Mille Lacs Lake

Head to Mille Lacs, Minnesota's second-largest lake, if you're searching for a city vacation from the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. The Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is located on one of the lake's two tiny islands. As you look for local wildlife, including several bird species, you'll forget you're less than 100 miles from the city. Approximately 132,000 acres in size and spanning three counties (Mille Lacs, Crow Wing, and Aitkin), Mille Lacs is rather shallow, with a maximum depth of of around 40 feet.

In the summer, when Mille Lacs Lake is ideal for swimming, water skiing, and boating, multitudes converge there. One of the top fishing locations in the state due to the abundance of fish. Walleye, Muskie, Northern Pike, Bass, and Jumbo Perch are frequently caught by anglers. Ice fishing is a common pastime in this area in the winter.

Whatever the case, Mille Lacs offers a tranquil retreat into the Minnesota wilderness. Enjoy some time off the lake by going on a hike, a bike ride, or an ATV ride.

Location: Brainerd, MN