Brainerd, MN Homes for Sale (131 Real Estate Listings)
Brainerd, MN Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $373K |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $3 |
| Highest Price | $5M |
| Total Listings | 267 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $208 |
Property Types (active listings)
As of October 11, 2025 there are 131 active Brainerd, MN real estate listings for sale with an average listing price of $454,015. The highest-priced property listing is $2,395,000, while the lowest priced property can be purchased for $60,000. Brainerd, MN homes for sale have an average price of $217 per square foot, based on listings with an average of 3.1 bedrooms, 2.2 bathrooms, and 2,212 square feet of living space.
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Brainerd, MN Real Estate & Homes For Sale
Brainerd is a city in Minnesota known for its lakes and rivers. The city is home to many businesses and industries, making it a great place to live and work. There are plenty of things to do in Brainerd, from hiking and camping in the great outdoors to shopping and dining in the city. Brainerd is worth considering if you're looking for a place to call home.
History of Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd is a city located in central Minnesota. The city has a long and exciting history, dating back to the early 1800s when European settlers first saw it. The area that is now Brainerd was formerly Ojibwe territory. Brainerd was first seen by European settlers on Christmas Day in 1805 when Zebulon Pike stopped there while searching for the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Crow Wing Village, a fur and logging community near Fort Ripley, brought settlers to the area in the mid-19th century.
In those early years, the relationship between the settlers and the Native Americans was fraught. The most famous example of this tenuous relationship was the "Blueberry War" of 1872. Two Ojibwe were hanged for allegedly murdering a missing girl. When a group of Ojibwe approached the town, troops from Fort Ripley were called to prevent a potential reprisal.
Brainerd was founded in 1870 by John Gregory Smith, the president of the Northern Pacific railroad. He named the township after his wife and father-in-law, Lawrence Brainerd. The company built a bridge over the Mississippi seven miles north of Crow Wing Village and used the Brainerd station as a machine and car shop. Brainerd was organized on March 6, 1873.
On January 11, 1876, the state legislature revoked Brainerd's charter for six years in reaction to the election of local handyman Thomas Lenihan as mayor instead of Judge C.B. Sleeper. Brainerd functioned as a township in the interim. The city was re-chartered on February 28, 1881.
In 1881, the railroad came to Brainerd, Minnesota, and the town began to expand with it. Lumber and paper mills were some of the first industries to be established in the area, but Brainerd remained primarily a railroad town for many years. In the 1920s, the railroad employed approximately 90% of Brainerd's residents. However, participation by Brainerd residents in a nationwide strike by railroad workers on July 1, 1922, left many people out of work and embittered towards the railroad.
Judge Sleeper was elected its first mayor on April 4 of that year. In 1912, W. B. Baxter was elected Minnesota's first socialist mayor and served from 1913 to 1915. His policies helped make Baxter Field (now Brainerd's current location) east of town the first municipal airport in Minnesota, which operated from 1929 until it closed in 2001.
On October 27, 1933, the First National Bank of Brainerd gained national attention when famous gangster Baby Face Nelson held it up. Although the robbery was relatively small in scale, it nonetheless brought notoriety to the town of Brainerd. In recent years, however, Brainerd has worked to shake off its reputation as a sleepy railroad town and become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. Thanks to its scenic location and thriving economy, Brainerd is once again a thriving community.
Demographics of Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd is a city in central Minnesota with about 15,000 people. The city is situated on the Mississippi River banks and surrounded by lakes and forests. Brainerd has a diverse population, with white, black, Hispanic, and Asian residents making up most of the population. The median household income in Brainerd is $50,000, and the median home value is $160,000. The city has a lower cost of living than many other parts of Minnesota, and its crime rate is below the national average. Brainerd is home to several schools, colleges, businesses, and cultural attractions. The city's economy is based on healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. Brainerd is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. Thanks for learning more about this beautiful community!
Things to do in Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd, Minnesota, is a beautiful lakeside city that offers plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. There are numerous hiking and biking trails and fishing and boating opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Paul Bunyan State Trail, one of the longest continuously paved trails in the country, runs through Brainerd and is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or walk. Golfers will also find plenty of options, with several championship courses in the area. In addition, Brainerd is home to many museums and historical sites, including the Crow Wing County Museum and the Northland Arboretum. Whatever your interests, you can find something to enjoy in Brainerd!
Events in Brainerd, Minnesota
You won't be disappointed if you're looking for things to do in Brainerd, Minnesota. This charming lakeside town is home to various events and activities. In the summer, enjoy days spent on the water at one of the many beaches or take a scenic hike through one of the area's many parks. For a taste of history, visit the Northland Arboretum or take a tour of the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site. And don't forget to check out the shops and restaurants downtown - there's something for everyone in Brainerd!
Parks in Brainerd, Minnesota
If you're looking for the best parks in Brainerd, Minnesota, look no further! The Brainerd Lakes Area parks are perfect for fishing, hiking, and hanging out with the family. Many Brainerd parks offer features such as event spaces and pavilions for weddings or family reunions, as well as RV camping if you have a weekend event. Fishing docks are available at most public parks, and boat launching can also be found at the park. Visit Lum Park in NE Brainerd to play Frisbee golf or the Kiwanis Park in South Brainerd and walk the trails alongside the Mississippi River. The Brainerd Community Gardens and Buster's Dog Park are also found in Kiwanis Park. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to one of the best parks in Minnesota today!
Schools in Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd Public Schools serves more than 6,700 students across 516 square miles in Cass, Crow Wing, and Morrison Counties. The district has six elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and three alternative programming sites. In 2014, all six of our elementary schools were awarded the National Blue Ribbon Award. Our mission is to provide all students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. We are committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Thanks for choosing Brainerd Public Schools!
Why Brainerd, Minnesota?
There are many great reasons to live in Brainerd, Minnesota. The city has a lower cost of living than many other parts of Minnesota, and its crime rate is below the national average. Brainerd is home to several schools, colleges, businesses, and cultural attractions. The city's economy is based on healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. Brainerd is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. Thanks for learning more about this beautiful community!