132,500 Acres of Family-Sized Vacation

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. You’ll also discover miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, or ATVs—and even two state parks. Check out all the fun on the big lake in the heart of the Midwest!

Four trophy fish. One lake.
Where else do you have the ability to catch four monster fish of different species? Many lakes brag about one or two big fish species, but Minnesota’s Lake Mille Lacs has the Fantastic Four—huge smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, and walleye. With plenty of room to grow in this 132,500-acre lake, the fish are there for the taking. Expert angler or not, there’s something for everyone on Lake Mille Lacs.

ATV Adventures
Head your ATV down Lake Mille Lacs’ ultimate, trail-riding experience—twisting routes deep into the woods, technical terrain, the Red Top, and the Soo Line connecting trail. Whether you’re solo or with a group, you’ll be on Minnesota’s largest network of ATV/UTV trails.

Kayaking and Canoeing
Launch your kayak or canoe at the mouth of the Rum River, which begins on Lake Mille Lacs. The Rum includes wild, scenic, and recreational segments—diverse challenges for those with varying canoe and kayak skill levels. Water levels are usually just right for paddling the Rum, even featuring Class I to Class II rapids throughout the summer to keep you on your toes. Since the Rum passes through Mille Lacs Kathio State Park and the Rum River State Forest, camping is another adventure option. As an added value, the Rum River features slot-free walleye fishing.

Great Motorcycle Rides
Pack up the motorcycles and head to Lake Mille Lacs for great rides. The big lake is encircled by 75 miles of winding, scenic roads with friendly towns, events, and places to explore along the way. From spring’s first green to fall’s last color blast, the local highways and byways bring adventure.

Surf and Turf!
When it comes to kiting, it doesn’t get much better. The large lake size combined with the mighty winds of Mille Lacs brings kiteboarding and kite surfing enthusiasts here from across the country. Steady winds, multiple public access points on each side of the lake, and a sandy lake bottom make Lake Mille Lacs one of the best kite surfing destinations in the Midwest. When the wind isn’t right for kiteboarding, get out the bicycles and shred the red dirt on Cuyuna’s 30 miles of world-class mountain bike trails. Just minutes away, it’s recognized as one of the world’s 20 best destinations for mountain biking. The Lake Mille Lacs area has miles of trails for casual cyclists, too.

Shop, drop, and roll!
The communities around Lake Mille Lacs exemplify small-town living at its best—and that also goes for the shopping! Pick up Lake Mille Lacs-themed apparel at eclectic shops or discover authentic American Indian handiwork at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. And when you’re ready to roll, Grand Casino Mille Lacs has plenty of state-of-the-art gaming and big-name entertainment.

Golf Galore
From the green-up of spring through the brilliant fall color season, Fiddlestix, Izaty’s, and Northwood Hills golf courses have something for everyone. Not a golfer? Try out the fun new games of foot golf or Fling golf. And after you enjoy a round or two, check out the pro shop or relax with a great meal and beverages at the clubhouse.

Sand and water. As far as the eye can see.
Father Hennepin State Park’s king-size beach stretches out like an inland ocean with water as far as the eye can see. Sun on your face, waves lapping the shore, and sand in your shorts—it’s your beach home away from home.

Kathio has a Paul Bunyan Point-of-View
Mille Lacs Kathio is one of Minnesota’s iconic state parks. Climb a 100-foot observation tower to see Lake Mille Lacs as Paul Bunyan did. You’ll be breathless from the exercise, then speechless from the amazing view. After descending the stairs, explore the park on more than 30 miles of trails.

Fuel your fun
Fill up on food and fun served with a bottomless helping of hometown hospitality. Enjoy offerings from prime rib or BBQ ribs, to buffets or hearty burgers and pizza—even organic and gluten-free. Sip tasty drink specials and kick back and enjoy a fun meat raffle, karaoke, or live music—even bingo. Food and fun go together at Lake Mille Lacs!