Bde Maka Ska

Probably one of my favorite lakes in the city. It's lively and there's always something happening here. Great paved trail around it as well, including a separate path for bikers.

I visited on 5/12/2024 on Mother’s Day! Pimento Jamaican restaurant had a long line. I enjoyed the chicken patty and jerk chicken. The view is incredible. You can rent boats, walk around, and enjoy the music. You can sit in a shaded area or by the sun. I chose the sun. Absolutely amazing. I will return!

It was amazing lake I really enjoyed there

I went there today for the first time, it was a weekday around 10:30am. It was s warm day and it was a great experience, you have well paved walking paths with portaloo restrooms, picnic areas, lots of parking bays (pay parking), sandy beach areas, sailing school, canoe - Bike - paddle boat rentals. A restaurant that has good sandwiches & drinks. It was a serene experience, although I imagine it would be quite crowded on the weekends so try and get there early. Great for walking, jogging, biking or just relaxing.

I still call this Lake Calhoun. It is one of the most relaxing placing I’ve been to. The walk by the lake is around 3.1 Miles, so takes about an hour, a very relaxing hour! Plus you have Lola on the Lakes (previously Tin Fish) restaurant and you can get light alcohol and/or snacks and eat it by the lake. The best view in my mind! And it also has the Fun wheel rentals thing, so you can rent bikes, tandem bikes, paddle boards, boats, kayaks, etc and enjoy!

Awesome lake for a variety of wind sports from sailing to windsurfing and winging. Doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter ❄️ there’s something for everyone. Even if it’s just people watching.

Lake Calhoun is a beautiful lake to walk or bike around and for boating.

Amazing Park in the center of the city. You can walk, run and bike. Swim at the 3 beaches, there is also place to grill and picnic. I also saw volleyball courts, fantastic place to spend time with family. The nice ride rental bikes are super fun, the electric bikes are costly though. The trail is 3 miles long with super views .. try it. The kayak, canoe and pedal boat rentals (wheel fun rentals) adds excitement on the lake.

I stopped by Bde Maka Ska on a Saturday evening in late October 2024 to watch the sunset. If you're in the Uptown section of Minneapolis for dinner, take a stroll by this lovely lake to enjoy the sunset. Loved seeing that the name of the lake has been restored to its original Native American title. This is part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byways trail system for biking and walking. During the day, I'm sure it's a nice place for a stroll. Minnesota is known for its lakes - if you're in Minneapolis for a few days and need an escape from downtown while the weather is pleasant, hop on a taxi or bus to enjoy dinner in the Uptown neighborhood and leave time to view this lake!

I absolutely love this spot. It is a favorite spot to get a quick city walk in. It is also a favorite spot to kayak/ stand up paddle since you can do the chain of lakes. I really enjoy doing sunset rides here. The sunset is a very beautiful. It can be a bit crowded if you go mid day on a weekend. However, it is a big spot, and there is lots to do. You can picnic, there is restaurants, they also do sailing and you can rent out water boats here. The hike around the full loop is about 3.25 miles. Street parking is free. Otherwise, the lots are paid parking by the beaches.

Bde Maka Ska is part of the Minneapolis Park just to be called Like Calhoun name got changed in 2018 to Bde Maka Ska translate to "White Earth Lake" in the Dakota language. The pedestrian trail is around 3.5 miles and the same for the bike route. You can do Archery, Boat Dock, fishing, picnic, has a soccer field, softball field, volleyball court- sand, and have restrooms.

