What Are the Best Lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area?

I get asked this more than almost anything else. And the honest answer is: there is no single best lake. The right lake depends on how you want to live, how you plan to use the property, and what you value most. But I can give you a candid breakdown of the major lakes and what each one is actually like to live on.

Gull Lake

Gull Lake is the crown jewel of the Brainerd Lakes Area. It is big, clear, and consistently has the highest demand and strongest resale values. If you want boating, water sports, and access to dining and activities within minutes, Gull is hard to beat. The trade-off is price and summer traffic. Gull Lake commands a premium, and on holiday weekends you will share the water with plenty of other boats. For many buyers, that is a fair trade. For others, it is too much.

Whitefish Chain

The Whitefish Chain is my personal favorite recommendation for buyers who want excellent water quality, strong recreation, and a slightly more relaxed feel than Gull. The chain includes several connected lakes, giving you miles of waterways to explore. The properties tend to offer more privacy and variety. Water clarity is outstanding on most of the chain lakes. Prices are high but generally below Gull Lake for comparable properties. If you want a world-class lake experience without the Gull Lake price tag, start here.

Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake near Crosslake is another top-tier option. It is large, clean, and known for excellent fishing and boating. The lake has a strong year-round community and good access to services in Crosslake and Breezy Point. Pelican holds value well and has a loyal base of buyers who prefer it over the more crowded Gull. It is a solid choice for both recreation and long-term investment.

North Long Lake

North Long Lake sits just west of Brainerd and offers a great combination of clear water, good boating, and proximity to town. It is a popular choice for full-time residents who want lake living without being far from schools, shopping, and medical services. The lake is large enough for water sports but generally less crowded than Gull. North Long holds value well and has a strong mix of year-round and seasonal properties.

Round Lake

Round Lake near Baxter is a smaller, quieter option with surprisingly good water quality. It is popular with families who want a manageable lake for swimming, kayaking, and casual boating without the traffic of the big recreational lakes. Properties here are generally more attainable than on Gull or the Whitefish Chain. It is a solid choice for first-time lake buyers or those who prioritize peace over party.

Serpent Lake

Serpent Lake in Crosby is a gem for buyers who want lake living with small-town character. Crosby has a revitalized downtown, good dining, and a strong community feel. The lake itself is moderate in size, with decent water quality and a mix of recreational and quiet areas. It appeals to buyers who want to be part of a community, not just own waterfront. Prices are generally more reasonable than the premier chain lakes.

The Smaller Lake Option

There are dozens of smaller lakes in the area that offer excellent value, privacy, and a quieter lifestyle. Lakes like Sylvan, Clark, Bay, Edwards, and others can be great choices if you do not need big-water boating. The key is choosing a lake with good water quality, decent shoreline, and access that works for your intended use. A well-chosen property on a smaller lake can be just as enjoyable as a premium lake property, often at half the price.

My Honest Advice

Visit the lakes you are considering. Spend a weekend on Gull, then a weekend on the Whitefish Chain. Drive through Crosslake and Nisswa. Eat at the local spots. Talk to people who live there. The best lake for you is not the one with the best reputation. It is the one that fits how you actually want to live.

And if you are not sure, start with a conversation. I can help you narrow down your options based on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities. No pressure, just honest guidance.