Isle, Minnesota was founded over 110 years ago on the southeast shore of Lake Mille Lacs and has kept its small-town appeal with a population of just over 800 people. The town was first created by a lumber tycoon for its large stands of white oaks but slowly earned a reputation as a resort town due to its status as “The Walleye Capital of the World.” Isle is located 1 ½ hours north of the Twin Cities, which in most vehicles is less than a tank of gas, making it a great place for a weekend getaway. McQuoid’s Inn is situated a short quarter-mile north of town, making it an easy and convenient run for anything you may have forgotten at home.
Downtown Isle is just a couple of blocks from McQuoid’s Inn, and offers a variety of stores and services for your convenience. Our local grocery store, Teal’s Market, features a small bakery, deli section, florist, a good selection of meats for your grill, frozen foods, and many of the extra toiletries and commodities you may need. Additionally, you can explore Isle Lakeview Park, Father Hennepin State Park, Isle Community Center, Isle Bowl and Pizza, Red Beard Lumber, and the Public Library. For dining and shopping, visit Goody’s Corner Café, One More Time thrift store, Isle Barber Shop, Smoke Vape Cigar Shop, Mille Lacs Day Spa and Salon, Isle Bay Salon, Deputy Registrar (DVS), Isle Outfitters, Hidden Beauty Studio, Timeless Trunk Gift Store, Isle Bakery, Beckham's Bar & Bistro, Snacks on Mille Lacs, Someday Isle, Unique Boutique, and Lake Life Energy Drinks.
For your practical needs, there are plenty of service locations including Mille Lacs Health System Clinic, Mille Lacs Health System Community Pharmacy, Post Office, Isle Muni, Boone's Fine Guns, Dollar General, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree, Smokin’ Mortars BBQ & Meats, Isle Automotive, Karels Hardware Hank, Maytag Laundromat, First National Bank, and Blaze Credit Union. With so many local businesses nearby, Isle can accommodate many of your needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Along with its basic stores, Isle has some great specialty shops. The Unique Boutique and Someday Isle are great place to find a Northwood’s treasure, gift, or souvenir. Most of these shops offer great holiday and seasonal items and gifts. The Snacks on Mille Lacs and Lake Life Energy Drinks are great stops for a heathy treat or for a latte and sandwich. Isle has a weekend Flea Market and Farmer’s Market during the summer and early fall months. Isle is also a short drive to other small towns in the area that have specialty shops as well. The Country Caboose Quilt Shop four miles south in Wahkon is a great example. Stop by our front desk and ask about some of these other towns in the area.
If you are looking for other outdoor adventures Isle has a city park, two state parks located nearby, three state forests and two wildlife management areas. The city park downtown has a large pirate ship playground that is state of the art with sound making devices and plenty of places to climb swing and slide. It has a great sand beach with plenty of area to go swimming. Isle is also home to Father Hennepin State Park. The park has hiking and biking trails, geocaching adventures, naturalist activities throughout the summer and a great view of the sun set. Father Hennepin is also one of the best places to find the Isle area’s famous albino deer. Just outside of Isle you can find Kathio State Park, located 20 miles away on the lake’s west side, it offers the same amenities as Father Hennepin state park, but is a larger and offers some extra such as horseback trails, canoe and boat rentals, a fire tower to climb, a hiking club and a naturalist center. These are great places to be wild, and get away from people without going any further north, hidden gems in central Minnesota!
Three miles south of McQuoid’s Inn on the south shore of Lake Mille Lacs, Fiddlestix Golf Course is a par 71 championship course that spans 6,250 yards of scenic terrain.
This Central Minnesota golf course gives the golfer a feeling not found anywhere else in the country. Fiddlestix Golf Course’s lush scenery will put golfers at ease while the fifteen lakes scattered throughout the course will challenge their decision making, creating a risk versus reward feel. Frequent wildlife sightings often provide great entertainment for golfers.
Located just a short half mile from McQuoid’s Inn, Boone’s Fine Guns offers something for all outdoor enthusiasts. Offering hunting rifles, hand guns, and collectibles. Ammunition, hunting, camping, and outdoor supplies. Indoor ranges and archery equipment and range. League nights with discounted ammunition, reloading supplies. Something for everyone. A must see stop if you’re int the area for anyone who enjoys the outdoors! Check out their Facebook page for more information and hours
Boone’s Fine GunsTrap-Skeet, Sporting Clays, Rifle-Pistol Range, Open Shooting, League Shooting, Firearm Safety, Training, Shooting, and Reloading Supplies.
Wealthwood Rod and Gum Club
Rolling Hills Arabians and Farm Tours is located 3 miles west of Mille Lacs Lake and the Grand Casino.
They offer:
Ogilvie Raceway is located approximately 2 miles east of Ogilvie on the south side of Highway 23. Ogilvie Raceway is 3/8 mile dirt oval track. Wissota classes include, Modifieds, Midwest Modifieds, Super Stock, Streetstocks & Mod Fours. Additionally they run a Hornet class with rules similar to other Speedway Hornet classes in the area.
The grandstand building consists of 7 VIP suites, including a sponsor’s suite and raceway administration booth. On the first level is the commons area, ticket sales and concessions area. There is reserved race side parking for people to view the race from turns 1 and 2 from their vehicles. Approximately 50 of these sites are available.
ogilvie racewayCome experience winter by dog team. A powerful team of Alaskan Huskies will quietly pull you and your loved one across the wintery landscape while snuggled neatly in the sled. The poetry of the dogs in motion blends with the scenic snowscape as you slowly drift by. For more adventure, you can ride the runners of the second sled, giving you the feeling of mushing your own dog team
Sled Dog Adventures
Located just west of Isle ( one mile south of McQuoid’s) on Hwy. 27, the 316-acre park offers camping, picnicking, swimming and hiking. This is a great spot to take in the lake’s fall color or view the famous white deer and migrating bird populations throughout the year. There is a clean swimming beach, public boat launch, fishing pier, snowmobile trails, and special nature programs that are given periodically throughout the year. Call for upcoming events: (320) 676-8763.
Located just west of Onamia on Hwy. 27, the fourth largest Minnesota State Park offers camping, picnicking, boat, canoe, ski and snowshoe rentals. Visit the interpretive center, a 100-foot observation tower. Enjoy groomed ski trails, snowmobile trails, and naturalist programs for families. There are also horse trails (bring your own horse).