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10 Reasons to Visit Lake Mille Lacs

Lake Mille Lacs offers a variety of things to do no matter the season. So if you don’t get a chance to take your summer vacation, make your getaway plans today!

1. Hunting

If you’re an avid hunter, the Lake Mille Lacs area will provide you with great land to hunt white-tailed deer, ruffled grouse, black bear, and various duck species. The best places for hunting in the area are the Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area and the Aitkin Wildlife Management Area, which are home to 50 mammals and over 200 bird species. The hunting season in Minnesota starts in September and lasts all the way until the end of December, so you have plenty of chances to spend the weekend hunting in the great outdoors of Mille Lacs.

2. Hiking and Biking

Fall is also a great time to check out the many hiking and biking trails in the Lake Mille Lacs area. The newest trail in the area is the Mille Lacs Soo Line Trail which is 11 miles of side-by-side paved and gravel trail that is perfect for hiking, biking, rollerblading or just taking a leisurely stroll. This trail connects Mille Lacs Kathio and Father Hennepin State Parks.

3. Postcard-worthy views

The Lake Mille Lacs area offers beautiful fall colors each year. The peak season for viewing fall colors at Mille Lacs is from late September to early October. While the whole area offers amazing fall views, the views at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park are a must-see if you are visiting the area during the fall season. The park features a 100-foot observation tower where you can get the perfect view for that postcard-worthy picture.

4. Wine Tour and Horseback Riding

Take a tour of DeCorsa Vineyard and Farm Winery! The fresh air and beauty of the winery amid colorful fall leaves are just what you needed to settle into weekend mode. Wine not your speed? Try horseback riding at Rolling Hills Arabians & Farm Tours.

5. ATV Trails

At Mille Lacs, there are more than 300 miles of premier ATV trails, connected and ranging in difficulty for beginners and families to more seasoned riders looking for an off-road adventure. Check out the many trails located in the Mille Lacs area like the Soo Line South Trail, Red Top Trail, Foxy Trail, and the Ten Bruin and Adventure Loop.

6. Motorcycling

Pack up the motorcycles and head to Lake Mille Lacs for great rides. The big lake is encircled with 75 miles of winding, scenic roads with friendly towns, events, and places to explore along the way. The local highways and byways bring adventure, with fall’s beautiful color blast. Here are a few lakeside routes that are sure to be photo worthy - Father Hennepin State Park (Southeast side of lake), Twilight Road (Southwest side of the lake, off Highway 169), and Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (Southwest side of the lake).

7. 4th of July

The day of the 4th is the perfect time to spend the entire day out on Lake Mille Lacs fishing or just relaxing and enjoying the sunshine! The Mille Lacs area offers boat, jet ski, and canoe rentals to make the most out of your day on the lake. If you would rather stay on land, the lake has many sandy beaches to relax with a drink in your hand. No 4th of July is complete without fireworks! The city of Garrison has an excellent fireworks show beginning at dusk at Garrison Bay that shouldn’t be missed! Nothing’s better than a 4th of July spent in the Lake Mille Lacs area! Book your stay for the 4th of July weekend today!

8. Fishing

Everyone knows that fishing is one of the best things to do on Lake Mille Lacs! While the summer months are a great time to head out on the lake for a day of fishing, the fall is also the perfect time to catch your trophy walleye. The cooler temperatures in the fall make for great fishing conditions on the lake.

9. Dining

The cool fall nights are the perfect time to check out one of the restaurants in the Lake Mille Lacs area. The area offers something for everyone, with family restaurants, steak houses, small-town cafes, and even buffets.

10. Grand Casino

After a great meal, you can finish off the night by trying your luck at Grand Casino. As you can see, the Lake Mille Lacs area is a great family vacation destination no matter the season.

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