Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake – Garrison MN , Isle MN, McGregor MN
With stunning scenery, a plethora of outdoor activities, and a variety of festivals and events in the surrounding communities, Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota’s second largest lake, is an ideal destination for family fun and relaxation. The lake itself is approximately 200 square miles of fishing paradise. Nature lovers will delight in the countless outdoor activities, regardless of season, temperature or weather. From antique shopping to casino gaming, the cities and communities surrounding the lake are sure to offer something for every member of your family or traveling party. So come on up to Mille Lacs Lake to enjoy the splendor of nature combined with all of the comforts of modern vacationing.
Located in the richly beautiful Northwoods of north central Minnesota, Mille Lacs Lake spans the counties of Crow Wing, Aitkin and Mille Lacs. Approximately 500 years ago, the Mille Lacs band of the Ojibwe tribe began migrating into this area of north central Minnesota. As a result of the seemingly endless supply of lumber and natural resources, European settlers began flocking to the Mille Lacs Lake area in droves in the latter half of the 19th century. Infected by unfamiliar diseases and displaced by these new inhabitants, the impoverished Mille Lacs band numbered only a few hundred by the end of the 1800’s. With the establishment of the Grand Casino Mille Lacs and other area resorts, the Mille Lacs band was strengthened by the influx of tourism revenues. As a result, the rich cultural heritage of the Mille Lacs band of Indians lives on today.
Surrounding Mille Lacs Lake are eight charming cities and communities all brimming with Northwoods hospitality and charm. Along the southeast shore of the lake lies the community of Wahkon. With its establishment in 1885, Wahkon is the oldest community of the Mille Lacs Lake area. To the east of Wahkon lies the city of Isle. Isle features a wide variety of resorts, restaurants, attractions and shopping. On the opposite side of the lake lies the city of Garrison, a fishing mecca since the late 19th century. In Garrison, MN, fishing guides and lake tours will assist you in your quest for the perfect fishing vacation. Shoppers will delight in the antique and gifts shops along the streets of downtown Garrison. Other area communities include Cove, Malmo and Wealthwood, which all feature unique gift shops, restaurants and lake access.
With eight surrounding cities and communities, the Mille Lacs Lake area is sure to offer the perfect accommodation choice as you plan your stay in this Minnesota Northwoods paradise. Families can choose from tent camping, RV sites, budget hotels and bed and breakfasts in local communities. For those seeking a bit of pampering, there are a variety of luxury hotels and resorts in the Mille Lacs Lake area. For longer stays, consider purchasing a time-share or renting one of the gorgeous vacation homes located along the shores of the lake. Who knows? You may even find the perfect spot to permanently relocate along the shores of Mille Lacs Lake.
In the warmer months of the year, Mille Lacs Lake vacationers and locals alike can enjoy a kaleidoscope of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, boating, canoeing, all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) riding and golfing. Winter brings classic Northwoods pastimes such as snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling through the snow covered forests.
If fishing is your sport, Mille Lacs Lake is sure to please. With its large size and average depth between twenty and thirty-eight feet, Mille Lacs Lake is an ideal spawning ground for northern pike, muskie, small mouth bass, tullibee and jumbo perch. Mille Lacs Lake is actually one of the world’s best lakes for walleye fishing. In the summer, rent a boat and kick back as you fish on the gently rocking lake. If your visit occurs in the winter, don’t fret. Visitors can rent an ice house and experience the unparalleled ice fishing on Mille Lacs Lake.
Once you have taken the opportunity to sample to beauty of nature around the lake, be sure to check out the many historical sights of interest in and around Mille Lacs Lake. The Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post along the southwest shore of the lake offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Mille Lacs band of the Ojibwe tribe. Explore the museum as it traces the history of the tribe settling in northern Minnesota through artifacts and interactive exhibits. You may even be lucky enough to catch one of the demonstrations of Native American cooking, beadwork or basket weaving. Next to the museum, the restored trading post remains in operation today, selling traditional, handmade Indian crafts, food and gifts.
With its plethora of outdoor activities, resorts, attractions, dining and shopping, Mille Lacs Lake is truly your all season vacation destination. So check it out for your next vacation! You certainly will not be disappointed!
