Quiet Adventures Near Mille Lacs: Paddling, Hiking, and Scenic Drives from Deer Lake Farmstead

Not every Mille Lacs getaway has to be about roaring engines and packed boat launches. From Deer Lake Farmstead, you’re perfectly placed for a different kind of trip—quiet mornings on calm water, shaded hikes, and easy scenic drives where the views do most of the talking.

Our small seasonal RV park sits on the south shore of non-motorized Deer Lake, just outside Malmo and within a short walk or golf cart ride of Malmo Bay on Mille Lacs. That means you can slip a kayak into still water at sunrise, head out for a hike or drive mid-day, and be back in your chair by the fire before the stars show up.

Paddling: From Glassy Deer Lake to Big-Water Views

Your easiest “adventure launch” is right outside your door. Deer Lake is non-motorized, so the mood is peaceful by design: loons calling, the occasional splash from a paddle, maybe a fishing bobber or two. Early and late in the day, the water often feels like glass—perfect for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

On calm days when you’re craving bigger horizons, Mille Lacs is just down the road. From Malmo Bay, you can:

• Paddle short stretches along the shoreline for wide-open sky and big-water views
• Hug the coast near access points to keep things mellow and close to shore

For more paddling and route ideas around the region (including bike and hike maps), the regional tourism site is a helpful starting point:
Lake Mille Lacs – Maps & Trails

You don’t have to turn it into a full expedition; it’s easy to fit a quiet paddle into a normal day at the lake.

Hiking: State Parks and Easy Trails Within a Short Drive

Two Minnesota state parks sit within a comfortable drive of Deer Lake Farmstead, and both offer quiet hikes, water views, and plenty of shade.

Father Hennepin State Park (Isle)
On the southeast shore of Mille Lacs, Father Hennepin State Park combines a sand beach, picnic areas, and several miles of hiking trails that weave through hardwood forest and along the lake’s edge. Short shoreline paths and easy loops give you big-lake views without a strenuous climb.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (Onamia)
A little farther around the lake, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park adds more forest and history. Trails range from short interpretive walks to longer loops, and the standout is the 100-foot fire tower—climb it for sweeping views of rolling forest and Mille Lacs Lake in the distance.

If you prefer something mostly flat, the Soo Line Trail is a great option. Between Onamia and Isle, there’s a paved stretch that’s ideal for relaxed bike rides or long walks, passing by forests, farmland, and wetlands. Both Father Hennepin and Kathio are accessible from the trail via low-traffic roads, making it easy to mix and match your day.

Scenic Drives: Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway and Local Loops

When you’re in the mood to explore without lacing up your boots, you’ve got an excellent option right outside Malmo: the Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway.

This roughly 68-mile loop circles Mille Lacs, linking towns like Garrison, Malmo, Isle, Wahkon, and Onamia. It’s paved, easy to drive in any vehicle, and typically takes about 1.5–2 hours without lots of stops—although stopping is half the fun. Along the way you’ll find:

• Long stretches of big-lake shoreline
• Access to both Father Hennepin and Mille Lacs Kathio state parks
• Small-town main streets, marinas, and overlooks
• Historic and cultural stops, including the Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post

To plan a loop or shorter out-and-back segments, these are great resources:

• Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway
• Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway – Explore Minnesota

On shorter days, many guests simply drive one segment of the loop—Malmo to Isle for a meal and back, or Malmo up to Garrison for a photo at the big walleye statue and a little window shopping. However you slice it, the combination of lake, forest, and small towns feels like classic Minnesota at a comfortable pace.

Quiet Days, Full Seasons

Put it all together and quiet adventures near Mille Lacs look something like this:

• A sunrise paddle on Deer Lake before your first cup of coffee is gone
• A shaded hike or tower climb at Mille Lacs Kathio, or a beach walk at Father Hennepin
• An afternoon drive along the Scenic Byway with a stop in Isle or Wahkon
• A slow evening back at your seasonal site, watching the sky change over the farm fields

You don’t have to chase a bucket list or “do it all” in one weekend. When Deer Lake Farmstead is your seasonal home base, you can spread these moments across a whole season—returning to favorite spots, trying new detours, and finding your own personal rhythms around the lake.

Ready to Make Deer Lake Your Quiet Adventure Base?

If this sounds like your style of lake time—calm water, uncrowded trails, easy drives, and a peaceful place to land at the end of the day—a seasonal site at Deer Lake Farmstead might be a good fit.

Take a look at our Seasonal RV Sites, Amenities, and Area Guide to get a feel for the park and the surrounding area. When you’re ready to talk through availability, seasonal details, or whether our quiet RV community near Mille Lacs matches what you’re looking for, we’re happy to chat.

You can contact Deer Lake Farmstead at 218-232-3060 or [email protected] to explore making our farm-and-lake setting your home base for quiet adventures near Mille Lacs.