Mille Lacs: Ojibwe History, Trails and Museums

The Soo Line Trail follows a former railroad corridor through Onamia, Wahkon and Isle. This is a concrete starting point for getting to know Mille Lacs through its towns, trails and history. There are also museums with different historical focuses and landscapes whose original vegetation has been documented.

History and Museums

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is connected with the history of the Dakota and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Those interested in the history of the region and its Indigenous communities can explore further thematic perspectives at the museums.

The Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post presents the history of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe through exhibits, objects, demonstrations and tours. In the “Four Seasons Room” at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum, life-size dioramas show traditional activities of Mille Lacs Band members throughout the seasons. The dioramas offer visitors a seasonal perspective on these activities; the other forms of exhibits present the history in different ways.

The Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society Museum covers the history of Mille Lacs Lake, as well as the fur trade, lumber industry, railroads, pioneer settlements and agriculture. Its subject matter ranges from economic activity and transportation to settlement and agricultural life. If you are planning a visit, confirm visitor hours before you travel.

Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Areas

The Soo Line Trail is used by off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles, subject to local rules and seasonal conditions. Between Onamia and Isle, the trail has about 11 miles of paved route. This approximate figure refers to the section between the two towns, not the entire trail. This distinguishes the route, which passes through several towns, from the more specifically defined paved section.

Another option is Mille Lacs County OHV Park, which has more than 5 miles of trails for beginners and advanced riders, as well as an area for more challenging riding skills. The park is normally open from sunrise to sunset, but closes during firearms deer season. When planning, consider both the level of difficulty you want and this seasonal closure. Check local rules and seasonal conditions for the Soo Line Trail, and take the OHV park’s closure into account when coordinating your activities.

Landscape and Directions

Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area is 90 miles north of the Twin Cities, near Onamia, in east-central Mille Lacs County and west-central Kanabec County. It can be reached via Mille Lacs County Road 20, which branches east off U.S. Highway 169, or via Minnesota Highway 47. Since road conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before your trip.

Another aspect of the landscape is the original vegetation of Father Hennepin State Park: it consisted of northern hardwood forests, with wetlands and pines along the lake. This historical reference adds a description of the original plant life to the information about trails and museums. Together, these details address different travel-planning questions: Which historical topics would you like to explore, which trail suits your plans, and which seasonal conditions should you take into account?

Discover more destinations: Isle, Milaca, Onamia, Todd County, St. Louis, Anoka, Otter Tail County, Chisago County.

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