About Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1915 and is the smallest refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System at 0.57 acres. The refuge consists of two islands, Hennepin and Spirit, in Mille Lacs Lake that are covered with jumbled rock, boulders and gravel. Both islands are used by colonial nesting species, including ring-billed gulls, herring gulls, double-crested cormorants, American white pelicans and the state-threatened common tern. The two islands that make up Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge were set aside to provide a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. The refuge has been designated as a State Important Bird Area, as part of the larger Mille Lacs Important Bird Area, by the National Audubon Society. The refuge is closed to public access because it is a sensitive breeding area for a variety of colony-nesting birds. If you are boating on Mille Lacs Lake, please stay at least 100 yards offshore while fishing or observing wildlife from your watercraft. Minimizing human disturbance to the water birds that call the refuge home is a high priority.
How to Get There
Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is closed to public visitation. If you are boating on Mille Lacs Lake, please stay at least 100 yards offshore while fishing or observing wildlife from your watercraft. Minimizing human disturbance to the waterbirds that call the refuge home is a high priority.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4019) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge?
Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is closed to public visitation. If you are boating on Mille Lacs Lake, please stay at least 100 yards offshore while fishing or observing wildlife from your watercraft. Minimizing human disturbance to the waterbirds that call the refuge home is a high priority.
How do I contact Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 218-768-2402 or email: ricelake@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
