Discover Onamia on Lake Onamia

Onamia lies on the shore of Lake Onamia. The intersection of two highways and a scenic byway also help orient visitors. Here, an asphalt trail between Onamia and Isle, a city park, and cultural destinations in Onamia and the surrounding community come together. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering the destinations by location and focus.

Location and orientation

Onamia is at the intersection of Highways 169 and 27 and along the Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway. These road connections complement its lakeside location on Lake Onamia, but describe different aspects: the intersection is a specific landmark for finding your way, while the scenic byway is a route through the landscape. When planning your drive, you can consider the two separately. The lake, meanwhile, places Onamia right on the water.

Depot and library on the Soo Line Trail

The Onamia Depot Library was established in 2009 in the renovated Soo-Line Depot. The Onamia Soo Line Railroad Depot currently serves as a public library. This use connects the depot building with a present-day public function; the library is also located on the Soo Line Trail in Onamia. Two local connections come together here: the depot’s history and its use as a library, as well as its location on the trail. If you’re interested in a building’s history and how it’s used today, this is a distinct focus alongside the city’s recreational offerings.

The Soo Line Trail: biking and hiking

The Soo Line Trail is an 11-mile paved trail between Onamia and Isle. It offers opportunities for biking and hiking. For planning, you have a specific trail length, two named endpoints, and two types of use. The trail runs between towns, while the City Park and Depot Library are individual destinations in Onamia. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

City Park and access on the Rum River

Onamia City Park has a picnic shelter, a tennis court, a playground, and restrooms. Its facilities offer both places to take a break and specific recreational areas. If you’re planning to use a particular area or facility, check current conditions before your visit, as park amenities can change.

At the Onamia Constructed Rock Rapids/Highway 27 Bridge on the Rum River State Water Trail, there is a boat-trailer access point below the dam. If you’re planning to bring a boat trailer, this precise location is the key reference point. This access point is separate from the city park’s facilities and focuses on the river trail. River and access conditions can change, so check the current situation in advance.

Culture in the Onamia community

In the Onamia community, the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post presents the history of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe through museum exhibits, artifacts, demonstrations, and guided tours. These different formats give the subject a different focus from the history of the Soo Line Depot: here, the history of the Mille Lacs Band takes center stage. If you’re including the museum in your travel plans, check current visitor information in advance, as visitor operations may change.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Isle, Milaca

Return to the main travel overview: Mille Lacs.