ISLE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
The Red Baron: A 12‑Person Pontoon Off Mille Lacs from Isle, Minnesota
Castles Resort’s Large Group Pontoon Rental offers fully maintained, easy‑to‑drive pontoons for 1–12 hour outings on Mille Lacs Lake — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan for a large‑group day on the water.
The Red Baron: A 12‑Person Pontoon Off Mille Lacs from Isle, Minnesota.
Spend a relaxing day on Mille Lacs Lake aboard The Red Baron, a Castles Resort pontoon offered to both resort guests and day visitors. The boats are kept fully maintained and designed to be simple to drive; Castles Resort is a short drive and the closest Twin Cities access to Mille Lacs, making it a practical launching point for swimming, fishing, and dockside meals.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Room for a Dozen — With Onboard Comfort
The Red Baron is set up for groups of 10–12 passengers and includes comfortable seating, a bimini shade top and an anchor. Safety and basic electronics are provided onboard in the form of life jackets and Lowrance fish and depth finders.
Swim Beaches and Dockside Meals
Guests commonly explore swim beaches and nearby resorts: swimming at Father Hennepin State Park and docking for meals at Appledorns and Max Twin Bay are popular ways to spend time off the pontoon.
Fishing, Swimming and Easy Navigation
The pontoons are used for a range of lake activities. If you’re interested in fishing, staff can recommend local spots when you check in; otherwise many groups simply cruise, anchor, or head to a beach or resort for a meal.
What the day feels like
How the Day Unfolds
A typical outing is straightforward: reserve an hour‑long slot or a longer window up to 12 hours, check in at Castles Resort, and take a fully maintained, easy‑to‑drive pontoon out onto Mille Lacs. Guests use the boat to swim, fish, or tie up at lakeside resorts; the fleet is intended to make a relaxed day on the water accessible to resort guests and outside visitors alike.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this works for — and who should rethink it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guests are welcome to bring food and drink for their trip; the resort does not sell food or drink onboard or at the resort.
Life jackets are provided for passengers and are part of the outfitting for each pontoon.
Pontoons come equipped with Lowrance fish finders and depth finders to assist anglers and navigation.
Boats feature comfortable seating and a bimini shade top to keep the group sheltered from sun while cruising or anchored.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I rent the pontoon?
Rentals are available online in durations from 1 hour up to 12 hours.
How many people fit on The Red Baron?
The vessel is suitable for 10–12 passengers; for groups with larger individuals or many coolers the operator suggests limiting the party to ten or fewer.
Do I need to be a certain age to rent?
Yes — you must be 21 or older to rent the pontoon.
Can I bring food, drink and coolers?
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring food and drink; the resort does not sell food or drink onsite, and vehicles may unpack at the dock for loading gear.
Is fuel included in the rental price?
No. Guests are responsible for their fuel charge for the rental; the operator will charge the payment method on file after booking unless you present an alternate payment at check‑in.
Are there instructions for driving the pontoon?
Yes — instructions for safe operation of the pontoon are provided at check‑in.