The Lake previously known as Lake Calhoun, is now Bde Maka Ska meaning 'Lake White Earth'. Love the gorgeous lake in the middle of the city and still my favorite place to go for a walk and to lay in the sun, and just enjoy! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

BE AWARE OF KAREN CYCLISTS THERE! Beautiful lake, but a bit too crowded unless you're there by sunrise. Worst part about this lake are the cyclists. I started onewheeling there and they are the worst KARENS ever around that lake. I'm not sure if they are only rude and nasty to others who aren't cyclists or not but they literally will yell at you for the dumbest stuff. Got yelled at by this effer for moving to the left since it was my closest side so he could pass, he yelled out " You're supposed to yield to the right!" I guess I wasn't aware there was a wrong and right side to move to, to let people pass since it was my first few times riding around. He could have let me know without being a Dlck. Another time, I had stopped briefly on the right of the trail when this other cyclist yelled at me multiple times saying "Not a good spot for that!". I was all the way to the right, the effer had plenty of room to pass. To the rude Karen cyclists that ride around this lake who always seem to have a stick up their @sses, F U & Chill the F out. You want to cry about rules and all yet you effers are constantly going over the 10 mph speed limit like these 2 @holes were. Hypocrite fks. Not surprised many can't stand cyclists. If you're trying to avoid these @holes, stick to the other Chain of lakes, less cyclists there and haven't encountered many there or nasty ones like those 2 I mentioned.

Minneapolis has some gorgeous lakes. Bde Maka Ska was maybe my favorite that my friend and I visited when we were in Minneapolis for Memorial Day weekend. It was so beautiful! We walked around the lake for a bit and took some pictures. It was lovely. I wish we had had time to walk around the whole lake! Minneapolis, you're so pretty! Great place to stretch your legs!

We had a fantastic walk today along the lake shore to get to our brunch restaurant. My friend brought his dog in a pram and it was lovely. The lake is great, the people walking along the lake were friendly and the views of nature were fabulous. You could just about disconnect and pretend that you're not in one of the larger cities in America. [Review 17865 overall - 96 in Minnesota - 1386 of 2022.]

First, so they changed the name from Lake Calhoun to this crap!!! Whoo knew? Hideous Well unfortunately, this lake is not the same as it was years ago as now; it's not being well maintained at allllll, which is surprising because the area is booming and has lots of new buildings, condos and businesses. This lake needs to be completely remodeled to match the energy of this awesome 2 block area. If you know, you know!!! I'm disappointed in Minnesota for allowing the beach to fall apart like this! It honestly used to be to go here. Of course, the mansions around it, are iffy now too... like, some are being well maintained and some just don't give a hoot, as long as, they are by water...‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ In any case, there's 1 side of the lake that still has hope but it's very small and looks like night and day in comparison to the rest of it. I'd go to this sideand walk back and forth on this side! I've noticed that now, you have to pay to park which, probably cuts down on riff raff. Oh well, it was nice to see water again but, if I'm going back here I'm only going on the cleaner side where things are maintained. ‍ I might consider stopping back to go in it and ice fish in the winter with my ice fishing pals.

Bde Maka Ska is my favorite lake in the Twin Cities. Personally, I love to walk and the pathway around the perimeter is a perfect hour walk (if walking fast) at about 3 miles all the way around. Rain or shine, winter or summer, you will always find many people out on this path. I come here probably 3 times a week and love it. The location is great for Uptown and St. Louis park. I cannot wait until the summer when I can enjoy the beaches and go swimming and boating. Definitely recommend stopping by here even if only for a scenic walk

Beautiful park, formerly known as the Lake Calhoun. It is a great to just sightsee, walk around the lake, ride a bike, snooter, hoverboard what have you or during summer have a fun catamaran ride. Beautiful houses nearby to see and there's even a nice man who gives free sail boat ride during warmer months.

As an "old timer" I find that I still occasionally refer to Lake Calhoun instead of the current indigenous name of Bde Maka Ska. Anyway, I have driven, biked around, walked around, brought my late lamented dog to the water and generally enjoyed the views for decades. The park may be rechristened but it's essentially little changed in my opinion. Yes, spots have come and gone, things have been somewhat altered or updated. However the body of water is largely the same. A wavy, glistening urban oasis. I never tire of seeing people sailing, wake-boarding, strolling around, playing volleyball, throwing a frisbee or swimming. During the winter, when the ice permits the surface is ideal for walking across, playing pond hockey, cross country skiing (I think) and late night star gazing. A rare treasure in any metro area as far as I'm concerned.

