You’re driving north from the Twin Cities, and right around the time the traffic thins out and the air starts smelling like pine needles and damp earth, you hit Onamia. Most people keep their foot on the gas. They’re headed to the North Shore or some cabin deep in the woods where the Wi-Fi doesn't reach. But if you take that right turn toward the South Shore of Lake Mille Lacs, you run into The Village at Izatys Resort. It’s a weirdly perfect mix of old-school Minnesota lake life and something that feels a bit more like a tucked-away coastal colony.
Honestly, the place has history. We aren't talking about some brand-new development that popped up overnight. Izatys has been a staple since the 1920s, though it has evolved through about five different lifetimes since then. It’s gone from a rustic fishing camp to a high-end golf destination, and now it exists as this interesting hybrid of timeshare units, privately owned townhomes, and a resort that somehow manages to feel busy and dead-silent at the same time.
If you've ever spent a weekend at The Village at Izatys Resort, you know the "Village" part isn't just marketing fluff. It’s a literal cluster of cedar-sided townhomes that wrap around the marina and the edge of Black Brook golf course. It’s built for people who want the lake but don't necessarily want to spend their entire Saturday mowing a three-acre lawn or fixing a broken dock. You just show up, unlock the door, and the lake is right there.
What Actually Happens at The Village at Izatys Resort?
People get confused about what this place actually is. Is it a hotel? Sorta. Is it a neighborhood? Kinda. Basically, it’s a managed community where the units are designed for massive groups. You’re looking at multi-bedroom layouts with full kitchens, which makes it the "designated spot" for family reunions or those golf weekends where everyone brings way too much gear.
The main draw for decades was the golf. The Black Brook course is legitimate. It’s carved into the woods and wetlands, meaning if you have a slice, you’re going to lose about a dozen balls by the turn. It’s a par-72 challenge that keeps the place humming in the summer. But the vibe changes when you get closer to the water. The marina at Izatys is one of the few spots on the south end of Mille Lacs that offers real protection for boats. Mille Lacs is a shallow, massive bowl of water. When the wind kicks up from the north, it’s like an ocean. Having your boat tucked into the Village marina is the only way some people sleep at night.
Fishing here isn't just a hobby; it’s the local religion. Mille Lacs is world-famous for walleye, but lately, it’s the smallmouth bass that have the pros flocking here. You’ll see $100,000 bass boats idling out of the Izatys channel at 6:00 AM. It’s quiet, serious, and deeply Minnesotan.
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The Reality of the Townhome Life
The units themselves in The Village at Izatys Resort have a specific aesthetic. Think lofts, wood beams, and big stone fireplaces. They were built to be rugged but comfortable. Because many of these are managed as vacation rentals or timeshares, the interiors can vary. Some owners have gone full "modern farmhouse" with white quartz and shiplap, while others are still rocking the classic 1990s Northwoods look with hunter green carpets and oak everything.
What’s cool is the layout. These aren't cramped hotel rooms. You get space. You get a kitchen where you can actually fry up the fish you caught without setting off a smoke alarm in a hallway. It’s designed for the "stay a week" crowd.
One thing most people don't realize is how the community functions. There’s a pool—both indoor and outdoor—and a hot tub that becomes the social hub after the sun goes down. If you're staying in the Village, you’re basically part of a temporary neighborhood. You'll see kids on bikes, people grilling on their decks, and a lot of dogs. It’s a very "un-resort" resort. It feels lived in.
The Lake Mille Lacs Factor
You can't talk about The Village at Izatys Resort without talking about the "Big Lake." Mille Lacs is over 130,000 acres. It’s intimidating. From the shore at Izatys, you can’t see the other side. It looks like the sea.
This geography dictates everything. In the winter, the Village doesn't just shut down. It transforms. The "hard water" season is just as big as the summer. People haul these massive, luxurious ice houses out onto the bay. We're talking about shacks with satellite TV, bathrooms, and holes in the floor. You can literally sit in a recliner, drink a beer, and catch a trophy walleye. The resort serves as the base camp for this. It’s where you go to thaw out, get a hot meal at the clubhouse, and tell lies about the fish you almost caught.
