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Ceremonial wardrobe of the Ojibwe

What was the traditional importance of the seasons in the lives of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe American Indians? In what ways do they currently preserve their culture, language, music and dance? How have Band members made a living throughout the past century? Discover these stories, an important part of the state's history, in an interactive museum.

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The Mille Lacs Indian Museum offers exhibits dedicated to telling the story of the Band. Trace their journey to settle in Northern Minnesota, learn about their fate during a period of treaties made and broken, and follow their story up to the present. Videos, computer interactives, listening stations and objects reveal information about the Band's life today, from how dance traditions are carried on to members' interests in music to sovereignty issues.

The museum's spacious crafts room serves as a demonstration area for traditional cooking, birch-bark basketry and beadwork.

The building's arching window wall reflects the shoreline of Lake Mille Lacs. Fashioned in cedar, the exterior is highlighted with a copper dome and an inset tile band designed by Mille Lacs elder Batiste Sam.

Adjacent to the museum, a restored trading post retains its 1930s appearance. Here visitors find American Indian gifts from Mille Lacs artisans.



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Location:
12 miles north of Onamia on the southwest shore of Lake Mille Lacs (U.S. Hwy. 169).

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Hours

See calendar for weekend workshops and special events.

Phone:
320-532-3632

Admission

Legacy Field Trip Support Fund
Financial assistance is available to offset field trip transportation costs in the 2010–2011 school year. Learn more!

Mailing Address:
Mille Lacs Indian Museum
43411 Oodena Dr.
Onamia, MN 56359

E-mail:
millelacs@mnhs.org