baxter, Garfield, Harrison, Lowell, Nisswa, and Riverside elementary schools, Forestview Middle School, Brainerd High School, the Brainerd Learning Center, Lincoln Educational Center, and Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, each of which are highlighted here.
http://isd181.org/
The Brainerd, Minnesota company is a distributor of boat, pontoon, PWC lifts, utility, and snow trailers, lakefront equipment, and after-market marine products, with dealers throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. A dealer locator and contacts are listed on the site.
http://www.brainerdrec.com/
The official municipal web site offers administrative and departmental contacts, office hours, a city newsletter, and access to the city charter, election information, projects, and other documents and reports, as well as a guide to area parks and facilities, recreational opportunities, and transportation options.
http://www.ci.brainerd.mn.us/
CLC was created in 1995 through the consolidation of Brainerd Community College and Brainerd Staples Technical College, and is one of thirty-one Minnesota State colleges and universities. Its history, demographics, and enrollment policies are put forward, with an overview of its programs and courses, campus life programs, and contacts.
http://www.clcmn.edu/
Cragun’s Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake
The year-round vacation resort is situated in Brainerd, Minnesota, and can host groups of all sizes in a variety of accommodations that include lakeside cabins, hotel-style rooms, and cabins for large groups. The accommodations are described in detail, with photographs, a list of amenities, and online bookings.
http://www.craguns.com/
