Fairway Escape with Private Deck Views

Welcome to Your Mille Lacs/Izatys Home Base

There is a specific moment during your drive up Highway 169 when the concrete of the city gives way to the deep, resonant greens of central Minnesota. The air becomes crisper, the tree lines grow thicker, and your shoulders finally begin to drop. By the time you turn onto Par 5 Drive in Onamia, you have officially transitioned to lake time. This home is designed to be the ultimate gathering place for up to eight friends or family members, perfectly situated right on the edge of the golf course and just minutes from the legendary shores of Mille Lacs Lake.

You are not just booking a place to sleep; you are securing a front-row seat to the best of Minnesota's outdoors. Whether you are coming to fish for trophy walleye, play a round of eighteen holes directly in your backyard, or simply sit on the deck and listen to the wind move through the pine trees, this property serves as your anchor. The pace of life slows down here. You will find yourself swapping stories late into the evening, waking up naturally to the sound of birds, and stepping outside to breathe in the morning dew rolling off the fairway.

The Space: A Room-by-Room Walkthrough

Stepping through the front door, you are greeted by an open, inviting layout that prioritizes connection. The natural light pours through the generous windows, catching the dust motes in the air and highlighting the warm tones of the flooring. Every detail has been considered to make your group of eight feel completely at ease.

The Living Area
The main gathering space is anchored by plush, supportive seating that begs you to sink in after a long day on the water. The textures here are soft and forgiving—think chunky knit throw blankets, smooth upholstery, and solid wood side tables where you can rest your evening beverage. The wall of windows serves as your primary artwork, framing the immaculately kept green of the golf course just outside. In the late afternoon, the sunlight slants through these windows, casting a golden glow across the room that makes everything feel inherently cozy. It is the perfect spot to deal a deck of cards, read a paperback, or simply watch the golfers pass by in the distance.

The Kitchen and Dining Space
While focused on streamlined efficiency, the kitchen is equipped for your vacation needs. It avoids the clutter of a massive chef's domain and instead offers a highly functional, intimate space to prep your meals. You will find ample counter space to set up a hearty sandwich buffet before a hike, or to brew that essential first pot of morning coffee. The cabinets hold the glassware, plates, and mugs you need. Adjacent to this prep area is the dining space. The table is sturdy and sized for your group, positioned so that even while eating your morning oatmeal or late-night takeout from a local tavern, you have a direct sightline to the outdoors. The clinking of silverware and the easy morning conversations flow perfectly in this open-concept layout.

The Primary Bedroom
Located in a quiet corner of the home, the primary bedroom is focused entirely on rest. You will step onto soft rugs that are kind to bare feet on chilly mornings. The mattress is wrapped in crisp, high-quality linens and topped with a medium-weight duvet that provides just the right amount of warmth. Heavy curtains allow you to pull the room into total darkness if you want to sleep past sunrise. When you do decide to wake up, opening those curtains reveals the quiet, frost-tipped grass of the morning fairway. It is a room that feels distinctly separate from the activity of the rest of the house, giving you a quiet place to recharge.

The Guest Bedrooms
The second and third bedrooms are designed with flexibility and comfort in mind, easily accommodating the rest of your group of eight. The second bedroom mirrors the calm, neutral tones of the primary, offering deep, restful sleep with thoughtfully chosen pillows—ranging from firm to soft—so every guest finds their perfect match. The third bedroom is an excellent setup for friends, cousins, or siblings. The beds are sturdy, the blankets are fleece-lined and incredibly warm, and there is ample closet space to unpack your duffel bags and truly settle in. The windows in these rooms look out onto the surrounding neighborhood foliage, allowing the gentle rustle of leaves to act as a natural white noise machine.

The Three Bathrooms
With eight people under one roof, having three full bathrooms is an absolute game-changer. There is no line for the shower in the morning; no one is rushing to get ready for the dinner reservation. Each bathroom features bright, clean lighting, expansive mirrors, and plenty of counter space for your toiletry bags. The water pressure is strong, washing away the sunscreen and bug spray of a long day out in the woods, and the water heater keeps up easily with your group. Fresh, fluffy towels are stacked and ready for you upon arrival.

The Outdoor Deck
The transition from indoor comfort to outdoor living is seamless. Step out onto the private deck, and you are immediately hit with the fresh, unfiltered air of central Minnesota. The deck boards are warm underfoot in the afternoon sun. This space features comfortable outdoor seating where you can sit with a local craft beer and watch the shadows lengthen across the golf course. It is an elevated vantage point that makes you feel like you are part of the landscape without having to sacrifice any comfort.

The Experience: A Perfect Day on Par 5 Drive

Your perfect day begins at 6:30 AM. The house is completely silent, save for the low hum of the refrigerator. You slip out of bed, careful not to wake anyone else, and pad into the kitchenette. You measure out the coffee grounds, the smell of dark roast instantly waking up your senses. Mug in hand, you slide the glass door open and step out onto the deck. The air is cool, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and pine needles. The golf course is empty, covered in a sheer layer of morning mist that is just starting to burn off as the sun crests the horizon. You take your first sip of coffee, feeling the warmth spread through your chest, and simply breathe.