I live incredibly close to this lake and have a total love hate relationship with it depending on when I am at it. It has many beautiful sights as you make your way around it. I absolutely love being on the south end of the lake and seeing the skyline in the background. As a runner it is a perfect 5k distance which is fantastic. They have bike and pedestrian lanes during the non snowy months and during the winter they share the bike lane. They cover the summer signage that tells the participants it is a shared course. Sometimes bikers will still make a stink about it. The biggest challenge I have with this lake is that it is the most popular of the lakes and most well known. It attracts a abundance of people. Unfortunately many of those people don't understand laws of common sense and you will find yourself dodging around a group of 4 woman and their strollers taking up the entire path completely unaware there are other particpants trying to get around. Or dog owners who have their dogs on retractable leashes and don't have the control of them so you play a little game of should i jump the leash (don't recommend). Minneapolis did restrict smoking in all parks which makes this park smoke free. You will occasionally find a smoker around here, but the presence has significantly decreased since the restriction which is amazing.

What a gem! Hubby and I were visiting family in St. Paul, and it was so hot out that we wanted to get in the water. We found a kayak rental place on the lake and got 4 single kayaks for 1/2 day. This area is beautiful and full of friendly like minded outdoorsy people. So many kayakers and paddlers on the lakes and lots of area to cover! We even saw wild turkey on the banks! We stopped at one of 4 beaches on one lake. The choices blew my mind. Will definitely be back!

Minneapolis' beautiful urban Lake Bde Maka Ska offers scenic views, walking/biking paths, and water activities. Restaurant Pimento Kitchen serves Jamaican cuisine, beer and wine at the Bde Maka Ska lakeside pavilion. The name, Bde Maka Ska, is the lake's original Dakota name, meaning "White Earth Lake" in the Dakota language. This name had been used by Dakota people for generations before European settlement. The lake name was changed in 2018 because it was previously named after staunch racist, John C. Calhoun, a former U.S. Vice President who strongly advocated for slavery. Restoring the original name helps dismantle racist structures, acknowledges the history and value of Indigenous people, and is a step toward creating a more just and equitable society,

Beautiful here in the summer time. Lots of walking trails and beautiful views! This lake has lots to do kayaking boating fishing

Bde Maka sounds like a Ska band, but in this case, it's a lake. I lake the sound of that. Absolutely spectacular lake just west of all of the cool areas of Minneapolis. This massive Lake provides a beautiful backdrop to some of the nicest parts of the area and Lake Street literally will dump you right in this lake (hope you can swim) at the far end of Lake in uptown. I've heard that there is a monster that swims around in here. So look out for that!

6/5 stars! This is a beautiful park (formerly Lake Calhoun) that is best taken in by bike, it's flat and scenic and offers one of the best glimpses into Minneapolis recreation. Highly, highly recommended!

I love Bde Maka Ska, formally Lake Calhoun. I feel like I need to hear someone pronounce the name properly, at least one good time, but I looked up the pronunciation and it's: (pronounced "b-day ma-KHA skah"). Otherwise I feel like I'm making up a random pronunciation. The Dakota Indians called this body of water Bde Maka Ska, meaning White Earth Lake or, in some translations, White Bank Lake. Anywho... the lake has had some changes. The walk ways are different and I'm enjoying the designs on the walkway, to teach us more about the Native American culture. We now have Lola's on the Lake, which replaced Tin Fish. I've never had Lola's, but I will soon. I loved Tin Fish and their food always smelled so good. I never really smell anything to draw me to in to eat at Lola's. You can rent boats & bikes, people watch, eat, walk, run, skate, swim, scooter.. lol. There are 3 or 4 beaches around the lake and at least 2 playgrounds for the children. 1 bathroom and a few port-a-potties. The day I went was a perfect day to walk the lake. I wish there were more ice cream vendors or food trucks around the lake though... just a thought.

