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Visitors to the lakes region of central Minnesota, particularly those from Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, describe generically describe their excursion as "going up north." Travelers typically experience a sense of "up northness" as they pass beyond Brainerd and approach the picturesque city of Nisswa.

Leaving the corn, alfalfa and potato fields behind as they near Nisswa, travelers enter a world of crystalline lakes and lofty pines that murmur a gentle welcome common to this unique part of Minnesota.

The community of Nisswa, population about 2,000 and growing, stands as a gateway to the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota. Surrounded by more than 200 lakes within a 30-mile radius, Nisswa has always been a cordial host to lakes area residents and visitors, providing tasty food and comfortable lodging, and "pretty good" shopping for just about everything needed for the home, cabin or person.

While Nisswa is evolving, it remains true to what it has always been, a center of commercial activity for visitors and local residents. In the second half of the 18^th century, the area was heavily logged of its stands of white pine and other valuable timber. By the 1880's, the area was pretty well "logged over" and the logging companies began to pull out.

While the forest was temporarily gone, the lakes remained and the lumber companies left behind a rail line running to the Twin Cities. Also staying behind was Webster Whiting Brooks Hill of the Clough Bros. Logging Company who married Bessie Ruby Leigh in 1886. They established their home, the first in the area, near Nisswa Lake. Other families began to settle nearby. Smiley Township was founded in 1900. Local residents renamed the township Nisswa, from the Ojibwe word "nessawae" which roughly means "three," when the town was incorporated in 1908.

The Northern Pacific Railroad established regular passenger service to the Nisswa area during these early years, providing service for Twin Citians eager to partake of the area's beautiful lakes and outstanding fishing. The area's resort industry flourished, featuring some of the premier resorts in North America. Many are still in operation today.

Names like Cragun's, Madden's and Breezy Point attract visitors from all over the world.

Today, Nisswa bustles year-round providing the goods and services needed by visitors and area residents. The community is host to a bevy of festivals that brighten the scene all year long. Here is a sampling:

Ice Fishing

The festival action begins with the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Gull Lake held each year on the third weekend in January. The world's largest ice fishing contest provides thousand of anglers the chance to win cash and prizes. 

Winter Jubilee

The Nisswa Winter Jubilee in February offers a weekend of winter fun with snow sculptures, log splitting, a winter parade on Main Street and dancing to liven things up. An ice fishing contest is held on Nisswa Lake.

Scandinavian Festival

With about half the population of Nisswa tracing their heritage back to Norway and Sweden, the Nisswa Stamman Scandinavian Festival in June is a big event. The Stamman is one of the largest traditional Nordic music festivals in the Upper Midwest. Over 100 folk musicians from Scandinavia and the U.S. gather to perform and entertain.

Art Festival

The Majestic Pines Art Festival held in July is a juried festival that draws artists and crafters from the local area and around the Midwest. Artists set up all over town to share their talents.

City of Lights

The holiday season is celebrated in grand fashion in Nisswa. Each year, all merchants in downtown Nisswa adorn their facades with thousands of lights. On the day after Thanksgiving, a special festival is held to turn on the lights all at once. The cityscape blazes into the night as fireworks explode over the heads in a spectacular display. The afternoon begins with horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, hot cider and much more.

There is plenty to do all year long in the Nisswa area. Golfers, for example, can accept the challenges offered by 450 holes of golf in the Nisswa lakes area. Area courses range from first time players courses to some designed by such luminaries as Robert Trent Jones and Arnold Palmer.

Bikers and hikers in summer and cross-country skiers and snowmobilers in winter can enjoy the Paul Bunyan State Trail that runs right through downtown Nisswa. The Paul Bunyan is one of the longest contiguous railroad bed conversion trails in the nation. Seventy miles of the trail from Baxter to Walker is paved.

Whether visitors shop out of need, or do it recreationally, the Nisswa area has numerous specialty and gift shops providing an appealing array of shopping options. Thankfully, parking is free.

As a vacation destination, or as a place to put down some roots next to the pines, cedars, oaks and maples, the Nisswa lakes area is hard to beat. Locals claim there is no place like Nisswa. Believe it.

Contributed by Frank Zaworski. Frank is a freelance writer based out of Menahga, MN.