Top Brainerd Hotel Deals

Make the Most of Your Brainerd Stay

A railroad town turned lakeside gateway

Brainerd began as a Northern Pacific Railroad crossing over the Mississippi River in 1870, and that industrial heritage still defines its character. The historic Northern Pacific Center now houses Notch 8, where you can dine surrounded by walls that once held steam engines. Downtown's century-old brick storefronts and the iconic concrete water tower—the first all-concrete elevated tank in the United States—anchor a city blending working-class roots with emerging arts and dining. While the Coen Brothers made Brainerd famous in "Fargo," the actual filming happened elsewhere, though the city's genuine small-town atmosphere captures that Midwestern sensibility authentically.

Resorts, racing, and reclaimed wilderness

Just beyond city limits, Gull Lake's historic lodges like Madden's offer championship golf and fine dining that have drawn visitors since 1929, making this Minnesota's premier lake resort region. Brainerd International Raceway brings high-octane energy with NHRA events, while the 400-acre Northland Arboretum—built on a former landfill—provides trails and natural beauty within city limits. Nearby Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area features reclaimed iron ore pits now forming crystal-clear lakes surrounded by world-class mountain biking trails.

Practical considerations

Delta connects Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport directly to Minneapolis-St. Paul. You'll need a rental car, as attractions spread across multiple communities—downtown Brainerd for local dining, Baxter for conference hotels, and Nisswa for boutique shopping. The Paul Bunyan State Trail links these towns for cyclists during warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brainerd

Can I book hotels in Brainerd with miles on Delta Stays?

Yes, you can book your hotel stay in Brainerd using your Delta miles, either for the total amount or in combination with money to reserve your stay. When you log in to your Delta SkyMiles® account, you will also discover Member offers at select properties that could enhance your travel experience.

What are the benefits of booking my Brainerd hotel on Delta Stays?

As a SkyMiles Member, you will earn 2 miles per $1 you spend on completed hotel stays and vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays. You will also enjoy access to special Member offers at select properties, and have the flexibility to pay with miles, cash, or a combination of both. To ensure you earn miles when paying fully with cash, simply sign in to your SkyMiles account or enter your SkyMiles number at checkout. Please allow up to 8 weeks after completing a stay for miles to appear in the SkyMiles account provided. Please also note that if you use miles to pay for any portion of your stay, you will not earn miles on that reservation, including any amount paid with cash.

Can I change or cancel my hotel booking made through Delta Stays?

Cancellation policies differ depending on the property you choose. Be sure to check the cancellation policy listed under the hotel’s details before booking. You'll find that some rates are refundable, while others are non-refundable. Any modifications or cancellations to your reservation may affect the mileage credits you earn and receive in your account.

Can I book with my Delta SkyMiles® American Express® Card?

Yes, your Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Platinum, or Reserve American Express® Card provides you with additional miles and valuable benefits, including an annual statement credit of up to $200 that you can apply toward prepaid hotels or vacation rentals when booking through Delta Cars and Stays. Note that terms apply to these offerings. To gain a full understanding of your card's complete benefits package, we recommend visiting the Delta SkyMiles® American Express Credit Cards page where detailed information about all your cardholder privileges is available for review.

Can I earn MQDs on Delta Stays hotel bookings?

From time to time, Delta Stays may present special opportunities for SkyMiles Members to earn Medallion® Qualification Dollars on their hotel and vacation rental bookings made through Delta Stays. We encourage you to visit the Delta Stays MQD Offer page to check for the latest MQDs offers and review their specific terms and conditions.

Do I need to be a Delta SkyMiles Member to book a hotel on Delta Stays?

No, anyone can book hotels through Delta Stays. However, only SkyMiles Members can earn miles and access Member-only prices and offers. As a Member, you will earn 2 miles per $1 you spend on Delta Cars and Stays (excluding taxes and other fees). The best part is that SkyMiles is free to join. Become a Member today by visiting the delta.com.