Although Bda Maka Ska ( also called Lake Calhoun) isn't one in a million, it is 1 in 10,000. Minnesota has the distinction of having 10,000 lakes. In reality you can say that it is 3 in 10,000. It is one of the three Minneapolis lakes west of Downtown. Bda Maka Ska is incorporated in a chain of lakes in Minneapolis with Isle of the Lakes to the north and Lake Harriet to the south. I am a lover of nature and the great outdoors. The beautiful thing about Minneapolis is that it provides both. East of downtown the high rise canyons merge with the Mississippi River greenbelt where west of it they merge with the lakes. If I had passed over seeing one of the 10,000 Minnesota lakes I would have felt cheated. On a busy day of exploring, Bda Maka Ska was the final attraction on a hike from downtown Minneapolis that led through the Loring Park Greenway, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and Uptown Minneapolis. I'd set eyes on Bda Maka Ska during sundown. My Bda Maka Ska hike was on the Grand Rounds Trail along the east shore from 36th Street near the southeast corner and Lake Street at the northeast corner. Bda Maka Ska reminded me of a coastal village meets Minneapolis. The walk along the southernmost end of Hennepin Avenue and, 36th Street reminded me of Westhampton Beach (NY) than it did a major metropolis. The streets leading to the southeast corner of Bda Maka Ska were more charming than frantic. When we arrived at the lake shore, my brother and I took in our first sights of a Minnesota lake on a dock. Where most of the people seemed to be trying to catch fish, I was trying to catch a photo. The southeast dock provided a backdrop of Lake photos featuring a woodsy south shore and developed north shore with tall buildings. From this perspective the north shore looked like a resort beach town. From the southeast dock, we followed the Grand Rounds Trail. Making our way north on the Grand Rounds Trail, the lake was to the left. With the exception of the occasional grove of trees the lake was always visible. Owing to the fact that the trail alignments separate pedestrians and bicyclists, it was nice to not have to turn around every few seconds to see if a speeding bicycling was speeding towards me. We'd take our time taking in the moment witnessing the sun come down over Bda Maka Ska. Let me tell you that seeing the beautiful sight of the sun come down above a picturesque soul elevates the sunshine in the soul. This was a lakescape that we cherished by taking a few breakes on a lakeside bench. This leads to me bringing up the point that the City and participating governments does a great job with the lakeside facilities. The picturesque docks, playground, walking trail, sand, marina, and signing were in tip top condition. I did not see any vandism or graffiti. When we walked along the east shore of Bda Maka Ska, it was so obvious that I was one of 10,000 (or less) that love the outdoors. And who wouldn't. In the height of the summer of 2019 the beautiful Minnesota summer weather was in the 80s. The trail and park facilities were thriving with people and a dog. One of my most rememberable sights was a dog running in the Lake chasing a Frisbee while a nearby seagull looked toward the water and the sun went down over the water. We'd take the Grand Rounds Trail to Lake Street at the north shore. Immediately east of the water, Lake Street led us into the heart of Uptown Minneapolis where we concluded a day of touring at Target and ubered back to the Downtown Embassy Suites. If I was in a Yelp dream, I would have used a whole day to hike Bda Maka Ska with its sister Minneapolis lakes: Lake of Isles and Lake Harriot. Maybe a Yelp dream will come true at a Las Vegas casino (where I currently live) and a million dollars can bring me back to Minnesota for a Great Outdoors vacation. I am disheartened that I did not see more of the Minneapolis lakes at the same time that I am very grateful that I got to spend quality time in one of the 10,000 Minnesota lakes. It is a very special one indeed. Far from being in a Yelp dream, in Yelp reality I give Bda Maka Ska (also called Lake Calhoun) Four Stars.

