WELCOME TO MILACA !
Recognized as the Gateway to the Northland , Milaca is located at the intersection of Highways 169 and 23 . As the county seat of Mille Lacs County , Milaca has a vibrant business district and a thriving industrial park .
Milaca ’ s Recreation Park was awarded Best Park in 2023 and 2024 by the local community . The many restaurants and bars , as well as the unique retail shops of Milaca offer the over 3,000 residents a variety of experiences to enjoy within the community .
Biking , hiking , skiing and running ! Whether you prefer an easy , relaxing ride or a more difficult path , the Milaca Trails have something to offer every skill level . This 12 + mile trail system is nestled within 200 acres of woods , hills and fields along the beautiful and scenic Rum River . An experience you won ’ t forget !
Milaca hosts the Rhythm of the Rum Parade each summer to the delight of crowd-lined streets waiting to see such favorites as the Milaca High School Marching Wolves , MHS Alumni Marching Band , as well as the creatively themed parade units that toss candy to the crowds . If you love a parade , you don ’ t want to miss this one ! Clocking in at three-plus hours long , the Rhythm of the Rum Parade is one of the largest in Central Minnesota and is held on Tuesday , June 24 , 2025 .
The American Legion and VFW in Milaca are both active , vibrant clubs offering a lot to veterans and the community . The area history museum sits in the center of Milaca within the former City Hall building , and it offers interesting historical displays , as well as staff members who will help you track down local history , genealogy and artifacts .
Summer isn ’ t summer without taking in the Bock 4th of July Parade , Fireworks in Pease and not to be forgotten Foreston Fun Days . Another wonderful event is RecFest , held the last weekend of July in the city ’ s most spacious park , Rec Park . Featuring live music throughout the weekend in our beautifully restored historic band shell , RecFest draws guests from near and far . Music in the Park is another warm-weather event held at Rec Park and hosted by the Milaca Arts Council , featuring a different band or musician performing Thursday evenings in the summer .
Milaca Arts Council and Milaca Senior Center share a space downtown where neighbors gather for fellowship and to support the local arts community . During the school year , the bustling Milaca Public Schools campus hosts activities nearly every evening , from sporting events to band and choir concerts to theater performances . With many of the amenities of a larger city , including a clinic and pharmacy , banks , auto services , faith communities , grocery store , convenience stores and family dining options , area residents have easy access to everyday needs and wants .
The rural setting , with its open country and the beautiful , meandering Rum River , provides both outdoor recreational opportunities as well as high quality of living , making living in and around Milaca a delight . With easy access to Highways 23 and 169 , the commute to St . Cloud , Elk River , and the Twin Cities is very reasonable . On the weekends , heading up to Mille Lacs Lake , the biggest and most popular fishing lake in the state , is a breeze .
From friendly people and cozy fireside seats in the library to picturesque settings and diverse recreation , Milaca offers something for everyone to discover and enjoy .
Find Milaca on the web at www . cityofmilaca . org or the area tourism website at discovermilaca . com .
Jan Jude Law
Offering a wide variety of legal services , including probate , family law , estate planning and many other areas of law .
Call or email to set up a FREE consultation and let me help you with all your legal needs !
Jan Jude
Attorney at Law
157 South Central Avenue | Milaca , MN 56353
janjudelaw @ gmail . com
320.309.1153
Page 4 Milaca Community Guide • Spring 2025