Discover Isle: Lake, trails and history

Isle brings together a variety of vacation experiences: the shore and harbor, outdoor activities, and regional history. Isle Lakeview Park is on the lakeside of Main Street at 5th Avenue. Father Hennepin State Park, the Soo Line Trail, and the Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society Museum add more specific destinations. As you plan your trip, consider whether you’d prefer to spend your time by the water, on the trails, or exploring the region’s history.

Water, Harbor and Beach

Isle Lakeview Park is a notable landmark on the lakeshore. The harbor’s shape is also defined by an island: Malone Island, also called Great Island or Big Island, partially encloses Isle’s harbor and protects it during storms. These three names refer to the same island, which is also part of the harbor’s landscape. Father Hennepin State Park is at the west end of Main Street. Its large sandy beach is used for swimming, and the park also has two boat access points. This means the same state park offers both a beach and boat access, while Isle Lakeview Park marks another point on the lakeshore.

Trails for Different Outings

For hiking, Father Hennepin State Park offers 4.5 miles of trails. A different distance applies to the paved Soo Line Trail: it is 11 miles long, runs between Onamia and Isle, and is used for biking and hiking. The two figures therefore refer to different options: hiking trails in the state park and a paved trail between two towns. The Soo Line Trail is also used by off-road vehicles and snowmobiles. The abandoned Soo Line railway also runs through Isle. Together, these offer different ways to get active—from hiking trails in the state park to biking and walking on the paved trail, as well as its use by vehicles and snowmobiles. The locations and routes differ not only in length, but also in the activities mentioned for each.

History on Main Street

The Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society Museum presents the history of Mille Lacs Lake, the fur trade, the lumber industry, railroads, pioneer settlements, and agriculture. The Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society features permanent and changing exhibits at its museum on Main Street in Isle. The range of topics spans the history of the lake and regional industries, as well as settlement and agriculture. Permanent and changing displays offer different perspectives. The museum complements experiences on the water and trails with a look at the region’s cultural history.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

The attractions appeal to different interests: at the state park, beaches, boat access, and hiking trails come together; the Soo Line Trail combines biking and hiking with other specified uses; and the museum focuses on regional history. When looking for a vacation rental in Isle, you can start by asking yourself which of these aspects matters most for your trip. Would you rather plan around activities on the water, trails, or cultural history? These themes can help you shape your trip without making every day of your vacation the same.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Onamia, Milaca.

Back to the main travel overview: Mille Lacs.