Getting to Nisswa is simple. Packing for it takes slightly more thought.
Driving from the Twin Cities
This is how most people arrive. It’s roughly a two-and-a-half hour drive north, generally via Highway 371 through Brainerd and Baxter, then a further twelve miles or so north to Nisswa. Friday afternoons in summer are the busy window heading north, and Sunday afternoons heading back — leave earlier than feels necessary and you’ll save yourself an hour.
Flying
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport is the closest, about twenty minutes away, with limited scheduled service. Most visitors fly into Minneapolis–St Paul and hire a car. You will want a car here regardless — the lakes, trails, courses and restaurants are spread out, and there’s no meaningful public transport.
Finding us
We’re at 24186 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN, minutes from downtown and from Gull Lake. Parking is free and on-site, with room for a boat trailer. Check-in is contactless and self-service, so it genuinely doesn’t matter if traffic puts you in at eleven at night.
What to pack, summer
Swimwear (two sets — one is always wet), a proper towel for the lake, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Minnesota mosquitoes are not a rumour. Bring a fleece anyway: evenings on the water get cold, fast. Water shoes if you’re on rocky shoreline, and a dry bag if you’re boating with a phone.
What to pack, winter
Layers, then more layers. Insulated waterproof boots, hat, proper gloves, and something windproof. If you’re ice fishing, dress for standing still in the cold, not for walking in it. Sunglasses — snow glare is real.
What to pack, always
Anything you want to cook with. Nearly every room has a kitchenette, and the Round Lake Patio Suite has a full kitchen, so bringing your own coffee, breakfast and lake-day lunch supplies saves real money over a week. Grocery shopping in Nisswa and nearby Baxter is easy.
Don’t bother packing
Beach towels for the pool, Wi-Fi hotspots, or a printed booking confirmation. We have all of that covered.
Check availability and book direct — Instant Book confirms your room immediately, so you can get on with planning the drive.
Questions before you set off? Call 218-963-3500 or text 218-656-7881.