I adore when people share photos and stories of their surrounding area. It’s neat to read real life stories, and see real images of places I’m unfamiliar with. This gave me the idea to share some of my surrounding area.
I live in the beautiful Lake Country of mid-Minnesota. We are surrounded by many gorgeous lakes, rivers, and streams.
Let me introduce you to Breezy Point, MN. A little over 2,400 people call this place home (according to World Population Review 2022). This little city sits on the shores of Pelican Lake.
The “anchor” of this community is the Breezy Point Resort. Publishing giant and owner of Fawcett Publishing, “Captain Billy Fawcett”, built Breezy Point Resort in 1921. The Resort was visited in the Roaring 20’s by the rich and famous, and movie stars including Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Tom Mix and Jack Dempsey. When the village was incorporated in 1939, it had the name Pelican Lakes. But if I understand the history correctly, there was already a city named Pelican Lake in Minnesota. So, the city was renamed to Breezy Point in 1969.
The Breezy Point Resort sign sits at the bottom of the hill on one of the main roads coming into town. At this same intersection, are two gas stations – Pelican Square on the right also contains the Subway Sandwich fast food shop and car wash; and Breezy Point Ace Hardware on the left, a hardware store and gas station. There isn’t a plethora of shopping opportunities in Breezy Point, but usually any necessity can be found at the gas stations or the Resort. There are several towns nearby that offer unique shopping experiences.
The Resort has many amenities. There’s a convention center, three 18-hole golf courses, boat marina, four restaurants and bars, spa, rec center, and approximately 250 rental units ranging from hotel rooms, suites, condos, and multiple bedroom cabins.
A few years ago, I temporarily worked with the Breezy Point Resort in the Human Resources department. (My boss was amazing! She was in the process of transitioning careers, so we lost touch.) The Resort employed around 900 people at that time (with its partner properties). One of the most exciting experiences working at the resort was the influx of foreign exchange workers from around the world. In the summertime, the resort is filled with visitors, and the help of more workers is needed. I’m not sure if/how this exchange was maintained during the Covid years, or if this program still exists. More about the Resort and its history can be found here: https://breezypointresort.com/resort-history/
A lakeside view of one of the resort’s dining areas – Dockside.
If you’re interested in a lake tour, you can book a cruise on the Breezy Belle. The Breezy Belle is an authentic stern wheel paddleboat. She is propelled by two paddlewheels at the rear of the vessel. The Belle was designed and built in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard specifications for service on the Mississippi River. Belle is commanded by a licensed captain. https://breezybelle.com/
A late afternoon view of Pelican Lake from the City Swimming Beach.
Breezy Chapel is a gorgeous little chapel that just ‘feels special’. It’s in service from Memorial Day through Labor Day. I searched for more history, yet didn’t find much. This website tells us more about the connection to the Gloria Dey Lutheran Church in the next town over: https://www.gdlcpequot.org/brezzy-point-chapel
“About: Services for the chapel began at the Supper Club in Breezy Point in 1963. The beautiful log building was dedicated on September 6, 1964. Mr. and Mrs. (Ginny Simm) Don Eastvold, at that time owners of Breezy Point Lodge, donated the lots and the Captain Bill “Fawcett Steps” to the District.”
A small channel in front of the Breezy Point Chapel.
Breezy Point City Hall
This is the sign in front of Breezy Point City Hall. The old sign was recently updated to electric, and it is bright. It flashes notices all day long. More info on the sweet city of Breezy can be found here. https://www.cityofbreezypointmn.us/
Next to City Hall is the City Park. This is the first sign you’ll see as you drive into the parking lot. It contains a funny tale told by Paul Bunyan about how the place was almost named “Elmer Point”. As you can see from the next few photos, the park carries on the legend of Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan’s giant footprints.
Within the City Park is a playground, basketball court, softball field, volleyball area, pavilion, restrooms, paved walking trail, and more.
The basketball court is located behind the playground.
Fun xylophone music can be created here.
Walking trail surrounding the park.
Children playing a ball game in the distance. I didn’t get close enough to see what they were playing. The children were quite young, so I might guess T-ball?
A sign inside City Park gives a bit more information and lists donors. When the irises, lilies, and other flowers are in bloom, it’s a pretty site.
Directly across from Breezy Point City Hall is our Breezy Point Airport. If you’d like to fly in, here’s the information you’ll need to know: https://www.breezypointairport.com/ (In the background you can see the Breezy Point Ace Hardware store and gas station, and the red roof of Pelican Square gas station.)
The next few photos are a small view of one of the Funnest Local Events – Breezy Point Aviation Days! This event is completely free. Pilots fly in and let us look at their planes. There’s Classic Cars, food, a pilots and friends social, and opportunities to meet with people in a few local aviation fields – the Civil Air Patrol, Emergency Vehicles, Medi-Vac Helicopter, and a Military Aircraft Flyover. In 2021, over 1,000 people showed up to see 72 airplanes and 65 classic cars.
I’m ending this glimpse of Breezy Point with one of my favorite Peaceful locations. Some may find it unusual, but if one is seeking serenity this is the perfect place to find it.
The Pelican Woods Cemetery and Nature Trail is designed as a final resting place for those who love the woods and lakes encompassing Breezy Point. It holds both traditional and crematory burials.
In 2010, a natural berm at the entrance was created for additional privacy from the adjacent road. The Master Gardeners have done a wonderful job keeping the gardens gorgeous.
The road slowly winds around into the Woods. There are graves along the route, please be respectful here. A short ways in, there’s a thoughtful sculpture for the All Veteran’s Memorial, designed by local artist Jeff Kreitz. Dedication for the structure was held in 2013.
Further down the road and around the curve is the Shelter. Across from the shelter (not in the photo) is a structure for urn placement. Those whose final wish is to be cremated, can choose a spot in the Urn Structure. Their name is carved on the outside of their urn’s location. I chose not to photograph this as it would invade privacy. People being laid to rest here are most likely looking for the peace this place represents.
A soothing “water-feature” was completed in the fall of 2007 near the shelter area.
A Monarch Butterfly Release is held near the Shelter the 3rd Saturday of July each year. One summer, we attended with our grandbabies. Each person is carefully given a little packet with a butterfly to release. It was so spiritual to watch all those little butterflies flutter into the air.
Blossoms in Pelican Woods Cemetery and Nature Trail.
There are many images I didn’t include from the city of Breezy Point; gas stations, restaurants, bars, golf courses, the disc golf course, the ice arena (for hockey and skating), events, nightlife, and more.
These are just a few highlights I enjoy in the mid-Minnesota Lake Country, at Breezy Point.
Of All The Things I've Ever Dreamed 