We enjoyed a gorgeous hike around the lake today plus a cookout on Thomas Beach. It was busy but not terribly crowded. Lots of walkers and bicyclists. Free parking.

pretty good park, i rollerblade here a lot but in some parts the path is pretty bumpy and it comes up, also a lot of the bikers are pretty rude, so that kinda sucks :(

I've lived near this lake for many years. My go to walking lake. Only 90s kids will remember when it called "lake Calhoun". Lol. Jk. Forgive me in advice if I still refer to it as "lake Calhoun", it's the name I've known my whole life, still learning the new name. I actually like the meaning behind the new name and it's tie to the Dakota natives. Nice to learn about the Native culture as you walk around the lake. They have some of the language stamped on the ground & a few signs. Happy for this change. Very fun lake to go to, you can ride bikes, rent water activity stuff, play sports (frisbee, volleyball, soccer, football, etc) in the grass areas, swim (if you're into lake water, they have 2-3 areas around the lake roped off for swimming), rollerblade, walk, run, look at & fantasize which fancy lake house you would buy if you were rich and so much more. They also a few parks for kids to play at. There are a few trails that lead to other lakes that are near Calhoun. They added a new restaurant this year called "Lola on the Lake". From photos I've seen and walking by it looks really good. Haven't stopped by yet but planning on it later in summer. Look out for my review. A lot of free street parking around the lake & a few pay lots. Can be busy on nicer days and weekends.

The name means White Earth Lame in the Dakota language. The name was changed from Lake Calhoun to Bde Maka Ska. It's the largest lake in Minneapolis. Minneapolis has a bunch of lakes called the Chain of Lakes. There are bike trails and walking trails here, and a paved walkway around the lake. Minnesota, United States, and part of the city's Chain of Lakes. It's very popular with the locals.

GRAB THE BIKES AND RIDE! I love this lake for the walking path but I use the biking path more. If you come by on a sunny day, especially a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you will likely get to see lots of interesting cars - vintage and new. This is the most fun Minneapolis lake for a more young and vibrant scene. There are multiple beaches and lake activity rentals available. I will say... compared to Lake Harriet, Lake Maka Ska needs more picnic tables! I don't understand why there are so few! Need a little break from the lake while riding? There are plenty of shops, grocery markets, and restaurants within walking/biking distance, especially if you head east and hit Uptown.

Bde Maka Ska, formerly known as Lake Calhoun, is a flagship urban park located in southwest Minneapolis. Its centerpiece is its 3.1 mile loop lake with designated walking and biking paths that makes it the longest lake path in the city. Three beaches dot the lakefront, as do playgrounds, athletic fields, boat and bike rentals, oversized arm chairs and public art. From various points along the lake path, visitors can see downtown Minneapolis as well as the city's Uptown and Calhoun/Isles neighborhoods. The city's Park Board does an excellent job of keeping it clean and litter-free. Popular among tourists and residents alike, it comes alive in all seasons. After arson took down the on-site restaurant, Lola's on the Lake, a new replacement is being planned, along with other future improvements. What would make this a five-star park? A food truck area, brighter LED trail lighting, modern fishing piers similar to those at Theodore Wirth Park, more trash and recycling containers, and outdoor lawn games such as outdoor ping pong.

I went for a 6 mile run here today. That's just under two loops. Maybe it's the fact that we had perfect weather. Maybe it's the fact everyone was out running, biking and walking. All were smiling. It really was perfect. The lake offers sailing and I saw some canoe and kayak rentals. There are separate paved trails for biking and running/walking, which is great. You can also link up with the other chain of lakes. I shall return.

I never realized that there was such a cute little lake in the middle of the city. Okayyy, we're the land of 10k lakes but really,.. lived here a majority of my life and I never knew this place exist! Also, I don't know how pronounce the name of this lake but it was formerly known as Lake Calhoun so we'll stick to that. Sister and I stopped by for pictures. I wanted to take a walk close enough for cityscape and far enough from home since I live in the Greater East Side. The weather was perfect and we went around golden hours so I was able to capture some amazing pictures. It's not super big and it took us maybe an hour at the most to go around the entire lake. We stopped for pictures so it took us a bit longer but overall I thought it was pretty nice. It does get busy and there are traffic since it's literally right next to uptown so if you're looking for something more quiet this isn't the place for you. However, if you're looking for a nice walk near the city, definitely check it out. There are lots of sailboats, and plenty of other water stuff to do (paddleboard, fishing, etc.). I would recommend going before the sunset because Golden hours are the best hours, I promise.