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Why Some People Choose Izatys Over Other Spots
- The Marina. As mentioned, the south shore is rocky and unforgiving. The protected harbor here is a gold mine for boat owners.
- The Proximity. It’s about 90 minutes from Minneapolis. You can leave work at 4:00 PM and be on the lake by 6:00 PM.
- The Golf/Fish Combo. Usually, a group is split. Half want to spend 8 hours on a boat; the other half want to play 18 holes. This is one of the few places in the state where both options are top-tier.
- The Space. You aren't on top of your neighbors. The way the Village is laid out provides a decent amount of privacy despite being a high-density development.
Addressing the "Aged" Reputation
Let's be real for a second. Some people complain that Izatys feels like a throwback. And they’re right. It doesn't have the gleaming, sterile glass of a brand-new Five-Star Marriott. But that’s kind of the point. It’s a legacy property. It carries the weight of thousands of family vacations. There’s a patina on the wood and a specific sound the wind makes through the trees there that you just can't manufacture in a new build.
Maintenance on a massive lakeside property in Minnesota is a nightmare. The ice, the humidity, and the wind take a toll. You might find a loose deck board or a drafty window here and there. But the trade-off is the atmosphere. You’re staying in a place that has a soul.
The Logistics: Staying at The Village at Izatys Resort
If you’re looking to book a stay, you have a few avenues. Some people go through the official resort site. Others find private owners on VRBO or Airbnb. Honestly, checking the private listings is often the move if you want a unit that’s been recently renovated.
The onsite restaurant—The 19th Hole—is the go-to for food. It’s classic pub fare. Don't expect a Michelin-star tasting menu. Expect a really good burger, cold beer, and a view of the sunset that makes you forget about your mortgage for a while.
The amenities are spread out. You've got tennis courts (which double as pickleball courts now, because it's 2026 and pickleball is mandatory by law, apparently), a playground for the kids, and plenty of walking paths. It’s very self-contained. You could theoretically park your car on Friday and not touch it again until Sunday.
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Misconceptions About the South Shore
A lot of people think the North Shore of Mille Lacs is where all the "action" is because of the casinos and the bigger towns like Garrison. But the South Shore, where The Village at Izatys Resort sits, is actually more scenic in a lot of ways. It’s closer to the Kathio State Park, which is a hidden gem for hiking and seeing the fall colors.
Also, the South Shore is generally a bit shallower, which means the water warms up faster in the early summer. If you’re a swimmer, this is a big deal. You can actually get in the water in June without your heart stopping.
Making the Most of Your Trip
If you're actually going to head up there, do it right. Bring a bike. The roads around the resort are flat and perfect for cruising. Bring a high-quality camera—the bald eagles around the marina are basically the local pigeons. They are everywhere.
Most importantly, understand the lake's mood. Mille Lacs is a "big water" lake. It demands respect. If the flags at the clubhouse are whipping, don't try to take a small fishing boat out to the deep flats. Stay in the bay, grab a drink at the pool, and wait for the wind to lay down.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Wind Forecast: Download an app like Windy. If the wind is over 15 mph from the north, plan for land activities.
- Book Early for Golf: Tee times on Black Brook fill up weeks in advance during peak summer weekends.
- Explore Father Hennepin State Park: It’s just a few miles away and has one of the only sandy beaches on the lake.
- Stock Up in Onamia: The resort has the basics, but for a full weekend of grilling, hit the grocery store in town before you check in.
- Join the Local Facebook Groups: There are several "Mille Lacs Fishing Reports" groups. Even if you don't fish, the locals post great updates on lake conditions and events.
The Village at Izatys Resort isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a weird, wonderful, slightly weathered piece of Minnesota history that still offers one of the best ways to experience Mille Lacs without having to own a cabin yourself. It’s about the sound of the waves hitting the riprap, the smell of charcoal at 6:00 PM, and the fact that for a few days, your biggest problem is whether to use a topwater lure or a jig.
Pack your bags, grab a sweatshirt (even in July, it gets chilly by the water), and get up there. The lake is waiting.