Winter or summer, Minneapolis residents revel in outdoor recreation. The Twin Cities area's 300 parks, plethora of lakes and miles of hiking trails make it easy for visitors to enjoy them as well.
Home of 1,000 Lakes
Within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area – 15th largest in the U.S. with a population of more than three million – lie a thousand of Minnesota’s lakes. And since many of the lakes are surrounded by city parks or adjacent to them, they’re accessible to residents and tourists alike.
The four lakes – Harriet, Calhoun, Cedar and Lake of the Isles, known as the Chain of Lakes – that lie to the southwest of the Minneapolis downtown area are among the most highly developed and accessible.
Cedar Lake
The lake gets its name from the eastern red cedar trees that line its shores. Best known for its three swimming beaches, Cedar is popular with canoeists, too. The lake’s east side is bordered by the Kenwood residential district. The Cedar Lake Trail, which forms the park’s northern boundary, features three separate paths; one of pedestrians and the other two for west- and east-bound bicyclists and skaters. It is also part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. (2100 Cedar Lake Parkway)
Of the 96 national scenic byways in the United States, Grand Rounds is among a handful located entirely within a city. More than 50 miles of pedestrian paths, bike trails and parkways offer scenic, historic and archeological sites along the route.
Lake of the Isles
Ice skating, hockey and a New Year’s Eve party complete with hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows are part of Lake of the Isles’ winter tradition. In summer, it’s grand to stroll around the lake and admire the stately mansions on its shores. As for the isles, they’re both protected wildlife refuges with virgin woodlands, so they’re off limits to the public. An unstable shoreline and diminished water quality, makes this a lake for looking at rather than playing in. If you’re traveling with Spot, however, he will wag his tail when you take him to this lake’s off-leash park for dogs.
Lake Calhoun
Canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing head the list of water activities at the largest of the Chain of Lakes, which is also known for its sailing. Location of the Calhoun Yacht Club and the Lake Calhoun Sailing School, it’s also used by various high school and college crews. Surrounding parkland volleyball courts, athletic fields and picnic facilities make Calhoun a busy place during spring and summer.
Originally called “Mde Ma-ka-ska” (lake of the white earth) by the Dakotas, and Mendoza or Loon Lake by the settlers, the lake was renamed after the U. S., Secretary of War, John C. Calhoun, who authorized the construction of Fort Snelling, one of the state’s earliest settlements. An added attraction is the preserved stretch of the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line that runs between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet. (3000 Calhoun Parkway)
Lake Harriet
Concerts in the bandshell at Lake Harriet have been a part of the lake’s history since the first pavilion was built on its shores 1888. Two of the four succeeding shells were destroyed by fire and a third, in a 1925 windstorm. The fourth remained until it was replaced in 1985 by the present castle-shaped structure.
Other Lake Harriet attractions include sailing, swimming, hiking and bird watching at the sanctuary on the northeast corner of Harriet. And while you’re at the lake, you might want to take time to smell the roses. Several varieties of them are growing in a park across the street from the bird sanctuary. (43rd St. W. and E. Lake Harriet Parkway)
Other lakes with public beaches that are easily accessible from downtown include Lake Hiawatha and Theodore Wirth Parks.
Connie Emerson - Ever since I can remember, going places and seeing new sights has intrigued me. A robin drinking from a puddle after a springtime Paris ...
