lots of lake area but nothing to do unless you have a boat. Drove around half the lake and hardly ANY beach area or public places to enter the lake for swimming or sitting on the shore.
I spent a weekend fishing here with a friend who had a cabin on the lake. I was here in October, so the morning were cold on the lake, but once the sun came up it was warm. We spent our time catching Walleye. I had never been Walleye fishing, but I had a great time a caught a few Walleye. The lake is huge.
90 minutes from the Twin Cities, just zip down highway 169 and drive around the lake during peak fall leaves. The colors are eye-popping, and it makes a great day trip.
I ice fish up there and I always pretty much know I will always catch a fish might not be big but a great place to catch perch walleye and ellpout
So I'll admit it right away... We're a bit biased about Mille Lacs. We own a lake home on Mille Lacs just outside of Garrison. Great fishing with plenty of public/free boat launches (the one we prefer is just north of Terry's on 169).Great lake for water sports though note that the lake is large and water is on the colder side (we only swim in the lake during July/August). Great lake for kayaking though make sure you wear a life vest, and unless you are professionally trained it is best to stick along the perimeter of the lake.Lake is very clear and maximum depth is less than 50'. Water can get very rough with short notice so always be prepared.
This is a great get away just two hours north of the Twin Cities. The two state parks and casino along with numerous resorts and resturants make for a enjoyable weekend. The fishing can be good or just plan bad.
So many ways to enjoy this majestic lake. Driving along side on 169 gives you a view. Walking along gets you somewhat more in touch. Fishing is a great way for some. The reality is that this is a very beautiful, majestic place that has served thousands and thousands of people for food and recreation, for hundreds of years.
The way the ice fishing village is setled with its roads and cars it's a very special view for a southern and a incredible exprience for some one to makepass with your car over the frozen lake, arrive to a refuge, and fishing on the soil of "your home" it's an expericne that should be done by any person bellow parallel 35
Peaceful place with great fishing. The only thing that I didn't like was people move slow to take care of you. I loved my trip and would highly recommend it to anyone going.
If you love to windsurf or kitesurf, look no further! You have reached the MECHA of wind sports at Mille Lacs. If you like to fish, oh well...WINDSURF!