BAM is headed to central Minnesota August 21-24, 2025, with overnights in Pequot Lakes, Pine River and Emily – all part of the Brainerd Lakes Area – and Aitkin, an historic riverboat town. This area is a premier vacation destination and outdoor paradise, boasting more than 500 lakes and rivers as well as beautiful parks and forests.

Day 0 – Wednesday, Aug. 20: Pequot Lakes

Registration check-in begins late Wednesday afternoon in Pequot Lakes in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area. Surrounded by pristine lakes, world-class golf, towering pines and quaint restaurants and shopping, Pequot Lakes is one of the most picturesque cities in Minnesota. Stop at Bobber Park underneath the City’s historic “Bobber” water tower and visit Babe – Paul Bunyan’s Blue Ox, and Paul Bunyan’s lumberjack chair.
Arrive early or stay late to take in some of the many attractions in the area. Relax at a resort, spin your legs on the Paul Bunyan Trail, hit the links at one of the top-rated golf courses, relax at a local spa, refuel at area restaurants and breweries, shop at various boutique shops, ride a camel or take a train ride through the 10-acre Safari North Wildlife Park, go swimming, hiking or fishing and so much more.

Day 1 – Thursday, Aug. 21: Pequot Lakes – Pine River
64 miles, 2000 feet of climb

Let the fun begin!  Today’s ride takes us past glistening lakes, through dense forests and on the Paul Bunyan Trail with panoramas as big as Paul Bunyan himself.  Ride along Gull Lake en route to Nisswa, named Best Small Town in Minnesota.  Tour the Nisswa History Center and Museum which includes the historic Pioneer Village, Depot and Caboose where you’ll get a glimpse of a quieter, more peaceful–but hard working life at the turn of the century. Explore the Heritage Garden which is filled with native plants that come from local farms and gardens from over 75 years ago.  We’ll ride alongside Pelican Lake and meander through Breezy Point as we make our way to Pine River, birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail.  Enjoy the Lakes Area Bluegrass Festival which will be in full swing all afternoon and evening.  Admission included with your registration. 

Day 2 – Friday, August 22:  Pine River – Emily
63 miles, 1600 feet of climbing

Start your day off with a stop at the Pine River Bakery – voted #1 bakery in the Brainerd Lakes area! This hidden gem features a variety of delectable baked goods; you will be amazed at the impressive selection of donuts, pastries, and cookies at this old-fashioned bakery! Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, get ready for more ‘sweet’ riding as we weave around lakes and through the Crow Wing State Forest via the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and winding roads as we make our way to Crosslake. Stop at the Crosslake Historic Log Village, set in an era encompassing the late 1800s to the early 1900s, and explore the general store, livery, logger’s camp, tavern, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse and several log homesteads to see what life was like for Crosslake’s pioneers in more primitive times. Stop for ice cream at Lake Country Crafts & Cones, selling more ice cream than any other cone shop in Minnesota. Trying to decide which of the 36 flavors to get will be no easy task. Will it be Barking Pretzel, Lake Effect Pothole, Bourbon Pecan, Lemon Bar, Strawberry Rhubarb or ?

Our host town for the evening is the friendly resort town of Emily offering a unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty from the many lakes and forests in the area. Relax at the campground amongst towering pines, satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweets N’ Such with one of their 24 flavors of ice cream, grab a drink or bite to eat at a local restaurant, or play a game of pickleball (bring your paddle.)

Day 3 – Saturday, August 23: Emily – Aitkin
65 miles, 1600 feet of climbing

Today’s ride winds us around, you guessed it, MORE LAKES! There is no shortage of fabulous scenery on today’s route! We’ll follow the Mississippi River along a scenic forested road to Aitkin, our host town for the evening. Aitkin, an historic Mississippi riverboat town, dubs itself as ‘a river town with a beat’ and they will be ready to showcase their live music both downtown and on the campground’s Showboat Stage. Refueling options at cafes and diners are aplenty and within walking distance of our campground. Some of the options include malts, pizza, BBQ, deserts, coffee, and craft beer from Block North Brew Pub. There are several walking trails in town to stretch your legs. We will also have the opportunity to go fishing! Some of the guided tour fisherman in the area have offered to take groups boat fishing on the Mississippi River or shore fishing on the Ripple River (equipment included.)

Day 4 – Sunday, August 24:  Aitkin – Pequot Lakes
55 miles, 1500 feet of climbing

Our final day includes more lakeside riding and incredible scenic views as we ride along the Great River Road and Cuyuna Iron Range on our way to Merrifield. From there, we’ll weave our way to Nisswa via the Paul Bunyan Trail and winding roads, where we can get some ice cream to fuel us for the last leg of the tour. From there, it’s on to Pequot Lakes, the tour’s end. Showers will be available.

*Routes are subject to change based on construction in the area or finding hidden gems that we want to incorporate.