Lake Mille Lacs Blog

The Rural Music Fest 2025 in Isle, MN, offers a unique blend of uplifting music, community outreach, and family fun—all hosted in an alcohol free, safe, picturesque outdoor setting. Whether you're local or planning a Lake Mille Lacs weekend getaway, it’s a weekend worth marking on your calendar.

Each summer, the rhythmic beat of the drum echoes through the grounds of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, calling people together for an event that is both celebration and sacred ceremony—the Mille Lacs Pow Wow. More than a colorful display of dance and regalia, this gathering is a profound expression of cultural survival, spiritual renewal, and intergenerational storytelling.

Call them the dog days of summer, maybe even take a quick glance at the school supply list, but don’t you dare even think for one second that summer is over. There’s sun, there’s sand, and there are endless opportunities for fun and adventure. It’s a classic feel-good equation for a season to remember, so don’t start packing it in quite yet. Summer is still playing, and it’s the blockbuster hit on Lake Mille Lacs.

“Outside is where the real play begins.” “Nature’s playground is open all year round.” “Outside is the best playground there is.” We’ve all heard them, the expressions that chirp in our ears like a summer Swallow: Soak up the sun, let the outside in, and bask in the fresh air. When nature calls (no, not like that!), step onto the Soo Line Trail, your year-round outdoor playground. This scenic rail-to-trail pathway was formed in 1961 when the railroad was retired and state and local initiatives preserved it for public recreation. It stretches over 100 miles and offers outdoor play for trail lovers, Soo Line ATV riders, snowmobilers, horseback riders, hikers, bikers, and outdoor adventurers, and connects small towns, wetlands, forests, and historic rail features. On any given day of any given season, the Soo Line Minnesota trail offers fun and adventure for those who want to tap into all that invigorating air and revitalizing warmth everyone’s always talking about.

Mille Lacs Lake, known for its diverse fishery, is a hotspot for smallmouth bass fishing. To optimize your fishing experience, it’s essential to understand the best seasons for targeting these feisty fish.

The muskellunge is perhaps Minnesota’s most difficult fish to catch but oh what a fish it is. Known as the “fish of 10,000 casts,” Minnesota’s muskellunge can grow to 50 pounds or larger. An apex predator, the muskellunge is storied for its surprising strikes at the side of the boat and powerful line pulling runs. If you have never fished muskellunge before you should give it a try as Minnesota offers some of the best fishing for large muskellunge in America.

Sun’s out, gun’s out, and you don’t want to spend this hot, sunny, all-too-short favorite season just anywhere. You want to spend it at the Big Kahuna. The Holy Grail. The crown jewel. The GOAT of summer spots. Lucky for you, and we can say without any bias or embellishment that the Mille Lacs area is the top summer destination–and we’re going to tell you why.

You’ve run around all school year, making the lunches, planning the things, scheduling the activities, and driving the people. As the air warms and the grass greens, all signs point to the end of a busy, busy part of your year. Ah, summer, your routine-less, sleeping-in, no-homework-helping prize for a job well done. It’s time to relax, feel the stress lift from your shoulders, and soak in a bit more joy. You and the family deserve a Minnesota summer vacation like no other

Plan your Mille Lacs family vacation NOW, before family calendars fill up. This way it’s set in stone and you can focus on other things (besides looking forward to it) until the date approaches. Book your Minnesota getaway early, plan smart, and get ready for sun, sand, and enjoying the summer the way it’s meant to be–Living the Lacs Life!

This time of year, many of us start to think about getting our summer arms ready–tanned and toned and ready for sleeveless- but on Lake Mille Lacs, we’re warming up our casting arms because the spring fishing season is almost underway! For generations, the fishing opener in Minnesota has been more than just a weekend. On Mille Lacs Lake, it’s a homecoming. Families return year after year to relive memories and make new ones on these legendary waters

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota, Mille Lacs Lake is more than just a body of water; it’s a vibrant ecosystem teeming with outdoor adventures and natural beauty. The surrounding state parks offer a perfect blend of recreation, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Nestled along the serene shores of Mille Lacs Lake, Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort offers a perfect getaway for families, friends, and anyone looking to unwind in nature.

Whether you’re casting from a boat during the summer sun or dropping a line through the ice on a cold winter day, the lake promises unforgettable memories for anglers of all skill levels. So, grab your gear, plan your trip, and experience the unparalleled fishing that Mille Lacs Lake has to offer.

