North Garrison Bay

Located on the northwest side of Mille Lacs Lake off Highway 169 near Aitkin, North Garrison Bay offers a concrete boat ramp for access to Minnesota's second-largest lake. The ramp itself is generally suitable for most boats, and water depth is adequate for launching. However, be aware that the access road features a **sharp 90-degree backward turn** before reaching the ramp, which can be challenging when backing a trailer—especially with larger boats. Confident trailer operators should manage fine, but less experienced boaters may want to consider alternative launches.

The site has limited parking, so arrive early during peak season or weekends. If you're towing a larger vessel or prefer a more straightforward launch approach, nearby alternatives like Wealthwood Access may be worth considering. For kayakers and canoeists launching smaller craft, North Garrison Bay provides a practical entry point to explore Mille Lacs Lake's 132,000 acres of water.