Updated: When I want to walk in a circle, I go to Bde Maka Ska. (You can also just call it Maka Ska. Or if you really can't be bothered to learn how to pronounce such a simple name, you can call it the lake formerly know as Calhoun. Although despite his private nature, I do not believe Prince would want to be associated with small minded idiots. It's 2018. You can do better.)

Oh so many dates with hubby walking around Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles & Lake Harriet (they all connect). This was one of our fave spots back in the day, and we try to come here every time we visit MN. Plenty of street and paid lot parking. Just find a spot then start walking. Lots of port-o-potties on the walking path. As soon as it thaws out (or for MN standards, if it gets to be 35 degrees in winter, break out the swimsuits lol ;) everyone comes out in droves. You'll find roller bladers, bikers, runners, walkers. You can rent paddle boats, etc. Lots of stuff going on during summer months. I wasn't a fan of my years in MN (I can't do cold and I'm deathly allergic to mosquitos), but it brought me my hubby and we had lots of dates here :)

This is a fantastic park! It's really clean for the most part and is located in a quiet part of town. If I lived in Minnesota, I would love to live around this area. Also, I love homes that surrounds the park! It complements the park very well. There's plenty of street parking, which makes it convenient. I could walk around this area all day if I had to. I've only been here once and fell in love with it.

Love love love! Early morning runs are amazing! Free lakeside parking. You can rent paddle boats and there are concessions and and public beaches around the lake.

This Lake was named after the United States Secretary of War, John C. Calhoun, who sent the Army to survey the area that would surround Fort Snelling in 1817. Lake Calhoun is the biggest lake in Minneapolis and is part of the city's Chain of Lakes. Maximum depth is 87 feet and on the day we were there, I could see a boat dredging up excess vegetation and other materials. Lake Calhoun is also part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, connecting with Lake of the Isles on the northeast, Cedar Lake on the northwest, and Lake Harriet on the south. Ron, Meg, Gayle and I enjoyed a nice 3.1 mile hike around the lake on a pleasantly warm, relatively non-humid, and uncrowded week day. And if we were more ambitious, who would have done a Figure 8 around Lake of the Isles and stretched our brisk walk to around 6 miles. Our only regret of the day was not trying out Tin Fish for lunch and a view. The line was just too long for our state of patience.

BEST rollerblading trail in town and great walking/jogging trail around the lake too. The distance around Lake Calhoun is 3.2 miles for bicycles and skaters and 3.1 for walkers and runners per their website. People flock to this place in the spring and summertime since we spend most of the winter in hibernation. It's scenic since the lake is beautiful, there are lots of trees, and there's a great view of the Minneapolis skyline across the lake. Popular activities consist of jogging, walking, rollerblading, dog walking, suntanning, playing outdoor sports, and people watching. Groups of young urbanites and suburbanites make a day of this place since there's so much to see and to do here! It kind of reminds me of the spring break scene in Cancun except this is MN! I absolutely love it here and make a point to come here whenever I can in the summer.

Lots of people, great place for a walk, meet people, fishing, sports, volleyball, tanning, swimming, boating, and many beautiful houses to look at. I love love taking my wife here, she has a blast just walking and bathing in the sun and nature.

Bumping it up! Such a wonderful day spent at Lake Calhoun on Memorial Day. We arrived early and stayed the entire day. Found on street free parking which is a big bonus. Walked around a good chunk of the lake and stopped at the beach, playground(s) and got some Italian ice at a little truck by the Tin Fish. Super packed yesterday, but still, really fun. Great place to spend the day!

