The drive from Walker to Otsego covers approximately 156 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The most direct route heads south on MN-371, passing through the Brainerd Lakes area, before merging onto US-10 East toward the Twin Cities suburbs. This scenic trip transitions from the northern lake country through central Minnesota, ending in the rapidly growing community of Otsego located along the Mississippi River.

As of late 2025, the largest IMAX screen in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is located at Emagine Lakeville, which officially opened on December 19, 2025. This screen measures 64 feet wide and 36 feet, 6 inches tall, and features 4K laser projection. It surpassed the AMC Southdale 16 in Edina, which was previously considered the largest active IMAX in the metro with a screen roughly 54 feet wide. While the historic Minnesota Zoo IMAX was significantly larger at seven stories tall, it closed permanently in 2019, leaving Emagine Lakeville as the current record-holder for the state.

The Old Milwaukee Club Saloon & Eatery is a storied "hole-in-the-wall" landmark located in the community of Ideal Corners, just outside of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. A quintessential Northwoods dive bar with a family-friendly twist, the club has served as a local fixture for over half a century, known for its unassuming exterior and welcoming, "everyone is family" atmosphere. It is particularly famous for its Sunday morning "mason jar" beers, legendary Friday night fish fries, and an all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet that draws crowds from across the Brainerd Lakes Area. Despite its rustic, memorabilia-packed interior, the establishment remains a beloved detour for vacationers and locals alike, offering a timeless slice of authentic Minnesota tavern culture.

As of 2025, Lyft’s driver network has expanded to approximately 2 million active drivers across the U.S. and Canada. The company has focused heavily on driver retention through its industry-first "earnings commitment," which guarantees that drivers earn at least 70% of rider fares each week after external fees (such as commercial insurance). Recent data highlights a highly diverse and flexible workforce: 69% of drivers identify as members of minority groups, and about 91% use the platform part-time, balancing driving with other jobs or education.

Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza is a super-premium frozen pizza brand, famous for its massive amount of cheese and crispy thin crust. Produced by Wisconsin-based Bernatello’s Foods, each pizza is famously loaded with over half a pound of award-winning Wisconsin mozzarella, ensuring a dramatic cheese pull in every slice. Beyond the cheese, the pizzas feature a rich, zesty tomato sauce and high-quality toppings like large nuggets of sausage and thick-cut pepperoni. Its popularity in the Midwest is so significant that it was named the "Official Pizza of the Green Bay Packers," making it a go-to choice for fans looking for a pub-style experience at home.

646 877 0010

White Oak Casino, located in Deer River, Minnesota, offers a classic Northwoods gaming experience with a friendly, intimate atmosphere that visitors often describe as welcoming and less crowded than larger resorts. Owned and operated by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, it serves as a popular local spot for 24/7 entertainment.

• Gaming Options: Features over 300 slot machines and several blackjack tables for variety.

• Amenities: Includes a full-service bar with bar-top gaming and a cafe serving casual fare.

• Accessibility: Offers ample parking and is conveniently located right off Highway 2.

646 877 0010

646 877 0010

646 877 0010

Brad Marchand is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Florida Panthers, following a legendary 15-season tenure with the Boston Bruins. Drafted 71st overall in 2006, Marchand evolved from a specialized "agitator"—earning the nickname "The Rat" for his pesty, high-energy playing style—into one of the NHL’s premier elite two-way forwards. A cornerstone of the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team, he eventually served as the franchise's 27th captain and remains their all-time leader in shorthanded goals. Over his career, he has surpassed the 1,000-point milestone and earned multiple gold medals representing Team Canada, solidifying his legacy as both a prolific scorer and one of the league's most tenacious competitors.

646 877 0010

646 877 0010

646 877 0010

It's legal to carry a BB gun in a car in many places but varies significantly by state and city; generally, it should be unloaded, in a case, and out of reach (trunk is best) for safety and to avoid confusion with real firearms, as some states treat them like firearms, while others don't classify them as such, but Minnesota recently ruled a car on a public road is a public place where BB guns are restricted. Always check your specific state and local laws, as a BB gun that looks real can still lead to serious issues with law enforcement. 

While there are no casinos directly within the city of Brainerd, the Brainerd Lakes Area serves as a central hub for several major tribal gaming destinations located within a short drive. The most prominent is Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, situated about 30 miles southeast of Brainerd. This expansive resort features over 1,800 slot machines, blackjack, and bingo, along with a hotel, multiple restaurants, and a cinema. To the north, visitors often frequent Northern Lights Casino in Walker (about 60 miles away) or the smaller White Oak Casino in Deer River. These venues offer a Vegas-style contrast to the region's traditional cabin culture, providing year-round entertainment, live music, and indoor amenities that complement the area's famous outdoor recreation.

Quick Guide to Nearby Gaming:

| Casino | Location | Approx. Distance from Brainerd |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Grand Casino Mille Lacs | Onamia, MN | 35 Minutes |

| Northern Lights Casino | Walker, MN | 1 Hour |

| White Oak Casino | Deer River, MN | 1 Hour 15 Minutes |

646 877 0010

Located right on the Paul Bunyan Trail, Harpo’s Saloon is a quintessential small-town bar and grill in Merrifield, Minnesota. Known for its welcoming, community-centric atmosphere, it serves as a popular pit stop for snowmobilers, bikers, and locals in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The menu features elevated bar favorites like fresh fish tacos, homemade pizzas, and signature burgers, often complemented by weekly events like taco nights and meat raffles. With its spacious back patio, live music, and friendly service, Harpo’s captures the classic "up north" vibe, making it a go-to spot for a cold drink and a hearty meal after a day on the trails.

President Donald Trump has proposed a $2,000 "tariff dividend" check, which he intends to fund using revenue from his administration’s expanded import taxes. The proposal targets low- and middle-income Americans—likely those earning under $100,000 annually—and is framed as a way to return trade revenue directly to taxpayers. However, as of late 2025, no checks are being sent out. The plan faces significant hurdles, including the need for Congressional approval and a pending Supreme Court review on the legality of the tariffs themselves. Furthermore, economists have noted a "math problem" with the proposal: while the checks could cost between $300 billion and $600 billion, current tariff revenues are projected to be significantly lower, leading to concerns that the plan could increase the national debt or fuel inflation. 

In late 2025, Waymo’s operations in San Francisco have faced significant challenges, most notably during a major power outage on December 20, 2025, which left hundreds of robotaxis stranded. Because the vehicles struggled to navigate intersections without functioning traffic signals, many "froze" with hazard lights flashing, causing massive gridlock and forcing a city-wide service suspension. Beyond this infrastructure vulnerability, the company recently issued a software recall for over 3,000 vehicles after reports of cars failing to stop for school buses. Additionally, residents continue to complain about "quality of life" issues, such as robotaxis performing noisy maneuvers in residential cul-de-sacs at night and occasional standoffs with emergency vehicles, fueling ongoing debates about the scale of autonomous deployment in dense urban environments.