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Visit Brainerd Lakes

Escape the city life and head to the natural beauty of central Minnesota. Located just two hours north of the Twin Cities, the Brainerd Lakes area is a family-friendly outdoor paradise waiting to be explored. This stunning hideaway is known for its beautiful rolling hills, dense forests, and charming walkable communities. Pack up your bikes and take a cruise along the Paul Bunyan State Trail, go for a paddle on one of the 500+ lakes, or lace up your boots and traverse hundreds of miles of trail on foot. You can also tee off at one of the area’s nationally-recognized golf courses or hear the heart-pounding roar of race cars at the Brainerd International Raceway. The entire area provides the ultimate blend of outdoor fun mixed with exciting attractions.

Your Brainerd Lakes Vacation, Your Way.

Exceptional Views

Find Your Brainerd Lakes Rental

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Featured Property

The Blue Farmhouse

Browerville, MN

4 Bdrms 1 Baths 10 Guests
Pet Friendly
From $225.00
5.0
per night + taxes & fees
View Details
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Northeast Urban Retreat

Minneapolis, MN

2 Bdrms 3 Baths 4 Guests
Pet Friendly
From $100.00
per night + taxes & fees
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Serpent Lake Getaway

Crosby, MN

5 Bdrms 2 Baths 12 Guests
From $275.00
per night + taxes & fees
View Details
Your Local Team

Locally Owned and Operated In Brainerd Lakes

Remember, when you rent with SkyRun, you can expect superior, prompt, and personalized service that’s hard to find in a top-down rental corporation.

  • Enjoy a personal relationship with your property manager, who can answer any questions and address all concerns promptly.
  • Have a question about local activities, amenities, or services? Our local staff can provide recommendations for getting the most out of your stay.
  • Our property managers are just a stone’s throw away from most of our rentals. That means they’re available to step in to help with any situation.

Theresa and Craig Schaefer are proud Minnesotans with a combined 20 years of corporate sales, marketing and leadership experience. They are passionate about contributing to their community and are focused on doing so by delivering 5 star service to homeowners and welcoming visitors with the best experience that the Brainerd Lakes has to offer.

Theresa & Craig Schaefer

Brainerd Lakes, MN

Owners, SkyRun Twin Cities

612-482-3435

Let's Talk!

Gull Lake

Bundle up for Gull Lake’s claim to winter fame–the Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza. This event is the world’s largest charitable ice fishing event, but even if you can make it to Gull Lake  (or if you prefer to visit when you don’t need the parka), there’s plenty adventuring to be had. This lake stretches for 15 miles and that means plenty of shoreline for relaxing and plenty of water for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and, of course, fishing. 

Pelican Lake

With plenty of fish–more than 40 varieties– swimming in this over 8,000-acre lake, anglers flock to Pelican Lake to cast a line and try their luck. This is a spot where adventure and relaxation merge into the ideal Minnesota lake getaway. Adventure seekers, fly along the lake on water skis and relaxers, watch the action shoreside. Plenty of chances for swimming, kayaking, and other water fun. Outfitters are ready to set you up with boat rentals to get out onto the waters. 

North Long Lake

Walleye and bass, crappie and pike, trout and perch–all of these and more call North Long Lake home. Chill out as you cast a line or enjoy these waters for play and relaxation. North Long Lake is another Minnesota haven for hot ice fishing. 

Whitefish Chain of Lakes

Explore one, two, three, or maybe all 14 of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Summer will have you trying your hand (or legs) at stand up paddleboarding or kick back in a kayak and explore these shores. Boaters and water skiers love these waters and when the temps drop, this is another popular ice fishing spot. Check out the plentiful shopping and dining options that line the lakes’ shores. 

Fishing

Minnesota isn’t the Land o’Lakes for nothing. Listing all of the species of fish just waiting to take the bait in the Brainerd Lakes area would take way too long to detail, but king catches here include wallyeye year-round, three seasons of bass, perch come winter, and muskie in the summer and fall. The lakes offer diverse catches and exploring which ones serve up the biggest bounties or simply fit your mood is part of the fun of staying in the Brainerd Lakes area. 

Boating

Think of the Brainerd Lakes area as a choose your own boating adventure kind of place. Want a quieter, more relaxed afternoon on a lake? Rent a pontoon or deck boat to explore the lakes and connecting waterways. Looking for a more speed-forward king of day? Larger lakes like Gull Lake and the Whitefish Chain deliver big with ample waters for water skiing and powerboating. Plenty of outposts are at the lakes to rent whatever you need to get on the water. 

Kayaking

Acres of water, miles upon miles of shoreline, and summer Upper Midwest weather beg kayakers to glide atop the lakes. Kayakers love the Mississippi Headwaters Area for its shores lined with pines and gentler waters. Miller Bay offers less boat traffic and a more idyllic vibe. The shoreline of Gull Lake is another favorite. 

Golfing

Get out of the water and onto the links. The Brainerd Lakes area’s rep as one of the Midwest’s golfing destinations means you can pick and choose courses to up your game, chill out with friends, or check it off your must-do course list. Notable clubs like Cragun’s Legacy Courses, Breezy Point Resort, and The Preserve at Grand View Lodge challenge your game and provide stunning natural vistas. Prefer a shorter game? Book a tee time at Grand View Lodge for three, nine-hole courses. 

What To Expect

Property Damage Waiver

Enjoy peace-of-mind with our incidental damage protection.

