Big Blue Private Charter on Mille Lacs: 60-Foot Boat for Groups & Fishing

Boat Rental · Garrison

Private Charter

Charter the 60-foot “Big Blue” on Mille Lacs for fishing, swimming, or a private celebration. Up to 30 guests, supplied tackle, and pre-launch rec room access make this an efficient and carefree lake day.

View experience
Duration4–8 hours
LocationGarrison, Minnesota
OperatorGlowacki's Resort
Price shownCheck dates

Adventure brief

Private Charter

Charter the 60-foot “Big Blue” on Mille Lacs for fishing, swimming, or a private celebration. Up to 30 guests, supplied tackle, and pre-launch rec room access make this an efficient and carefree lake day.

On Mille Lacs Lake near Garrison, Minnesota, a Private Charter aboard “Big Blue” turns a day on the water into a private celebration. The 60-foot boat hosts up to 30 guests and runs 4-, 6-, or 8-hour trips tailored for birthday parties, reunions, bachelor and bachelorette outings, or corporate team-building. Boarding begins at the resort’s rec room—yours up to two hours before departure—so friends and family can set up food and gear before the captain casts off.

Big Blue is laid out for easy socializing and flexible use. A broad main deck and sheltered cabin mean anglers and loungers share the same space: the operator supplies bait, poles, and tackle for groups that want to fish Mille Lacs’ famous walleye and smallmouth bass, while those who prefer a slow cruise can return to cocktails and conversation. Because the vessel is a private charter, you choose the pace—chart a quiet shoreline cruise, make a fishing run to productive structure, or anchor in a protected cove for swimming and picnicking.

The shoreline around Garrison alternates from granite outcrops and pine-studded beaches to shallow, weed-lined bays, giving photographers and anglers distinct options within minutes of each other. Wildlife is common: bald eagles perch on dead trees above the lake and loons call across open water. The lake’s mixed sand and rock bottom supports popular gamefish and reveals clear shallows at low wind.

Logistics are simple: bring a cooler with snacks and beverages, dress for changeable lake weather, and arrive during the rec room window (open 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays for resort turnover). The charter is family friendly—no minimum age listed—and the crew handles anchors, lines, and safety briefings so groups can relax. This Private Charter is special for its combination of scale and service: a 60-foot platform with room for large groups, fully provisioned fishing gear, and a private pre-launch space.

For visitors staying in Garrison or nearby towns, it’s an efficient way to access Mille Lacs’ best shoreline and structure without ferrying boats or circumnavigating public ramps. Whether you recruit an experienced angler or bring a mixed-ability group focused on food, views, or prizes, Big Blue delivers a tailored, easy-to-manage day on Minnesota’s big lake. Captains who know Mille Lacs read weather and water—learned techniques for finding weedlines, points, and submerged humps make productive days.

For anglers, remember Minnesota fishing license requirements and bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera for eagle and loon encounters. For event planners, rec room’s prep time cuts stress: bring decorations and a playlist, and the crew will handle lines and docking. Bookings go through the resort’s reservation system; plan early in summer weekends and holiday weeks when demand spikes.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Bring a cooler

    Pack snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in a soft-sided cooler—the boat provides little storage and you’ll want easy access during the trip.

    essential
  2. 02
    Buy a fishing license

    If you plan to fish, secure your Minnesota fishing license in advance; the charter supplies bait and tackle but not licenses.

    essential
  3. 03
    Dress for wind and sun

    Layer a windproof top and hat; open water feels colder and sun exposure is higher than on shore.

    info
  4. 04
    Arrive during rec room window

    Use the two-hour pre-launch access to set up food and gear—rec room is open 8 a.m.–8 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays for turnover.

    warning
DifficultyModerate
Duration4–8 hours
FitnessSuitable for mixed fitness levels; being steady on your feet for boarding, moving on deck, and occasional stairs helps.
Technical skillsNone

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Soft-sided cooler

Keeps snacks and drinks accessible on deck without bulky storage needs.

summerEssential
02

Life jacket (if you have one)

Boat provides life jackets, but a personal fit improves comfort and safety.

Essential
03

Polarized sunglasses

Cuts glare for sight-fishing and protects eyes during long exposure to reflected light.

summerEssential
04

Layered, water-resistant jacket

Shields against wind and sudden showers on open water.

spring

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Sheltered eastern bays for calm swimming and shallow fishing, Granite points just off Garrison where eagles often perch

Wildlife

Local fauna

Bald eagle, Common loon

History

Historic heritage

Mille Lacs Lake and surrounding shoreline have long been important to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe for fishing and cultural traditions.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Follow catch limits, pack out all trash, and avoid anchoring on submerged vegetation to protect fish habitat and clarity.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
Bow of the boat looking toward shoreline, Anchored cove near a pine-studded beach, From the rec room before launch for staging shots
Subjects
Shoreline granite outcrops, Wildlife such as eagles and loons, Action shots of fishing and group celebrations
Best times
Golden hour, Morning, Overcast midday

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

How many people can fit on the boat?

Big Blue accommodates up to 30 passengers for private charters.

Is fishing gear provided?

Yes—the charter supplies bait, poles, and tackle for anglers in your group.

Can we use the rec room before departure?

Private charters include up to two hours of Rec Room access before the start time; hours are 8 a.m.–8 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays for resort turnover.

Are drinks and food included?

No—guests should bring snacks and beverages in a cooler; the crew focuses on boat operations and safety.

Do we need a fishing license?

Yes—anglers must comply with Minnesota fishing license regulations; purchase licenses ahead of time.

How do I book?

Book through the resort’s reservation system using the provided referral link and plan ahead for summer weekends.

Glowacki's Resort

Big Blue Private Charter on Mille Lacs: 60-Foot Boat for Groups & Fishing