Really beautiful lake and neighborhood. Tons of amenities including parks, walking paths, facilities, maps, rentals, etc. It was cold when we came but still beautiful. Very nicely kept by the city.

This is the reason why I fell in love with Minneapolis - the lakes. Land of 10,000 Lakes definitely is the highlight of Minnesota. I ran around the three lakes, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Harriet. It ended up being 13.4 miles of just blissful running. The morning air was nice and cool while I ran. I loved how there were separate running and biking paths so we didn't cross each other while exercising. There were ducks and other wildlife around the lake and in the lake. Other people were also running, so it was nice being in the presence of other fellow runners. The lakes and pathways are so well kept, I can't wait to come back again to run another 13.4 miles!

When the sun is out and it's time to play Lake Calhoun should be at the top of your list of places to visit no matter what the season. Besides being one of 10,000 lakes to enjoy Lake Calhoun also offers The Tin Fish Restaurant in the warmer months, rental equipment for while out on the lake, Lake Calhoun Thomas Beach, and of course an abundant number of boating docks relax by. In the winter ice fishing and ice skating is a must when temperatures allow and oddly enough these winter activities are surprisingly refreshing. Watch out for the weekend rush! The weekends, no matter what the season, you can expect to see people everywhere and this can sometimes cause congestion on the bike paths and walkways. The paths are somewhat marked for you to understand which paths are for riding, walking and running, so stay alert. People are out and about walking their pets so be prepared to see animal poo along the way. I encourage you to bring a small compact camera or phone with a camera on your visit because there are breathe taking scenes you will want to capture.

I feel weird saying that a lake is just OK... come on, it's a lake. Lake Calhoun has got great paths (for biking and walking). It's got a delicious fish tacos place and sailboats. It's got canoe rentals, beaches and volleyball courts. It's got kids, puppies and people training for triathlons. It's got some of the best people-watching in the city. Sure... it has all those things. However, I can't fully get behind Lake Calhoun because it's just altogether too much in comparison to the other lakes in the chain. Exhibit A: It's so crowded I can barely move, whether I'm on the beach, walking, biking, running, trying to order fish tacos, etc... the activity is no matter. Some people might say "bustling," I say, "Guh." Exhibit B: I have had unpleasant experiences when I have gone to the beach by myself. One involved a man with his hand down his pants grinning at me. I will say no more. So, when given a choice among the Chain of Lakes, I usually choose Lake of the Isles because I like the more relaxed feeling of it. However, it doesn't have a beach, sailboats or fish tacos... so what do I know?

When in Minnesota... Renting a car, sorry, no, it was a minivan (for bazillion dollars at the last minute) and taking a ride to Lake Calhoun just might have been the dumbest/smartest idea, well, ever. We won't get into the last-minute rental idea (even my wallet squealed in pain!), but we will talk about the need for anyone who visits Minnesota in the Fall, needs to take a drive to Lake Calhoun. I will tell you the exact words that fell out of my mouth as I walked towards the sand: Is this real life?! I mean, SERIOUSLY?! *Mouth agape* Yup, those were my unsophisticated, unedited words. Quite frankly, I probably stood and stared at the beauty of it all until I realized that I was standing in the middle of the runners' path. (Surely, I irritated them all so apologies to them.) I truly cannot express in the proper words just how gorgeous Lake Calhoun was on this specific day. I mean, no wind, not a cloud in the sky, leaves changing colors, crisp air, ducks swimming, and just Mother Nature showing me her finest work. It was a sight to see, one that I am so glad I did not miss. #perfection

Calhoun is very beautiful! There's so much to do here. You can jog, walk, barbecue, swim, meet up with people, people watch, pick up trash, sleep, and whatever you want to do here, but the only thing you can't do is build a treehouse ( I have always wanted one :)) This lake is big, it's 3 miles around, a perfect jog for me:) I noticed that they have sailing lessons here so I am going to check into that this summer. I will definitely come here more often since is it closer to my place. A great place for everyone to come and enjoy!

