TV channels & antenna towers in Brainerd, Minnesota

Brainerd has 32 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CBS. About 5 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K16BQ-D, 3.0 miles to the SE.

Open Brainerd in the live finder

32TV transmitters within 70 miles

2networks over the air

3.0 mito the closest tower

13,371population

Network channels in Brainerd

Station	Channel	Distance	Point antenna	Est. signal	Licensed to
CBSKCCW-TVCBS	12	42 mi	343° NNW	Fair	Walker, MN
ABCKSAXABC	42	65 mi	226° SW	Weak	Alexandria, MN

Over-the-air TV in Brainerd

Brainerd is a city of about 13,400 people in Minnesota. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 32 licensed TV transmitters: 4 full-power, 19 low-power and 9 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 5 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 3 transmitters are within 25 miles, 3 between 25 and 45 miles, and 26 farther out.

The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 42 (KSAX) and CBS on channel 12 (KCCW-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KARE in Minneapolis, MN, 103 miles to the southeast. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KFTC in Bemidji, MN, 87 miles to the north. 2 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.

Which way to point your antenna in Brainerd

The main network towers around Brainerd are in different directions: ABC 226° SW (65 mi) and CBS 343° NNW (42 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

KSAX (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Brainerd. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Brainerd

The farthest main network tower for Brainerd is KSAX (ABC), 65 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.

K16BQ-D is only 3.0 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.

Other stations near Brainerd

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 30; see all in the finder.

Station	Distance	Point antenna	Est. signal	Licensed to
K16BQ-DTranslator	3.0 mi	146° SE	Strong	Brainerd, MN
K20NH-DTranslator	3.0 mi	146° SE	Good	Brainerd, MN
KAWBFull power	13 mi	290° WNW	Good	Brainerd, MN
K17FE-DTranslator	41 mi	273° W	Poor	Wadena, MN
K22NL-DLow power	43 mi	277° W	Poor	Wadena, MN
K20KW-DLow power	53 mi	200° SSW	Poor	Saint Cloud, MN
K35KH-DTranslator	54 mi	341° NNW	Poor	Walker, MN
K24KT-DTranslator	54 mi	341° NNW	Poor	Walker, MN
K21HX-DTranslator	54 mi	341° NNW	Poor	Walker, MN
K26PF-DLow power	55 mi	188° S	Poor	Saint Cloud, MN
K32FY-DTranslator	55 mi	316° NW	Poor	Park Rapids, MN
WCMN-LDLow power	56 mi	183° S	Poor	St. Cloud-Sartell, MN
KONCFull power	57 mi	195° SSW	Fair	Alexandria, MN
K16KM-DLow power	63 mi	333° NNW	Poor	Bemidji, MN
K33DB-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K22DV-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K30AF-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K18DG-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K14LZ-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K36KH-DTranslator	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K16CO-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K20AC-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K27KN-DTranslator	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K34AF-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN
K26CL-DLow power	67 mi	244° WSW	Poor	Alexandria, MN

How Brainerd compares with the rest of Minnesota

With 5 stations at fair strength or better, Brainerd ranks 299th of 371 places in Minnesota: fewer than the typical Minnesota town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 42 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.

33% of Minnesota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.

Setting up an antenna in Brainerd: step by step

Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
Point it toward 226° SW, the direction of KSAX (ABC), 65 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
Expect around 5 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is ABC in Brainerd, MN?

ABC is on channel 42 from KSAX, broadcasting from 65 miles SW of Brainerd. Estimated signal: weak.

What channel is CBS in Brainerd, MN?

CBS is on channel 12 from KCCW-TV, broadcasting from 42 miles NNW of Brainerd. Estimated signal: fair.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Brainerd?

32 transmitters within 70 miles of Brainerd; around 5 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.

Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Brainerd?

The main network towers around Brainerd are in different directions: ABC 226° SW (65 mi) and CBS 343° NNW (42 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

What kind of antenna do I need in Brainerd?

Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below. The towers are spread over about 117° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in Brainerd?

K16BQ-D is only 3.0 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.

Is there an app to find TV towers in Brainerd?

Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.

TV channels in nearby Minnesota cities

More: all TV stations in Minnesota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Brainerd; signal estimates ignore terrain.