Boating At Lake Mille Lacs In Minnesota

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Lake Mille Lacs, located in central Minnesota, is the second-largest inland lake in the state, offering a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The lake's expansive shoreline and crystal-clear waters make it a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can explore over 200 square miles, dotted with picturesque islands and sandy beaches, providing a perfect setting for a day of cruising and relaxation.

Several marinas are situated along the shores of Lake Mille Lacs, providing essential services and amenities for boaters. Whether visitors need a place to dock their boats, fuel up, or stock up on supplies, the marinas cater to the needs of both local boaters and tourists.

Water sports are a major attraction on Lake Mille Lacs, with activities like water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing adding excitement and fun to a day on the lake. The calm and clear waters of the lake create an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts of all ages.

For those who don't have their own boats, Lake Mille Lacs offers rental boats for visitors to explore the lake and experience the thrill of fishing. Whether it's fishing boats for angling or pontoon boats for leisurely rides, rental options are available for various preferences and interests, making it convenient for anyone to enjoy the water.

Fishing is a significant draw for visitors to Lake Mille Lacs, as it is home to an abundance of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and muskie. Known for its exceptional fishing opportunities, the lake attracts anglers from far and wide, making it a renowned fishing destination in Minnesota.

The nearby cities of Garrison and Isle serve as convenient entry points to Lake Mille Lacs, providing accommodations, dining options, and other amenities for visitors. These charming towns offer a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to experience the local culture and hospitality.

The boating season on Lake Mille Lacs typically spans from spring to fall, giving visitors ample time to enjoy the lake's offerings and soak in its natural beauty. While camping is allowed on some of the lake's islands, camping enthusiasts can find additional options at nearby campgrounds for a serene and peaceful stay amidst the picturesque surroundings.

Boating, camping and fishing.

For year-round vacationing plus great boating and fishing, Lake Mille Lacs is an ideal destination. Kayaks, canoes, car-toppers, pleasure boats, pontoons and all types of fishing boats provide access to enjoy the outdoors here at Mille Lacs. There are plenty of campgrounds and lodging scattered around this 132,000-acre lake, in the northeast part of the state, at Garrison. Explore over 80 miles of shoreline while fishing, hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. There more than a half-dozen boat launch ramps and several marinas. Rental boats are available at numerous locations during the warmer season. Choose from a wide variety of cuisines at multiple restaurants located all around the lake. Plenty of markets, convenience stores and shopping areas are located at, or close by, the lake. This is a great place to fish for for bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, bowfin, muskie and pike, or bring the family for an extended stay. Fishing tackle, bait and supplies are also easily available in the area. Areas for fishing from the bank are plentiful at public access areas, campgrounds and parks.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Campground - 320 532-3523

Ogechie Campground - 320 532-3523

South Isle Family Campground - 320 676-8538

The Wharf Resort Campground - 320 676-3693

Pete's Retreat Family Campground & RV Park - 320 684-2020

Barnacles Resort & Campground - 218 678-3122

Sherwood Forest Campground - 218 678-2767

Shady Creek Resort Campground - 218) 330-1531

Doc's Harbor RV Park - 702 592-8499

Garrison Bay Resort RV Park - 320 692-4342

Mille Lacs Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Mille Lacs include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, bowfin, muskie and northern pike.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Black crappie Walleye Bluegill Green Sunfish Hybrid Sunfish Pumpkinseed Sunfish Rock Bass Yellow Perch Bowfin Muskie Northern pike