Mille Lacs Lake is the largest body of water in Aitkin County, even though less than half the lake falls in Aitkin County! A small sliver of the western shore calls Crow Wing County home with the southern remainder falling into Mille Lacs County. The lake is a magnet for migrant birds, both spring and fall. It’s during the autumn that Mille Lacs Lake is the most interesting as ducks, loons, gulls and other water birds visit the lake in often staggering numbers. Two State Parks are located on Mille Lacs Lake; both are good birding and hiking areas.

Birding Mille Lacs Lake can take all day. It’s best if you can time your visit to insure the sun is at your back (east shore in the AM, west shore in the PM). Access to the lake is tightly controlled. Many resorts and landings have allowed access to birders, a policy that could change at any time. Be respectful of resort guests and boaters using the landings. We begin our tour of the lake in the NE corner at Malmo going counter-clockwise around the lake. As food, gas and lodging are never more than a few miles away, we have not indicated their presence in this account.

1. Malmo. West on State Highway 18, south on 220th Street to Malmo Memorial Park and picnic area, continue along the road to the Malmo Public Access. Spring wildflowers are abundant in the woodlands along the frontage road. Scan the lake for gulls, terns, waterfowl and the woodlands for passerines. Follow 325th Ave back to Highway 18.

2. Glen-Malmo Lion’s Club Marina and bridge on Malmo Bay. The Mille Lacs Meadow, a large expanse of grassland on the north side of the highway is home to Sedge Wren, Swamp and LeConte’s Sparrows and Red-winged Blackbird.

3. Carlsona Beach Resort. An elevated overlook from the parking area allows fine views of the lake.

4. Reddy Creek Beach. This stretch of sandy beach near Wealthwood is home to a State Aquatic Management Area. During low water levels, the shoreline is good for a variety of migrating shorebirds. Willet, Sanderling and Ruddy Turnstone have all been seen here. Gulls roost on the sand spits.

5. Barnacles Bar, Restaurant and Campground welcomes birders. View the lake from the boat landing; be sure to check out the creek and shoreline. Gulls roost on a rock breakwater at the marina entrance. Be careful not to park in the driveways of the RV campers.

6. Red Door Motel and Resort has a boat ramp and access to the lake.

7. Wealthwood Township Road 49 winds through a residential area with bird feeders, fruit trees and wooded areas, which teem with birds during migration. We’ve recorded more than 20 species of warblers here. There are few lake views.

8. Doc’s Harbor, marina and RV campground has views of the lake.