Minneapolis and St. Paul have extra to supply than a flourishing metropolitan tradition and thriving arts scene. Past the busy metropolis streets is a community of charming lakes that present leisure and leisure actions for residents and guests alike. These lakes provide quite a lot of leisure alternatives, from peaceable walks to thrilling water sports activities.
In case you are a College of Minnesota scholar on the lookout for one thing to do over summer time break or a Twin Cities resident bored on a scorching day, these high lakes near the Twin Cities are some any Minnesotan ought to take a look at.
Bde Maka Ska
Bde Maka Ska (beforehand often called Lake Calhoun) is a vigorous city oasis tucked away in the course of Minneapolis. It gives a various vary of out of doors recreation choices, together with crusing and windsurfing along with kayak, canoe and paddleboard leases. Included with the rental is a free self-guided tour of the lake.
Joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers can journey the three.2-mile path encircling the lake because of its extensive community of pathways and take within the beautiful view.
“I’ve been visiting Calhoun for years now … it’s such a staple within the Minneapolis neighborhood,” St. Louis Park resident John Carter stated.
Bde Maka Ska is the proper place to spend a fun-filled day with household and associates as a result of it additionally has a lot of sandy seashores, picnic areas and eating places. Solely 13 minutes away from the College of Minnesota campus by automotive, this lake is a close-by spot to go to.
Lake Nokomis
Lake Nokomis, which is situated in South Minneapolis, is a popular vacation spot for outside fanatics. It options seashores, fishing piers and strolling and biking trails. Swimming, crusing, windsurfing and kiteboarding are all frequent right here.
The lake is famend for holding a lot of occasions and festivals all all year long. The Painted Turtle is a restaurant on the seaside providing quite a lot of meals from wings, salads, rooster tenders and walleye. This lake is a 16-minute drive from campus, making it one of many nearer lakes to campus.
Lake Harriet
Positioned straight south of Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet is a well-liked spot for locals on the lookout for a fast escape into the good outdoor. The lake is an 18-minute drive from campus, and presents a spread of actions, together with swimming, fishing and paddle boarding, all whereas being surrounded by inexperienced house.
Alongside the shoreline, guests may additionally take leisurely strolls or bike rides whereas taking within the panoramic views and the quaint bandshell.
“I usually stroll round this lake when the climate is good. I’m very fortunate to have such lovely parks close by my home,” frequent customer Cameron Friedland stated.
The park usually hosts free concert events and film screenings, with a full schedule of occasions discovered right here.
Lake Elmo
A tranquil and untainted haven from the bustle of the town, Lake Elmo is nestled within the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 26 minutes east of the College campus. The 166-acre lake is bordered by thick forests, rolling hills and an abundance of wildlife. Swimming, kayaking and fishing are only a few of the outside actions that guests can take pleasure in.
“It’s very simple to spend a time out right here in the summertime,” boater Ethan McCaffery stated. “I desire it to the St. Croix as a result of it feels extra personal and peaceable.”
The neighboring park is a good place for a weekend journey in the course of nature as a result of it has picnic areas, mountain climbing paths and tenting areas. You may as well attempt your hand at archery at their seven goal archery vary.
White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake is a lovely physique of water surrounded by enticing cities and verdant woodlands. It’s situated northeast of St. Paul, a 23-minute drive from campus. With public boat launches close by, it presents loads of probabilities for boating and water sports activities fanatics.
It’s recognized for its fishing, with Lions Pier and Metropolis Pier being the very best spots for fishers. Nature lovers can take leisurely lakeside picnics or discover the charming paths within the adjoining Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park.
Residents and guests to the Twin Cities can select from all kinds of beautiful lakes because the summer time progresses. These lakes near Minneapolis and St. Paul present the perfect setting for distinctive outside adventures; whether or not you’re on the lookout for rest, thrilling water sports activities or a tranquil pure setting.
So collect your provides, discover these gems and take within the serene magnificence that the treasured lakes of the Twin Cities have to supply.