9 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Minneapolis-Saint Paul This Summer
Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, even if in reality the state is home to exactly 11,842 lakes. For a significant part of the year, the land’s lakes are frozen, making them perfect for ice fishing, ice skating, and makeshift hockey tournaments. Lakes in the summer however, are a Minnesotan’s best friend. Many flock “up north” every summer weekend to their cabin on a lake possibly three hours away. In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, we’re lucky. You’ll barely have to leave your backyard to splash in and enjoy these nine gorgeous lakes:
In the spring of 2017, The Minneapolis Parks Board decided to reintroduce Lake Calhoun to its original name, Bde Maka Ska (pronounced be-DAY mah-kah skah), a Dakota phrase which means "white earth lake." While this brings the lake back to its roots, we can celebrate the lake for it's stunning sunsets, its beaches, and how easily it is to kayak around the lake. With it's proximity to Uptown, Bde Maka Ska is the lake for everyone.
Home of the not-so Hidden Beach, this lake is an incredible place for a Minneapolitan. It features bike paths, designated picnic areas, as well as many other amenities. Spending time at the lake, especially at Hidden Beach, will give you an idea of what Minneapolis weird is all about.
This is just another part of Minneapolis' splendid chain of lakes. The lake located in the Kenwood neighborhood of the city, has a stately fountain for all to see. The bike and walking paths will help you see this lake from every gorgeous view. If you must, take to the water and kayak along.
Near the Como Conservatory and Como Zoo in Saint Paul, this quaint lake is just many of the things the city has to offer. You can rent paddle boats to explore the water yourself, or you can stroll around the lake and take in the sights.
Powderhorn Lake sits within Powderhorn Park in South Minneapolis. The Department of Natural Resources maintains the stock of fish within the lake; you can fish at the designated fishing pier. This lake is a little underrated and deserves your love.
Lake Harriet has everything you'd ever need in a city lake. It has a beautiful, popular beach, rentable kayaks and paddle boats, a killer food stand named Bread and Pickle, and a bandshell for outdoor movies and concerts. It's easy to make a whole day at Lake Harriet. Be sure to take in the elegance that is a sailboat floating along the waters. It's downright gorgeous.
Lake Nokomis is the site of many winter activities, but it's just as exciting in the summer. The beach on Lake Nokomis has a lifeguard on duty so you and your family can always swim safely. Youth swim lessons are taught within the lake. Nokomis also holds a variety of events during the summer, including music and movies in the park.
Located in Saint Paul, Lake Phalen is full of fun summer events. One of the most prominent is the annual Dragon Festival - a festival aimed at celebrating those of Asian-Pacific ethnicity and sharing their culture and history. The event has excellent local food, many sights to see, dragon boat races, and a 5k.
Either in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, it's undeniable that Lake Minnetonka is an incredibly special and beautiful lake in the Greater Twin Cities area. It's definitely boat friendly and is home to a large number of luxury homes for you to marvel at. It's a great lake to have fun and take in all the possibilities that Minnesota summers have to offer.
We know that any lake you visit in Minneapolis-Saint Paul will be a wonderful experience. What’s your favorite lake in the metro and why?