The lakes are one thing that make Minneapolis truly unique and a beautiful place to live. Even when the weather is overcast, I still loved going for a quick jog around Lake of the Isles, and it wasn't uncommon for me to make my way around Isles, Calhoun and Harriet during the summer. Take your pick: kayak, rollerblades, bike, sneakers . . . I have used them all to circumnavigate the lakes. I've also used those lazy summer days to lose myself in a good book on the beach. Truly nothing rivals a Minnesota summer day :) Paddleboarding, canoes, paddleboats, and kayaks are all available for rent near the Tin Fish. There is also space to put in your own watercraft if you have it. And speaking of the Tin Fish, make sure to grab a fish taco after spending time at the lakes. Soft tortillas, crispy batter coating, and warm, buttery-soft whitefish with a crunch of slaw makes for one culinary adventure!

Minneapolis is known for its city lakes. Calhoun is great for so much... There is awesome bike and walking paths about 3 miles around. The beaches are nice, but you may want to re think swimming this year LOL! Great areas for picnics, and volleyball. Rentals for water sports available too! If your hungry you can grab a bite. The houses are gorgeous, people watching is great, and the view of the Minneapolis skyline can be breathe taking. If you need a little tougher workout head over to Harriet... This city does not lack for lakes!

If, like me, you need to see other people suffering in order to get your own butt in gear, this is the lake for you. There are so many active people at Calhoun one might think they're getting slipped $ to be extras in Jillian's next video. Some of the activities include: walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, yoga, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, etc.! There are usually a lot of people at Lake Calhoun, especially on the weekends, but the crowd-hating part of me is silenced because part of me really enjoys being where the people are. It's a fantastic place to people watch (who's the guy who dances backwards around the lake?) and each beach has something different to offer. (Personally, I'm a fan of the one across the street from the Calhoun Beach Club because it has swings that can accommodate those of us who are growing younger.) It's also really convenient to mull around here for the day, because once you're nice and crispy, you can walk to Uptown for happy hour.

Can you have anything bad to say about a lake in the city? This place- despite being pretty crowded- is great. You can rent canoes, sail, swim, bike, go for a run, and play with your kids on the playground all while catching a tan. Its a nice place to spend an afternoon people watching or having a picnic with friends. You could grab a taco at Lake St and Calhoun Pkw and walk up to Dunn Bros a couple blocks away on Lake Street. Then go back to the lake an take a nap in the shade.

There is a spot, between Thomas Beach and the sand volleyball courts, were one can experience the most beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline from anywhere in the city. There is a spot, just past the sand volleyball courts, near the weeping willow trees, where I took pictures on my wedding day. I'm no longer married, I no longer love the bastard, but I still love the spot between Thomas and the courts. Come find me sitting beneath my favorite tree at my favorite spot in all of Minneapolis, four seasons a year.

My wife and I love walking around the Chain of Lakes. Harriet is our usual one, but Calhoun is a nice once a month lake. They have a great restaurant I hear called Tin Fish, that is always packed during the summer. Plus they have beer. They have canoe and paddle boat rentals. They have beaches. They have sunbathers. Volleyball courts. A great view of downtown. It's all good. Whole Foods and a bunch of strip mall stuff is right across the street. What more do you want!? Plus a great 3 mile trail around the lake. A fantastic walking place with someone you love. People watching galore!

I took my kids here in the afternoon few days ago. It was sunny and nice out, about 50 degrees! The lake was still frozen so we took advNtage and walk on it. Kids also enjoyed playing at the park. This is also a nice place cor people watching. You will see a lot of people here walking their cute puppies! There are also a lot of fast food and decent restaurants close by. We spent a good one hour here before we headed to the best sushi restaurant in Minnesota, Origami, which is only 9 min drive from Lake Calhoun.

Amazing place to go for a walk or run around the lake. There are many great playgrounds for kids to expend energy while adults enjoy some Spyhouse coffee ;).