151st Kentucky Derby | Lakes Style
- Camp Nisswa
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
And they're off...
The Kentucky Derby—America’s classiest excuse to wear a big hat and sip on a cocktail before 2 PM. The traditions run deep: the fast horses, the wild bets, the chance that your longshot “Wrong Turn Loony” might actually win. But just because we’re a few miles (okay, a few hundred) from Churchill Downs doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the action. Up here in the Nisswa Lakes Area, we do Derby Day our way—local drinks, great food, outrageous outfits, and community fun.
Here’s where you can saddle up for some Derby Day fun around the lakes:
Saturday May 3, 2025 | 151st Kentucky Derby
Derby Day at Jack Pine Brewery
Brainerd, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Starts at 12 PM
Jack Pine is turning into a little slice of Churchill Downs with their Derby Day celebration. Come dressed in your finest race-day fashion (you’ll even get $1 off drinks for dressing up), grab a Mint Julep Seltzer or Pecan Porter, and hang around for prize drawings and a live stream of the race between 6–7 PM. Caribbean Fusion food truck will be serving up the eats.
Kentucky Derby Party at Cragun’s Legacy Grill
Brainerd, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 3 PM–7 PM
Southern food. Derby cocktails. Hat contests. Stick horse races. Cragun’s Legacy Grill is doing it up right, with a ticketed party that includes fried chicken, burnt ends, sliders, Mint Juleps, and Kentucky Mules. You can even build your own Derby hat with The Traveling Art Pub from 1–3 PM. Tickets are $65 per person (or $60 for the hat workshop).
Kentucky Derby Party at The Woods
Brainerd, MN
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Starts at 3 PM
Expect virtual racing, live horse games, a hat contest, and plenty of drink specials. The Woods is throwing a fun and festive Derby party leading right up to race time at 6:57 PM. If you're looking for a crowd and a good time, this one should be on your radar.
2nd Annual Lake’s Tavern Kentucky Derby Party
Pequot Lakes, MN
Details: Coming Soon
Lake’s Tavern is bringing back their Derby Day bash for year two. Keep an eye out as more details roll in.
We’ll be adding more parties as we find them, so check back for updates.
And hey—if you’re feeling ambitious and want to make your own Mint Juleps at home, here’s the real deal:
The Authentic Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
Old Forester Mint Julep Recipe
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky
Boil sugar and water together for five minutes to make a simple syrup. Cool and add six to eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, fill a julep cup with crushed ice, add one tablespoon of the mint syrup and two ounces of Old Forester bourbon. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
It’s Derby time, Lakes Style. Cheers to big hats, big sips, and big wins.
Be Safe, Plan Ahead
Derby Day is a good time, but the best parties end with everyone home safe. If you're enjoying a few cocktails, be sure to plan a safe ride. Grab a designated driver, call a ride service, or set up a carpool ahead of time. A little planning goes a long way—keep the memories great and the roads safe.
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