Breezy Point is a resort town that offers fun throughout the year
The small city of Breezy Point is tucked in along the attractive lakeside environment of north-central Minnesota. This community of 2,800 was founded in the early 1920s as a resort community and more than 100 years later the Breezy Point Resort remains the economic anchor of a community that has grown into an appealing destination for visitors and residents alike. “It’s a community that is all about having fun. That is what we pride ourselves on,” says Payton Scott, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who grew up in Breezy Point and still liver there. “It’s ‘Minnesota Nice’ and small-town charm that provides a feeling of overwhelming comfort.”
A variety of homes provides increasing equity as more people move in
The community is known for single-family homes that hold their value. “A big thing about Breezy Point, specifically, is that it offers high equity outside the metro areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul,” Scott says. “More and more people are coming in, and we’re seeing that equity grow.” Homes come in a variety of sizes and styles, including Craftsman, ranch and contemporary. Many feature rustic designs. More than a few resemble log cabins. The diverse homes closer to the heart of the community are built on nice-sized lots in wooded neighborhoods. Other homes throughout the community are set back from country roads among mature trees. Waterfront homes are concentrated along Lakeview Drive. Condos and townhouses also can be found. Prices typically range from under $200,000 to more than $1 million. Scott estimates that it's an even split between full-time homeowners and seasonal residents, both of which can expect summers that are warm but not too hot. Full-timers know that snowy season typically runs from late October to late April.
Pelican lake is the center of activity; population swells in summer
Pelican Lake is the center of community activity for locals and vacationers. The recreational jewel of Breezy Point offers more than 8,000 acres for boaters, anglers and outdoors enthusiasts to explore. “Most of our business and activity takes place in the summer,” Scott says. “Our population nearly triples with people coming up from the cities to enjoy our atmosphere.” Scott adds that the summer swell contributes to seasonal employment opportunities for younger part-time residents at places like bars, golf courses and marinas. There is a public boat launch on the lake, and Breezy Point Marina offers boat rentals. Ponton boats are a common sight. Channel Park pier is a popular dockside fishing spot. The community also offers beach access and additional waterfront recreation on Ossawinnamakee Lake. City Park features traditional athletic amenities and children’s playscapes. Breezy Point Resort’s three 18-hole golf courses are open to the public. Breezy Point Sports Center features skating and hockey, and outdoor activity doesn’t stop when the temperature drop. “In the winter, we do a lot of snowmobiling and ice fishing,” Scott says.
Lakeside resort destinations open to the public
Dining options are concentrated along the County Road 11 corridor, which runs through the center of the community. Popular dockside destinations, which cater to locals and resort guests, can be found along Pelican Lake. There’s a hardware store and a pharmacy in the community, but the closest grocery store is in neighboring Pequot Lakes. Shopping centers and a wider variety of restaurants can be found in Brainerd.
Breezy Point Elementary is the district's top-rated school
The community is served by Pequot Lakes Public Schools, a district that earns a B from Niche. Eagle View Elementary in Breezy Point is the highest rated of the district’s three school, earning a B-plus. Nearby middle and high schools are B-rated.
Brainerd and its amenities are about 20 miles away
County Road 4 North, known as Red Pine Drive within the community, provides direct access to Brainerd, about 20 miles away. Breezy Point has a private airport, while the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport provides commercial service. The community also has a medical clinic, but Brainerd’s Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center is the closest hospital. In the winter, residents can ride snowmobiles to local destinations. “I have no plans of going anywhere else, because this place is so nice, from the people to the businesses to the landscape,” Scott says.
Written By
Matt Pallister
