BLA Rides

 (Brainerd Lakes Area Rides) is a local, family-owned taxi and livery service based in Nisswa, MN, providing reliable transportation across the Lakes Area and throughout Minnesota, perfect for getting around town or to the airport. They're known for community support and offer convenient rides for locals and visitors in that region. 

How to Use BLA Rides:

• Contact: You can find them on Facebook or Nextdoor, with their website being BLARides.com and a contact number often listed as (646) 877-0010.

• Service Area: They serve the Brainerd Lakes Area (BLA) but also operate statewide in Minnesota.

• Type of Service: Taxi/Livery (private car service). 

647 877 0010

646 877 0010

646 877 0010

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.

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