Mille Lacs County, located in east-central Minnesota, takes its name from the French “Thousand Lakes” — a fitting title for a region filled with natural beauty. Formed in 1857, it’s home to Mille Lacs Lake, one of Minnesota’s largest and most popular fishing lakes. The county seat is Milaca, a quiet community that serves as the local business hub. Other towns include Princeton, Onamia, and Foreston. The area combines agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation, drawing anglers and lake homeowners year-round. Housing varies from single-family homes and hobby farms to modern cabins and lakeside retreats. The county is mostly rural, though Princeton and Milaca offer growing residential neighborhoods. Home prices generally range from $260,000 – $330,000, while waterfront homes around Mille Lacs Lake often exceed $500,000. New home builds typically cost $325–$375 per sq ft, with lakeside or forested lots commanding higher preparation expenses. Located about 70 miles north of Minneapolis, Mille Lacs County is ideal for those who value quiet lake living with weekend access to the city.