Local Fun Dives
Located just 12 miles from our Brainerd location near the towns of Crosby and Ironton, the Cuyuna Country State Recreational Area -is home to some of the best diving in the Midwest. This beautiful park with its crystal-clear water filled mines boast submerged mine shafts, building foundations, vehicles, road beds, forests, shear walls and depths of up to 530 feet. The mines have been stocked with trout, bass and northern pike. It's also not uncommon to see loons swimming by. The main attraction though would have to be the visibility which ranges from 30 to 60 feet.
The Minnesota School of Diving has created over 50 unique dive sites in the Cuyuna State Rec. Area - appropriate for all levels of experience. Our experienced staff of divemasters would love to show you some of their favorites. We sponsor group fun dives to the area up to three times a week in the summer. Divemasters can also be hired to lead you on individual dives. If you would rather go it alone, stop in the store for some suggestions and pick up some of our dive maps of the rec area. They describe what you'll see underwater at each of the different dive sites, and are the only ones that accurately depict the often confusing roads.
Fun dives are conducted in the Cuyuna State Rec. Area one weeknight and every Saturday per week from May through October (often two weeknights per week in July and August). Fun dives offer up a BBQ with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies, water and soda; half price on rental equipment; and (at least) two experienced MSD PADI Dive Masters for help and guidance.
Our fun dives were created for both the experienced diver and those who are either new to diving or have been out of the sport for some time. Experienced divers often appreciate the chance to get to some of the more obscure sites that fun dives afford, and the fact that they are commonly buddied up with experienced local divers - who can show them where all the cool stuff is. For those with less experience, a divemaster will be available underwater for guidance during the dive. Another will be on the surface for help with logistics, getting in and out of the water, and most importantly - manning the grill. Fun dives are also a great way for snorkelers to get in the action. Many of the best things to see are close to shore and easily visible from the surface.
MSD has created over 50 shore entry dive/snorkel sites in the Cuyuna Rec Area. Each of these has at least two directions and a multitude of depths in which divers can blow bubbles (Alstead South has 6 different directions available). With this in mind, you will appreciate our dive masters extensive knowledge and experiece in the "pits" and their ability to show you where to go and what to see. The exact site of each fun dive will be determined based on current dive conditions, number of participants and number of vehicles.
Cost: Diver / Snorkeler $20.00 (Includes transportation to/from the dive site based on first come, first serve and a BBQ after the dive - see details below)
Times:
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Weeknight Dives - meet at MSD Brainerd at 5:00 PM (4:30 if rental is needed). The van leaves at 5:30 PM sharp and returns by 9:00 PM. Weeknight dives in September meet at 4:30 PM (4:00 if rental is needed). The vans leave MSD at 5:00 PM sharp because of limited daylight.
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Saturday Dives - meet at MSD Brainerd by 11:00 AM (10:30 if rental is needed). The van leaves at 11:30 AM sharp and returns by 3:00 PM.
Other Things to Know:
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Please call MSD Brainerd (218-829-5953) or stop in at least a day in advance to sign up so we know who/what/where and how much food to bring! We are unable to take email signups.
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Want to save some money? We offer Fun Dive Punch Cards! This card has 10 Fun Dive punches valued at $200.00, but is on sale at $150.00!
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Fun Dive cost includes a BBQ after the dive!
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Choice of 2 cheesy brats, 2 hamburgers, or 1 of each
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Chips, pop/water, and cookies are also provided.
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Any rental needed is 1/2 price on MSD Fun Dives - reserve your gear ASAP as it goes fast!
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Transportation to/from the the dive site is first come, first serve, so come in or call MSD Brainerd to get your name on the van list!
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Experienced divemasters will be along to instruct, keep it safe, and to have fun!
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Don't have a dive buddy? Don't worry - we will find you one!
Questions?
Call MSD Brainerd at 218-829-5953!