On Delta Stays, can I book a vacation rental?

Yes, Delta Stays offers a wide selection of vacation rentals in addition to hotels. You have access to numerous homes, condos, and specialty lodging options powered by Vrbo to suit your travel preferences. You can discover these alternative accommodations by visiting the Vacation Rentals page.

Which hotels have high ratings in Brainerd?

In Brainerd, you’ll find 8 hotels to choose from when you book on Delta Stays. Maddens On Gull Lake has a guest rating of 9.4 out of 10, and features a beachfront setting and 2 outdoor pools.

What's a good time of year to visit Brainerd?

To experience Brainerd during great weather, consider a visit in July when temperatures are warm and sunny skies invite water sports and lake activities. For off-peak prices and more deals on hotels, consider visiting during May when you'll find milder weather, fewer crowds, and better rates on accommodations.

What hotels in Brainerd are located closest to Brainerd International Raceway?

Bracing engines roar across 3 distinct tracks at this legendary racing complex. The annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in August draws over 110,000 fans to the quarter-mile drag strip. One popular hotel is Maddens On Gull Lake which is a short drive away.

What hotels in Brainerd are located near The Classic at Madden's Golf Course?

This award-winning course challenges golfers with 50 sand traps and water hazards across 15 holes. Reserve a caddie to navigate the pristine fairways and serene Minnesota landscape. One popular hotel is Maddens On Gull Lake which is steps away.

What hotels in Brainerd are located closest to Cragun's Legacy Courses?

Designed with PGA legend Tom Lehman, these 45 championship holes blend strategic challenges with stunning lakeside views across the Lehman 18 and Dutch 27 courses. One popular hotel is Maddens On Gull Lake which is a short drive away.

*Terms and conditions:

Mileage Offer:

SkyMiles Members will earn two (2) miles per US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at https://carsandstays.delta.com/Opens in a new window on the base hotel rate for a completed hotel stay. Base hotel rate is the cost of the hotel room, before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking or upon checkout. Taxes and fees, gratuities, room service other booking charges, or any bookings which are paid or reduced by miles, redemption vouchers or discount codes are excluded from mileage credit. For clarity, if miles are used as a form of payment (whether for all or a portion of the booking), no portion of the booking will be eligible to earn miles under this offer. Except with respect to the Hertz Mileage offer (listed below), SkyMiles Members will earn two (2) miles per eligible US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at https://carsandstays.delta.com/Cars on the base car rental rate for a completed car qualifying rental booking (“Qualifying Dollars”). A qualifying rental booking includes rentals at a participating location for one or more days at rates other than travel industry rates or discounts, wholesale of tour package rates or discounts, wholesale tour package rates, insurance/dealer replacement rates, corporate and government rates, group travel discounts, or rentals in conjunction with a frequent flyer car award, or other corporate agreements applicable to the respective car company. Calculation of the applicable standard mileage offer is listed below by car rental company. Qualifying Dollars include the base car rental rate, which is the cost of the car rental before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking. Taxes, fees, other incidental charges, or other booking charges or any bookings which are paid or reduced by redemption vouchers or discount codes are excluded from mileage credit and are not included in the Qualifying Dollars.

This mileage offer does not apply to stays or car rentals booked through Delta Vacations or any cruises booked through Delta Cruises.

Standard mileage offer for car rentals booked at https://www.delta.com/Opens in a new window or https://carsandstays.delta.com/Opens in a new window:

Hertz Reservations:

• General SkyMiles Members earn 4 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Silver Medallions earn 5 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Gold Medallions earn 6 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Platinum Medallions earn 7 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Diamond Medallions earn 8 miles per Qualifying Dollar

Dollar and Thrifty Reservations:

• All SkyMiles Members earn 4 miles per Qualifying Dollar

Alamo, Enterprise, National, Avis, Budget, Payless and SIXT Reservations:

• All SkyMiles Members earn 2 miles per Qualifying Dollar