Gull Lake doesn’t really have an off-season — it just changes clothes. Whatever time of year brings you to Nisswa, Minnesota, there’s a version of the Northwoods waiting for you, and Gull Lake Motel puts you close to all of it.
Summer: Long Days on the Water
Summer is peak season here for good reason. Long daylight hours mean plenty of time on Gull Lake itself — swimming, boating, and fishing from morning until the sun finally sets after 9 PM. Downtown Nisswa is at its liveliest, with the farmers market running, shop windows open, and patios full most evenings.
Fall: Color Without the Crowds
September and October bring a quieter version of the lake, with fall color spreading through the birch and maple stands around Gull Lake. It’s a favorite stretch for guests who want the scenery without the summer traffic — cooler mornings, golden afternoons, and easier tee times at the local courses.
Winter: Ice Fishing Country
Once the lake freezes, the Brainerd Lakes Area turns into one of Minnesota’s best-known ice fishing destinations. The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, held right on Gull Lake, draws thousands of anglers to the ice each January — one of the largest ice fishing tournaments in the world. Even outside tournament weekend, the lake stays busy with fish houses and locals who know where to drill.
Spring: The Quiet Season
Spring is the Northwoods at its most peaceful — ice-out on the lake, migratory birds returning, and a slower pace before summer’s rush. It’s a good stretch for guests who want a low-key stay, and often the best rates of the year.
Any Season, Same Home Base
Whatever season brings you here, you’ll come back each day to a clean, comfortable room with its own kitchenette at Gull Lake Motel — a quiet, wooded spot directly across from the lake, on the walking and biking path, and a short drive from everything Nisswa has to offer.
Check availability for your season of choice.
Photo: The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Gull Lake, by Lorie Shaull, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.