General Info
In 1855 the Mille Lacs Lake Indian Reservation was established by treaty that set aside 61,000 acres for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Within two years, Mille Lacs County was established from parts of Benton and Isanti Counties and townships were organized in 1858. The name Mille Lacs is French for “thousand lakes,” and the community of Milaca was selected as the county seat. As the railroad was constructed the area began to develop and settlers began to arrive to stake land claims. In 1900 the population of Mille Lacs County had reached 8,066 and the area continued to grow with the development of highways and businesses. Mille Lacs Lake, spanning over 200 square miles, has since become a popular destination for recreational enthusiasts as it is the second largest lake in Minnesota. Today Mille Lacs County is home to approximately 26,383 residents.
