Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway
Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway website
Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan
The Lake Mille Lacs 68-mile Scenic Byway is the state’s 22nd byway. The byway loops around Lake Mille Lacs and includes highways 169, 27, 18 and 47. Shakopee Lake Road, which is a county-owned road, is also part of the loop. It’s just 30 minutes from Brainerd and 90 miles north of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The scenic route includes many opportunities to learn about Minnesota’s natural beauty, rich history, culture and recreational opportunities. A partial list of the route’s attractions include: birding and wildlife viewing, the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post in Vineland, several historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp sites from the 1930s and 1940s, the nations smallest national wildlife refuge and two State Parks.
The Lake Mille Lacs area and it’s Byway offers something for everyone in the family. Whether you’re making a trip to Onamia, Isle, Wahkon, Malmo or Garrison to see the huge walleyes or the fall colors, picnicking in the two State Parks, hiking or biking the multi-use trails, cross-country skiing or just relaxing in a cozy resort, it’s a trip worth taking!
Byway Side Trips Driving the Byway is a great trip but it’s even better to spend some extra time exploring the communities, forests and parks that are located along or just a short distance off the trail. Take your exploration from a couple hours to a full day!
Keep an eye on the Scenic Byway Committee! They are looking forward to forming many new relationships and partnerships with the area and have many projects and enhancements in store. If you would like to be part of the Scenic Byway Committee, contact Nicole Klosner for information.
Enjoy your visit, watch for the signs and…“always take the scenic route.”