Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport – BRD Airport
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport is a primary commercial service airport located in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. Both the city and county own the airport. It is served by one commercial airline and is mostly used for general aviation purposes. As of 2010, the airport has handled 16,404 passenger boardings.
Best Time to Visit
BRD Airport sits on land measuring 2,597 acres and elevated up to 1,232 feet above mean sea level. It has two runways, both active and paved with concrete. The history of BRD dates back to the 1920s. Henry Rosko housed the first airfield in the region back then. Over time his airfield could not expand and so land was acquired in Brainerd and Crow Wing County was solicited as a partner. The first commercial service into Brainerd happened in 1948 with North Central Airlines. Today, Airmotive Enterprises is the airport’s FBO, offering charter plane services throughout the country. Also found in the airport is the Civil Air Patrol, North Memorial Air Care, Brainerd Helicopter Service, and even a full-service restaurant. Cities such as Atkin, Crosslake, and Garrison use the services offered by BRD.
What to Do & Area Attractions
While there aren’t as many hotels surrounding the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, there are many choices a few minutes’ drive away. The nearest is Econo Lodge in Brainerd. It’s only 17 minutes away and offers clean and spacious rooms. AmericInn by Wyndham, Baxter Brainerd is located in Baxter but is only 18 minutes away from the airport and is a beautiful option for families. Baymont by Wyndham Baxter/Brainerd Area is 21 minutes away but offers extended stay suites for those opting to stay long term.
St. Cloud Regional Airport is the nearest airport to BRD and is located in Sherburne County, Minnesota.
