Carl Faust News Today

A marker was erected in September 2022 with information about the Headquarters Hotel, the Arlington Hotel and the second Northern Pacific Railway depot after the original was struck by a snowplow.

The Brainerd park off South Seventh Street is a little-known snow-sledding paradise. The 2-acre park was named after Brainerd real estate agent Vern Hitch and Wayne Rosvold, a 5-year-old boy.

Brainerd toboggan slides existed early in the city’s history. The outdoor recreational activity offered a fun way for Brainerd lakes area residents to enjoy winter.

The Brainerd Brewing Co. on Boom Lake’s east shore was in operation as late as 1914. Razed a decade later, part of the brewery’s foundation was uncovered by the Brainerd History Group in 2009.

The ground was broken for the Mississippi Landing Trailhead Park project in Brainerd in June. The planned greenspace with trails and pathways, a community amphitheater and an outdoor classroom with steps down along East River Road was previously a Tourist Park attracting thousands.

The Barn is a longtime restaurant off Washingon Street that is popular with locals and known for its friendly staff and pies. The Barn in Brainerd was opened in 1945 by a family from Iowa. It was part of the original Maid-Rite franchises and still serves the loose-meat sandwich.

The J.J. Howe Lumber Co. played a key role in shaping Boom Lake in Brainerd’s past. But scant evidence of the business remains at the lake today near the popular Kiwanis Park.

Smiles on the 'Sippi is set July 30 and includes a Mississippi River paddle with points of historic interest highlighted. The inaugural event is sponsored by the Brainerd Family YMCA, CTC, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, the Mississippi Headwaters Board and Smiles for Jake.

Lyman P. White Sr. was called the father of Brainerd. White came to Brainerd from St. Cloud in 1870. He built the first frame house in Brainerd, with lumber coming by team, about 60 miles away from Sauk Rapids.

Visit Brainerd’s tours are available by advance reservation — online purchase or via phone. Tours are limited to 10 people. Tour durations last about 90 minutes and participants are advised to dress accordingly for the walking tours.