There are sand volleyball courts just a tiny walk away and people gather there to just play. It's amazing and the people there are super kind and inclusive. (I would know I'm always the youngest there by like 10 yrs) It is my favorite place and playing makes me indescribably happy. It's amazing the most popular time is about 6-9 bc it's getting colder and more people come. We go everyday now (when we can) It's amazing please try it out if you are interested or just like V-Ball read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Place on maps - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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I go here on a regular basis. It is and always will be one of my favorite late walks in the Twin Cities. About 3.12 miles around and you get a little bit of everything. There is nothing like it in the summer.. there is a spot where you can rent a kayak if you want (which I do fairly often on a hot day) and you can pull it up to a beach and take a dip. Just so lovely. The walk is also great and it gives you a bit of everything. Gorgeous lake, some wood scenery, on a main road as well if you want to stop off and grab food or a coffee. There are a few parking lots where you can pay for parking but there is also a lot of free street parking which is typically what I do. Just all in all a lovely walk everytime. read more

Worth checking out. Right outside of downtown Minneapolis and a good option to explore your surroundings and nature. If you like to run or be in a lake beach this is the place for you. Water was pretty and clean. There's a restaurant there but I didn't check it out; seems nice. If you like sailing or kayaking this is the place for you. The area was clean and calm; not too crowded but definitely some people. The complex and houses around the area adds to the lake vibe. read more

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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! read more

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Great place for walking/running/biking! Beautiful views, lots of places to sit, grill and swim. We've taken advantage of the kayak rentals in the past and love coming here! Very pet and family friendly! Get there mid morning for free street parking. read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Bde Maka Ska is one of my most favorite lakes to recreate. I have many good memories of running and biking hundreds of miles around the area, it's a perfect 5k around the lake. It also offers a separated walking and biking path and three separate beaches to catch some rays. This lake is a nice spot for renting a kayak or canoe since it's connected to lake of the Isles. Plenty of parking around the lake as well as free parking. There's also a nice eating spot, Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, which sometime they have live music. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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.] read more

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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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Bde Mka Ska - formerly Lake Calhoun - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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 read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Frozen Lake during February - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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. read more

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. read more

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

Bde Maka Ska Park - Lake - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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! read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Beach, park, lakes. - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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! read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Maka your way around this lake - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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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. read more

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. read more

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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! read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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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. read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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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. read more

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. read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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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. read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - View of Mpls. skyline - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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. read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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. read more

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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.) read more

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. read more

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. read more

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 :( read more

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. read more

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 ;). read more

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! read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Sitting on a tire near the playground :) - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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? read more

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 read more

Bde Maka Ska Park - Perfection #nofilter - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota