Mille Lacs County, located in east central Minnesota, is a vibrant region with a diverse economic base, quality educational systems, and unparalleled natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Location
Our location is extraordinary. Located just an hour north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, a half hour east of St. Cloud, and two hours south of Duluth, residents and businesses have quick access to major metropolitan areas, as well as transportation and shipping hubs. U.S. Highway 169 runs north and south through the County, with the following Minnesota Highways running east and west:
- Highway 18
- Highway 23
- Highway 27
- Highway 47
- Highway 95
Our southern border is less than 30 miles from the interstate, and manufacturers can ship to surrounding states and Canada in 4.5 hours or less!
Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake, the second largest in Minnesota, comprises two-thirds of the northern boundary of the County. It serves as the head-waters to the Rum River, one of Minnesota’s six protected Wild and Scenic rivers. The Rum River, a recreational jewel, runs the full length of the County from north to south, passing through several of our communities.
Although this area is famous for Mille Lacs Lake, also known as the “Big Lake,” and its walleye fishing and tourism, there is more substance and depth to the area than that. Health care, manufacturing and hospitality lead the list of our industry sectors.
County
The County consists of 685 square miles (354,472.95 acres), of which 102 square miles are water. The County is divided into 17 townships, and there are eight cities/towns within the County as well as the Trust Lands of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians:
Find Qualified Workers