In the land of 10,000 lakes, some stand out more than others. Mille Lacs Lake, located about 90 miles north of Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers all the fishing, hiking, skiing and recreation you'll find on lesser lakes in the state -- it just does it bigger. At 128,000 acres, the lake leaves plenty of room for boating or setting up an ice shack and also boasts a rich native history worth exploring.
Fishing
- Smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye are the predominant species of fish in the lake. During the summer months, you can rent a fishing boat from any number of small fishing resorts circling the lake. In winter, a cozy fishing shack will protect you from the bitter winds while you put in your line. But first: be sure to get a fishing license from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
State Park Recreation
- Touching the southwest side of the lake is Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, home to many recreation opportunities. In warm weather, a system of short and long trails is a haven for hikers. In winter, the park becomes a draw for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The park also has a popular sledding hill that's adjacent to a warming hut which serves hot chocolate. There's also a beach for use during the warm summer months where you can swim or launch a canoe or kayak.
Golfing
- Golfing is another area attraction. Two golf courses near the lake are Izatys Resort in Onamia and Fiddlestix Golf Course in Isle. The courses, which typically have a drop-in option for visitors, offer golf cart rentals and food and drinks on site. Izatys, located on the south shore of the lake, also has a marina with access to Lake Mille Lacs and boat slips available for rent.
Native Offerings
- Just west of the lake is the Grand Casino Mille Lacs, operated by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe native people. The site offers card games, machine gaming and a regular schedule of live music and entertainment. Mille Lacs Indian Museum, just west of the lake along Highway 169, features artifacts and displays on native life and workshops for kids and adults in disciplines such as beading, basket making and harvesting maple syrup.
