Ethel’s Island

Located on the south shore of Lake Mille Lacs, originally Isle was called “Ethel’s Island,” named by Charles Malone after his daughter. Today, Isle offers a complete shopping district, resorts and light industry. Each summer the population swells to more than double its 707 year-round residents. During ice fishing, the winter population increases as well. 

The city serves vacationers and tourists with its easy access to resorts, motels, shopping, recreation and the lake. Video outlets and bait shops pair with a brand-new grocery store, a drug store, variety shops and gift and antique stores to provide a complete vacation package. Restaurants, a library, full-service banks, museum, bakery, hardware store, a beauty salon, two laundromats, a feed store, service stations, auto repair shops, realtors, a food co-op, a medical clinic and a dentist’s office round out the services available in Isle. Isle City Park offers picnic facilities, beach, and playground equipment.