Population (2010)
7,610
Introduction
Brainerd‘s next door neighbor, Baxter, has been around over a century but developed into a bedroom community in the latter half of the 20th century. It has a couple of places that might interest visitors.
Visitor Information
Direct your questions to the folks at Visit Brainerd (218.825.0410) or the Brainerd Lakes Chamber (800.450.2838). There’s also an information center at the rest area south of town on Highway 371.
History
Baxter was founded in 1904, named for Luther Loren Baxter, a lawyer for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Baxter was a small village for much of its existence, even after the entire township incorporated as a village in 1939. By the 1970s, though, new subdivisions were popping up like zits on a teen’s face. Baxter today is a bedroom community of residential subdivisions and strip malls and a lot of open space between them.
Exploring the Area
Mississippi River Overlook Park (6005 Oakdale Rd.; 218.454.5100) has an easy hiking trail through the woods that leads to the river and to a canoe landing.
**Baxter is covered in Road Tripping Along the Great River Road, Vol. 1. Click the link above for more. Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to.
Where to Eat and Drink
Enjoy a craft beer in the bright and spacious tasting room of Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter (15593 Edgewood Dr. N.; 218.270.8072). Guys can relieve themselves in urinals built from kegs–the cycle of (water) life, you know!
The Prairie Bay Grill (15115 Edgewood Dr.; 218.824.6444) emphasizes farm-to-table dining, buying most of their products from local growers. The menu is extensive, and includes creative sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, and gourmet entrées.
Where to Go Next
Next stop downriver: The Ripleys
Next stop upriver: Brainerd
Community-supported writing
If you like the content at the Mississippi Valley Traveler, please consider showing your support by making a one-time contribution or by subscribing through Patreon. Book sales don’t fully cover my costs, and I don’t have deep corporate pockets bankrolling my work. I’m a freelance writer bringing you stories about life along the Mississippi River. I need your help to keep this going. Every dollar you contribute makes it possible for me to continue sharing stories about America’s Greatest River!
©Dean Klinkenberg, 2024, 2021, 2018,2013,2011
