Make This the Summer You Remember on Your Minnesota Vacation

 

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. First, if you’re not familiar with the Mille Lacs area, you might think, “Geez, that sounds like a haul! All of that beauty and excitement and action-packed lake life–that has to be so far away.” URRNT! Wrong! This lakeside paradise is just under two hours from the Twin Cities. So, in the time it takes to binge 3 episodes of Abbott Elementary on Hulu–or 4 if you have the no ad plan–you’ll be there. Before you finish that (boring!) house project, you could be unpacking and sipping a cool beverage. Finish that 300-piece puzzle or travel to the lake to make unforgettable memories. Translation: the Mille Lacs area is ideal for a quick weekend trip or an extended summer getaway. Up here, you can fish, golf, shop, or sunbathe, making it an inviting hub for Minnesota vacation seekers to find it all: Adventure (awesome biking and hiking trails anyone?), small-town charm (no FOMO here, head out for live music on the patio), and a whole lot of relaxation. 

 

Explore the Best Outdoor Recreation in the Mille Lacs Area

 

Want a few specifics to add to your Fun Things to do Near Mille Lacs: Minnesota vacation itinerary?

 

The Soo Line Trail is one of the top ATV and biking trails in Minnesota. Have you heard the phrase, “It’s a true up-north thrill ride?” This trail is that. The Soo Line Trail is a year-round scenic trail that connects you with nature and invites exploration. It twists and turns through forests, wetlands, and farmland, providing you with the very best this area has to offer. Believe us when we say that when you close your eyes at night, this gorgeous landscape is what you’ll see. Is your idea of a next-level summer vacation to show some ATV trails in Minnesota who’s boss? How about shredding some tracks while mountain biking? The Soo Line Trail delivers all this excitement, with scenic views to match. Pack your water, your enthusiasm, and this handy resource so you can get where you want to go in no time!  https://www.traillink.com/trail/soo-line-trail-(southern-route)/ 

 

✦ Fun fact: This trail does so much more than lead you through miles and miles of adventure; it will also lead you to charming small towns for big-time fun.

 

Fill your summer bucket list with these other outdoor activities:

 

Fishing on Lake Mille Lacs — One of Minnesota’s premier fishing destinations, summer on Lake Mille Lacs isn’t complete without a scenic lake excursion to the mud flats, or a sunny stay on the dock watching your bobber disappear beneath the water.

  

Fun activities for the whole family — If you like swinging clubs and making a splash on vacation, you’re in luck! There’s a list a mile long of unique mini-golf courses, outdoor amusements, and water-friendly attractions in the Mille Lacs area. Some exciting specifics that come to mind are Lil Stix Mini Golf at Fiddlestix RV & Golf Resort, the huge giant air-filled bounce pillow at Appeldoorn’s Sunset Bay Resort, and a brand new pool for guests to enjoy at The Red Door Resort. 

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating on Mille Lacs Lake — Dip your toes into a variety of fun lake activities that will leave you sun-kissed and smiling from all of that memory-making. 

 

Hiking and bird watching at Father Hennepin State Park — Bird watching is the new black, and you’ll be able to fill your bird journal to the brim with all the amazing sightings waiting for you here. 

 

Gear Up for Summer Festivals and Events Around Mille Lacs

 

You’ve got your summer best on, the sun is shining (or it's just set on another amazing summer day), and the air is electric with community, music, and a buzz of summer energy echoing off the water… we’re talking about all the summer events near Mille Lacs. These family-friendly gatherings are just one of the many reasons why we love summer on the lake!  When it comes to festivals, Mille Lacs doesn’t mess around. 

 

COMING SOON!

 

Isle Days - July 11th - 13th. Catch some summer vibes at this annual festival on the lake. 

Garrison Play Days Tent Party - July 18th and 19th. Live music, fireworks, and loads of fun will be had at this crowd-pleasing event. 

Beachside Bonanza - July 26th. This beachy outdoor celebration will host over 70 vendors and live music… Exactly what you want in a summer party.   

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Traditional Powwow - August 15th - 17th. Join a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and community at the Mille Lacs 59th Annual Traditional Powwow. 

Rural Music Fest- August 22nd - 24th. This free gathering will include numerous bands, play areas, food trucks, and much more. A definite ‘must-do’ this summer! 

 

To plan your summer adventure, be sure to check out the local events calendar or the Mille Lacs Area Tourism website here https://millelacs.com/events. We know–there are so many things to do near Mille Lacs this summer, and so many unique experiences awaiting you,  it’ll be challenging to pick just a few. We’d say sorry about that, but honestly? We’re not. 

 

What You Need to Know to Plan Your Summer Mille Lacs Adventure

 

We aim to please, and that goes beyond offering exceptional experiences for you and your family to enjoy. Where do you stay? What’s there to eat? Heck, what do I even pack? Allow us to assist.

 

Stay: As you begin planning your next summer adventure, ask yourself, Do I want a cabin in the woods? An RV site? A busy resort with tons of family activities? A clean, relaxing hotel? A rustic campground for unlimited outdoor fun? You’ll find all of these options and so much more in the Mille Lacs area. 

 

Eat: You’ve booked your stay–now it’s time to map out what and where you’ll be feeding the crew. Because let’s be honest, great food is a big part of a great vacation. Are you planning on doing your own fish fry? Are you and the family happiest sitting at a local bar, greasy food and pull tabs in hand? Or is a scene backdrop what you’re looking for when you and the family sit back and refuel after a joy-filled day in the vacation zone? You know what we’re going to say… there’s just so much to choose from up here!

 

Bring: Packing the entire family for an extended time away can feel like a part-time job, and one you might not love. Let us help get you started!

 

Swimsuit

Sandals

Tennis shoes

Sunglasses

Cooler

A few favorite books

Flashlight

Sun hat

Binoculars (remember, bird watching!)

Sunscreen 

Bug spray

Fishing gear

Bike

Helmet 

ATV

Hydration pack

Daypack or backpack

Googles 

Gloves

 

Plan Your Minnesota Vacation Today

 

To make sure you get to experience the festivals and activities at the top of your list, be sure to BOOK EARLY! We don’t want you to miss a thing. We’re confident that you’re ready to lock in your summer Mille Lacs area adventure, and we’re so excited for you!