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Visitor Info

Mille Lacs Lake is a place where you can share your love of the outdoors with family & friends. Relax at the Lake, tell some stories around the campfire and then watch the sun set. Let nature be your backdrop for meaningful quality time and make some new memories to cherish.

Photo Op

Stop for your Photo Op with the “Mean” Walleye, “Massive” Muskie, and newest fish in the bowl “Zilla”!

History

Learn about the history of the Mille Lacs Lake launch services.
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Visit millelacs.com for more Mille Lacs Lake area information!

Launch Boat

The Launch was called “Boat 1” and it was locally built. The boat had been used at Fisher’s Resort.

As homage to the boat, the resort and to the boat’s captain, the late Fred Knutson, “Fisher’s,” “F Knutson,” and “Boat 1” has been engraved on each of the propeller blades and the propeller from this boat was incorporated in to Zilla.

Zilla

The Zilla sculpture was fabricated by local metal artist and welder Jason Beamish. It’s more than 12 feet wide and is compromised of dozens of different metals and literally hundreds – if not thousands – of intricate pieces. According to Beamish, part of the fun of creating the poly-metallic fish was finding ways to incorporate multiple unique – and sometimes sentimental – elements from the local area into its design. Many fishing lures were donated by local fishing guide Gene Miller, and even Beamish’s children contributed their own offerings.

 

Two most unique items that were welded into the piece are a fishing harpoon and propeller.

Steve’s great-grandfather hand-forged the harpoon. Beamish coated the harpoon in silicon bronze so that it would stand out as many of the steel components rust over the years to come. The propeller is off of the launch boat out front.

Every time you look at this sculpture you’ll find something different. There are so many intricacies.

The fish is a reflection of the careful nuance Beamish brought to the project, and every element has a visual function that helps bring the piece to life. The fish’s teeth are made of expanded aluminum, which Beamish welded together and then hydraulically inflated to make three dimensional. The eye of the fish is made from hundreds of dimes, and if you look closely, many small Minnesota and Mille Lacs Lake cutouts are peppered throughout.

Area Things To Do

ATVing

Riders of all levels will enjoy the ATV trails in our area. The Soo Line Trail stretches over 100 miles. Experience the Red Top Loop – rugged terrain, peaceful woods, picnic area and so much more!

Biking & Hiking

Hike, Bike, Walk or Roll through the forests, farmland and wetlands which surround the resort. The Soo Line Trail is 18 miles of paved path perfect for biking and skating. Bike and/or hike the state parks or the wildlife management area.

Bird & Wildlife Watching

Our area is home to a myriad of birds & mammals, including hawks, eagles, loons, migrating swans, pileated woodpeckers, numerous songbirds, owls, beaver, otter, raccoons, mink and deer, just to name a few.

Golfing

Try one or all three golf courses in the area – Fiddlestix, Izatys and Northwood Hills. Or, try Micro Putt Golf right here at Portside Bait & Liquor.

Hunting

Hunters seeking waterfowl and Canadian geese, ruffed grouse and woodcock, as well as whitetail deer and bear find great rewards.

Snowmobiling

You’ll find a snowmobiling wonderland with over 500 miles of trails that criss-cross and interconnect with other parts of the state. Local snowmobile clubs groom hundreds of miles of trails each year. Ride the Soo Line Trail from Genola to Duluth. Both state parks have trails as well.

State Parks

Enjoy the presence of two extraordinary state parks and the many recreational and educational services provided. Father Hennepin State Park entrance lies on the West edge of the City of Isle. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located on Highway 169 on the southwest side of the lake

Other Things To Do

  • Cruise the Scenic Byway.
  • Visit surrounding communities.
  • Spend at specialty shops.
  • Cross country ski and snowshoe in the State Parks.
  • View the brilliance of autumn on foot, bike or car.
  • Visit area Museums.
  • Of course, there’s FISHING!
Selling Live Bait & Tackle

For Over 36 Years

Portside Bait & Liquor

42099 State Hwy 47
Isle, MN 56342

Contact Info

(320) 676-3811
steve@johnsonsportside.com

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