Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge

Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge comprises two small islands in Mille Lacs Lake covering less than one hectare combined. The islands consist of boulder and gravel outcrops surrounded by clear lake water.

The federal government established this preservation area in 1915 to protect breeding grounds for multiple bird species in Minnesota. This protection reflects early conservation efforts focused on safeguarding habitat for waterbirds.

The islands serve as breeding sites for ring-billed gulls, herring gulls, and common terns that nest here in large numbers. These birds are part of the lake's living landscape and give the islands their ecological importance.

Access to the islands requires a boat, and visitors must keep a distance of about 90 meters from the shores. This distance protects the nesting birds from disturbance.

This refuge holds the distinction of being the smallest in the National Wildlife Refuge System of the United States. Its tiny size demonstrates how even small islands can provide critical habitat for important bird colonies.

Location: South Harbor Township

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/mille_lacs

GPS coordinates: 46.16610,-93.57670

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43