Families Have a Blast at Lake Mille Lacs

After checking in at your comfy resort, climb Mille Lacs Kathio State Park’s 100-foot observation tower for a family Christmas card selfie. (Pat yourselves on the back for scoring such a splendid photo opp.) Eat out. It’s a getaway—who wants to cook?

Saturday is all about adventure, whether fishing for bass or muskie, heading out on four-wheelers, hiking, biking, or enjoying a fall festival. Eat out again—including dessert. 

 
On Sunday, sit by the lake with coffee and take in the vivid fall colors. Do more adventure. And make plans to #livethelacslife again real soon.

The whole family can make memories and enjoy outdoor fun as you explore Minnesota together at Lake Mille Lacs. The fall colors are beginning to glow and there is a lot to discover. Set out on a horseback ride, take in a round of golf, or even have a blast at a local meat raffle. Here are the links to activities while planning your family’s fall weekend getaway to Mille Lacs:

Adventures Galore on your ATVs:
Load up the four-wheelers and check out the great ATV trails in the Lake Mille Lacs area. There are more than 300 miles of ATV trails just waiting for you and your family to explore. From trails following a scenic railroad grade to the thrilling ruggedness of rocks, dense forest, and marsh, there’s a challenge to fit any riding style on four-wheelers. Map out your adventure and be ready to ramp up your ride from easy-breezy to wild-and-woolly mud within a mile or two. Even better—they’re all open until November 1 so you won’t miss the peak colors of fall!

Don’t Miss the Fall Colors:
Be sure to soak in all the amazing views of the brilliant fall foliage. Here’s a map of our favorite “off-the-beaten-path” scenic drives with spectacular fall colors. You can even get a bird’s-eye, panoramic view of all the fall colors from Mille Lacs Kathio State Park’s 100-foot observation tower. Imagine your amazing family selfie with Mother Nature herself photo-bombing the family photo with an unbeatable backdrop. Lake Mille Lacs has many parks to choose from and they are all decked out in autumnal splendor just for you.

Bass Fishing Destination:
Mille Lacs has been ranked one of the top ten premier bass fishing lakes in the country by Bassmaster Magazine! Mille Lacs is a world-class, smallmouth bass fishery that brings in anglers from all across the nation.

Enjoy Hiking and Biking:
If a quieter adventure is your thing, visit the hiking and biking trails. The Mille Lacs Soo Line Trail links the Mille Lacs Kathio and Father Hennepin state parks and they have something for everyone. With 11 miles of side-by-side paved and gravel trails, you’ll enjoy hiking, biking, rollerblading, or just meandering and exploring.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum:
Visit the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post for a fun and educational look at the background of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Sign up to attend one of their signature events, such as kids’ crafts, or just stop in and experience the history and heritage of the culture. The 1930s restored trading post has a variety of authentic American Indian gifts crafted by Mille Lacs’ artisans.

Bring Your Appetites:
Enjoying the Great Outdoors of Lake Mille Lacs always means working up an appetite. What do you and your hungry crew crave? Whatever you’re hungry for, the Lake Mille Lacs dining establishments can deliver. From a homestyle cafe or family restaurant to a laid-back bar & grill or steakhouse—just bring your appetites and dig in. You will find buffets, steaks or juicy burgers, walleye, seafood, pasta, homemade pizza, and don’t forget to save room for decadent desserts.