SkyRun includes a property damage protection waiver on each reservation. The damage waiver covers damage to the property up to $1,500 so long as the damage is accidental and reported to SkyRun prior to your departure. It does not cover damage that is willful, the result of negligence, or damaged caused by the misuse of household items. It also doesn’t cover unreported damage. SkyRun doesn’t charge our guests a refundable damage deposit in lieu of the waiver. Unlike a refundable damage deposit, the damage protection waiver is nonrefundable.

If during your rental of our property, you damage the real or personal property assigned to that property, SkyRun will cover the cost of repairs or the cost to replace the property up to an amount not to exceed $1,500. Should the cost of the damage exceed $1,500 or does not meet the criteria for a “covered loss”, and the property owner’s insurance policy also does not cover the loss, then you shall be responsible for the full amount of the damage which will be charged to the credit card on file. Coverage is provided to you and all travelling companions that are staying in the home overnight during your stay.

Coverage is not provided for loss due to:

  • Your intentional acts or gross negligence.
  • Any damage that occurs if you are in violation of the terms and conditions (including but not limited to having more than maximum occupancy or having a party).
  • Loss, theft or damage to any personal effects owned by you or brought on the covered stay by you.
  • Loss, theft or damage caused by any person other than you or your traveling companions with whom you share the property reservation unless substantiated by a police report.

Your Duties in the Event of Damage. You must:

  • Take all reasonable, necessary steps to protect the property and prevent further damage to it.
  • Report the loss in writing (email ok) prior to check-out to the SkyRun staff.
  • Provide us documentation such as pictures to substantiate the claim.

Travel Insurance

Nationwide® Travel Insurance protects your vacation investment against unforeseen events like a hurricane, sickness, injury, flight cancellation, job loss and much more.

Group coverage protects everyone in your traveling party for one low price.

Get a quote.

Check-In Instructions

Check-In:
Check-in is 4:00 p.m. CT.
Seven days prior to the arrival date, guests will receive an email that contains directions and access information for the property.
In most cases, guests will access a property via a lockbox or smart lock using an access code.
Early check-ins can be confirmed only on the day of arrival.

Check-Out:
Check-out is 11:00 a.m. CT.
Guests must depart the property by the check-out time unless a late checkout has been coordinated and confirmed with the SkyRun office.
Late check-outs must be coordinated directly with the SkyRun office no later than 9 a.m. on the day of departure. Please note that if we have an incoming guest we will not be able to accommodate a late checkout.
We ask that guests remove major trash from the unit, return the furniture to its original location, and load and run the dishwasher.

Parking:
Parking may be limited. The check-in instructions email will contain information regarding parking at your property.
Any parking fines assessed to your vehicles during your stay will be billed to you if they are billed to us. Parking fines can be significant.

Property Management You Can Trust

Owning a vacation rental shouldn’t be stressful. Let SkyRun ease your worries and increase your revenue with our vacation rental management solutions.

Why choose SkyRun? As a locally owned & operated business, our homeowners are not just a number to us, they’re our neighbors. But as a franchise, we have access to tools and tech that help you stay ahead of the game. That’s why thousands of second homeowners trust us with their properties.

Learn More

Over the years, we have had about a half dozen other management companies. Since working with SkyRun, we have had more rentals in two years than the other management companies combined over 10 years. They are great to work with!

KathySnowmass, CO

With SkyRun, we immediately felt respected as homeowners. We’ve owned in Ridgepoint for over 25 years. This is not our first rodeo, but it is our best one.

Ken & DianaBeaver Creek, CO

SkyRun’s staff has always treated my properties as if they were their own, and that’s such a comforting feeling. I’m very happy with the income stream generated through SkyRun’s property management!

KarenWondervu, CO

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Brainerd Lakes Frequently Asked Questions

SkyRun provides photos, maps, amenity details and reviews about the property you will be renting. Our staff has first-hand knowledge of each property, so don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions.

Our rentals come fully furnished including TVs, high-speed internet, linens and towels, a microwave, dishes, pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials. We sweat the details and provide starter supplies like shampoo, conditioner, tissues, paper towels, dishwasher detergent, soaps, trash bags, etc. We provide everything you expect from a fine hotel, and then some. Refer to individual listings to see more amenity information, and please contact us directly if you still have questions.

Yes! You are getting the guaranteed best rates on our rentals when you book direct. By booking with us instead of through a third party listing site like Airbnb or Vrbo, you avoid paying additional service fees and therefore will get the lowest rates possible on our rentals.

Travel insurance is an optional addition to your total rental charges. It is offered on our reservation form at the time of booking. It is also usually offered at the time of booking when you booked with a 3rd party booking site. You can also add travel insurance onto your reservation within 48 hours of booking with SkyRun. The cost of travel insurance varies and is usually between 7% - 9.5% of your total reservation cost depending on the coverage type. If you do not have travel insurance, you can not cancel your reservation for any reason. If you have travel insurance and need to cancel or make a claim refer to your specific policy. Ask us for more information about the travel insurance policies SkyRun offers.

You can rent any of our properties by booking directly on this website using a credit card or you can call to book a reservation if you would like to speak with a vacation planner. When you book, 1/3 of your total reservation cost or a minimum of $300 is charged as a non-refundable deposit to secure your rental. 30 days before your arrival, the remaining amount is due and becomes non-refundable if you need to cancel for any reason (see travel insurance above for exceptions). At this time, the credit card we have on file will be automatically charged for the balance.

You must be 25 years old to rent. No smoking and no pets (unless specifically designated as pet-friendly) are allowed in the rentals. No parties where more than the number of people the property sleeps are allowed in the rental at any time. As in your own home, renters are of course subject to citations for noise violations, etc, handed down by public officials. Remember you are staying as a guest in someone's home, where much investment has been made to make your stay enjoyable; please treat all private property with the respect it deserves.

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