“We’re pleased to present a month-ish in review of catch and compete ice fishing tournaments and chilly thrills on Lake Mille Lacs. Which was your favorite? (and which are you bummed to have missed?) Psst… Don’t worry, there’s always next year.

Nitti Hunters Point Resort is a family-owned business that started in 1996 when George and Linda Nitti decided to sell Nitti Disposal in Inver Grove Heights and move north.

Camp Holiday has been in the Erickson family since 1979 with 3 generations working the resort and helping families make vacation memories.

Nobody’s timing is perfect all the time. Occasionally the fizz gets ahead of you and pours over, and every so often it feels like you’re stopped by every red light in existence. But now? Now is your time to stick the landing and experience the thrill of the (fish) hunt. To take the crisp, biting air deep into your lungs. To watch as the sun reflects off the lake’s shimmery glass-like surface. To ice fish on Lake Mille Lacs.

The Red Door Resort is a family-oriented vacation and fishing resort located on the north shore of the famous Lake Mille Lacs in north-central Minnesota.

For guidance in choosing where to fish, what to fish, and ice house fishing, look no further than Mille Lacs fishing guide, Brad Hawthorne.

Spring has finally arrived in the Lake Mille Lacs area! If you are planning a trip to the area this spring, there are a wide variety of activities to keep you busy during your stay.

Lake Mille Lacs is a short drive from everywhere, so pick up the kids after school and you’ll be there in no time. The whole family can make memories and enjoy outdoor fun as you explore Minnesota together at Mille Lacs.

The Mille Lacs Lake area in central Minnesota is conveniently located 90 miles north of the Twin Cities and is home to the “big” lake as well as many small surrounding lakes, quaint downtown areas, events, and community celebrations.

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for—ice fishing! From the popularity of the Mille Lacs fishing report, the big lake in the heart of the state has its own kind of winter magnetism.

There are more than 300 miles of premier ATV trails between the two counties in Mille Lacs, all connected, ranging in difficulty for beginners and families to more seasoned riders looking for an off-road adventure.

Keeping warm while ice fishing is next to impossible on some days unless you have a good shelter. Many “pop-up” tent-style shelters are available on the market, all of which have hefty price tags, but none equal the comfort of a home-built wooden shelter.

The Lake Mille Lacs 68-mile Scenic Byway is the state’s 22nd byway. The state’s byways comprise 2,948 miles of regionally outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, historic, or archaeological significant corridors.

Minnesota has more miles of paved rail-to-trail bikeways than any other state and the Mille Lacs Lake area is part of that system. With Spring just around the corner, it won’t be long before bikers hit the trails.

Fall in Minnesota - many call it the most beautiful time of year. It’s the brief window between summer’s glory and winter’s frost when leaves change to red, orange, and yellow, creating the most vibrant natural landscapes and backdrops.

Forget long car rides to far-off destinations. Make a weekend trip to Lake Mille Lacs, only 90 miles north of the Twin Cities. Plan an action-packed family weekend trip that leaves nothing but exhaustively happy people returning home on Sunday.

There’s a reason why Mille Lacs is known as a top fishing destination. Actually, there are a lot of reasons. From tournaments and accommodations to the big fish and diversity of species, Lake Mille Lacs has it all.

All four seasons—it’s why we love it here and why we bring the crew to Lake Mille Lacs all year around, and in the winter, the fun grabs on and takes you for a frosty ride. There is plenty of excitement for everyone in your group!

Nothing brings out the kid in all of us quite like winter. Since there are lots of things to do in Minnesota, Lake Mille Lacs is a great destination to bring families, friends, and fun together to #livethelacslife, winter-style.

Now that the kids are back in school, you start thinking about taking a little “me time.” You decide to put rush hour in the rearview mirror for a few days. It’s time for a kick-back-and-have-fun girlfriend weekend.

The summer is flying by so far! If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate the 4th with your family and friends, there’s no better place than the Lake Mille Lacs area!

Lake Mille Lacs in central Minnesota can create the best family vacations, on or off the water. You and your crew will enjoy group fishing launches, golf, beaches, and more!

Imagine launching your boat into a 132,500-plus acre world-class bass fishery. Lake Mille Lacs is one of the state’s largest lakes, and its bass also come trophy-size.