By 8:30 AM, the rest of the house is stirring. The sounds of water running in the three bathrooms and the low murmur of conversation fill the halls. You gather around the dining table for a quick breakfast of bagels and fruit, discussing the strategy for the day. Since you are staying right on the fairway, two of your friends grab their clubs and walk straight out to book a morning tee time. The rest of your group packs a cooler with sandwiches, sparkling water, and snacks, grabbing your sunglasses and hats for a day on the water.

At 10:00 AM, you make the short drive to Mille Lacs Lake. You rent a pontoon from a local marina and spend the next four hours drifting on the expansive, ocean-like water. The sun beats down, warming your skin, while the breeze off the lake keeps you perfectly cool. You cast a line into the water, feeling the rhythmic bob of the lure, completely unbothered if you catch a walleye or not—the act of just being out there is enough. The water is deep blue, reflecting the cloudless sky above.

By 3:00 PM, you return the boat and decide to stretch your legs at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. You walk the winding dirt trails, the sound of your boots crunching on fallen twigs echoing in the quiet forest. You climb the 100-foot observation tower, gripping the sturdy metal railings, and are rewarded with a panoramic view of the lake and the dense canopy of trees stretching out for miles in every direction.

You arrive back at the house around 6:00 PM. The golfers have returned, tired but happy, regaling you with stories of near-misses and long drives. You all take turns washing up in the spacious bathrooms. As dusk settles in, you move out to the deck. You pop open a bag of chips and crack open a few cold drinks. The sky begins to put on a show, shifting from bright blue to deep streaks of purple, orange, and magenta. The crickets start their evening symphony. You sit back in your chair, surrounded by the people you care about most, listening to them laugh at a shared joke. The night gets darker, the stars begin to pinprick through the black sky, and you realize you haven't checked your phone in hours. This is what you came here for.

Location Guide: Exploring the Mille Lacs Area

While the house is difficult to leave, Onamia and the surrounding Mille Lacs region offer some of the best outdoor recreation and local dining in the state. Here is your guide to navigating the area, complete with approximate drive times so you can plan your days effortlessly.

Mille Lacs Lake (5-Minute Drive): You are practically right on the edge of Minnesota's second-largest inland lake. Known nationally as a premier walleye, bass, and muskie fishery, this lake is the beating heart of the region. In the summer, it is a paradise for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. In the winter, the lake transforms into a sprawling, frozen city of ice-fishing houses. There are numerous public boat launches and public beaches nearby.Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (10-Minute Drive): This is a must-visit for nature lovers. Spanning nearly 10,000 acres, this state park is rich in both natural beauty and Native American history. You can rent canoes to paddle down the slow-moving Rum River, hike miles of shaded trails, or climb the famous 100-foot fire tower for unparalleled views of the Mille Lacs watershed. In the winter, these trails become excellent cross-country skiing routes.Father Hennepin State Park (20-Minute Drive): Located on the southeast shore of the lake, this park is famous for its beautiful sandy beach—perfect for letting kids splash around in the shallow water. It is also known for its population of rare albino deer. A slow, quiet walk through the wooded trails here often results in a magical wildlife spotting.Grand Casino Mille Lacs (15-Minute Drive): If you are looking for a change of pace from the quiet outdoors, the casino offers a vibrant evening out. Beyond the gaming floors, you will find excellent dining options, live entertainment, and weekend concerts. It is a great option for a rainy afternoon or a celebratory night out with your group.Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (40-Minute Drive): If your group is into mountain biking, this is world-class territory. Built on the remnants of old iron ore mines, the landscape here is otherworldly, featuring bright red dirt trails and deep, crystal-clear, turquoise mine lakes. The trails range from beginner to expert, making it a thrilling day trip for active groups.Paul Bunyan Trail Access (30-Minute Drive): Bring your bicycles and hit one of the longest paved rail-trails in the country. It is relatively flat and incredibly scenic, cutting through forests, wetlands, and small towns where you can stop for ice cream or a cold beer.Local Dining and Taverns (5 to 15-Minute Drives): You do not have to go far for a great meal. Onamia and the surrounding lake towns are dotted with classic Minnesota supper clubs and casual lakeside taverns. Expect to find phenomenal prime rib, heavily battered cheese curds, Friday night fish fries, and locally brewed beers. There is nothing quite like pulling your car up to a local spot, grabbing a table on a patio, and eating fresh walleye while watching the boats come back into the marina.Golfing (0-Minute Drive): You are already there! Staying on Par 5 Drive means you have immediate access to the fairways. Walk right out and enjoy a well-maintained course that offers a fair challenge for experienced golfers and a forgiving layout for casual players.

Your time in Onamia is entirely what you make of it. Whether you pack every hour with hiking, fishing, and exploring, or you simply choose to sit still on the deck and watch the world go by, this home provides the perfect foundation. Book your dates, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the deep, restorative calm of central Minnesota.