Exploring Nisswa, Minnesota [PHOTOS / VIDEO]

Whenever we have family in town, we love to jump in the truck and take them exploring "up north." One of our all-time favorite cities to visit is Nisswa. Its a little over an hour drive from the St. Cloud metro and located just north of Brainerd / Baxter.

Nisswa is located in Crow Wing County near Gull Lake. This city is a tourist destination with many unique stores including Stonehouse Coffee, a coffee shop that actually roasts its beans in the store, and The Chocolate Ox (my favorite). You can also grab a bite at the world famous Rafferty's Pizza (try the pepperoni pizza...its tasty).

The former Northern Pacific Railway depot in Nisswa now serves as a historical museum. The railroad right-of-way is now the Paul Bunyan Trail (bring the bikes or roller blades and take a ride down the trail...its beautiful).

After you hit all the cute and unique shops in the square, visit Pioneer Village part of the Nisswa Area Historical Society.

For more information visit both the city and chamber websites. Click here for a list of things to do / see while visiting Nisswa.

If you read the plaque below, it gives you a brief history of the city.