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    Bde Maka Ska Park

    4.3 (132 reviews)

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    Bde Maka Ska is the "White Earth Lake"
    Gilbert G.

    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!

    Eyely B.

    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.

    Karina C.

    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.

    Last time I was there, I saw goats on the fence. Somebody's go to must've gotten loose. They were so cute!
    Caitlin U.

    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.

    Risa Y.

    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!

    Bde Maka Ska Park, Minneapolis
    Bruce K.

    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.]

    Bde Mka Ska - formerly Lake Calhoun
    Bella J.

    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.

    Frozen Lake during February
    Robert W.

    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

    Lake
    Nicole D.

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

    Beach, park, lakes.
    Caroline C.

    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!

    Maka your way around this lake
    Fox E.

    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!

    Siobhan D.

    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.

    Dominik D.

    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!

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Bde Maka Ska Park

    Review Highlights - Bde Maka Ska Park

    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.

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    Loring Park

    Loring Park

    4.2
    (86 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    This is a huge park that has a little of everything. This park has a fine mix of modern amenities…read moreand rustic appeal. It is a little piece of calm just outside the busy city. It spans 34 acres and is named after Charles Loring, an American businessman, miller and publicist who was the first Minneapolis Park Board and considered the "Father of the Park System" in Minneapolis. The park has an astounding flower garden. It was very pretty. You will also find a very nice lake/wetland here. It has seating and is very soothing. The lake is home to many animals. Fishing is welcome at the lake. They even have a fishing pier. The park has a full basketball court and a half-court basketball court that are in great shape. The park's horseshoe pits could use some TLC, though. The park is home to about 10 pits. If you are a pickleball player, then the park has a couple of nice courts to play on. Other park amenities include tennis courts, shuffleboard, and two playground areas on wood-chip beds. One area is fenced in and is for smaller children. This area has a bank of swings, a saucer swing, slides, a modern merry-go-round, a bebble bridge, and a jungle gym. The other playground area, for older kids, has a climbing net, balance beam, slides, pebble bridge, and rock climbing wall. This area is not fenced in. I have seen a lot of parks, and this is a nice one. They host events such as movie screenings, ice skating, and lunchtime concerts. You can easily spend half a day here. I really enjoyed my time here and am sure that you will too.

    After a wonderful dinner at Gai Noi, colleagues and I took a stroll of Loring Park. It's a pretty…read morepark with a lake, walking pathways, and nature all around. We also encountered a variety of birds, and I saw one of the cutest and chubbiest squirrels I've ever seen.

    Photos
    Holidazzle set up
    Holidazzle set up
    Cute buildings with interesting histories
    Cute buildings with interesting histories
    Loring Park

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    Theodore Wirth Park

    Theodore Wirth Park

    4.4
    (48 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    Come out and visit the Trail Head at Theodore Wirth!…read more It has a fantastic community space and outdoor recreation center. Totally makes winter in Minnesota even better. I'm new to discovering The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, but believe me when I say I'll be back many more time. In the winter, they offer cross-country skiing and lessons. (You can rent a full set of gear for about $30- no need to have your own to experience skiing! They also have à la carte options for cheaper if you only need poles or boots, etc.) Besides skiing, outdoor winter activities also include snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing.... You name it. (I haven't been in fall or summer yet, but I also hear great things about their mountain biking and trail running options.) Inside The Trailhead, there's food and drink concessions, ample seating, lockers, bathrooms, and even rooms for rent. The last time I was there, a family was hosting a young child's birthday party in the multi-purpose room. Altogether, there is an amazing assortment of services here to come and check out. Can't wait for next ski season!

    HIDDEN GEM IN THE CITY…read more I've lived on this parkway for 3 years now and I don't think I've shut up about how amazing Theo Wirth is since! The City Chain of Lakes get all the hype, but you know what's even closer to downtown, in the heart of the city, with: a lake xc ski trails fat bike / mountain bike trails endless walking paths beach with volleyball courts public golf course and so much more?! Yeah, that's right - my neighborhood park! You can do about every outdoor activity you can think of here. Plus, the Trailhead is the main hub for all of it, with a restaurant, tons of indoor seating, gear rentals year-round, and an amazing nature space in the heart of the city. This is the perfect park to embrace any season in Minne!

    Photos
    Theodore Wirth Park
    Fall Leaves
    Fall Leaves
    Trail

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    Trail
    Centennial Lakes Park

    Centennial Lakes Park

    4.6
    (81 reviews)
    5.6 mi

    I have such a nice time at this park. I go here to study. To relax. To take in the scenery…read more It is a bit crowded but that's because it's such a nice environment. I enjoy finding quiet nooks at the park

    Urban Oasis for a Peaceful Stroll! Centennial Lakes is a…read moregreat outing, earning five stars from me. I wanted a nice place to stretch my legs, and this park was just right. The paved paths make for an easy and accessible walk, suitable for a quick escape or a leisurely stroll. What really stood out to me was how quiet it felt. Even with buildings in the background, the park feels remarkably peaceful. The gentle sound of water, the rustling of leaves, and the overall calm let you forget you're in a busy area. It's a fantastic bubble of serenity. The scenery mixes urban sophistication with natural beauty. Modern buildings create a sleek backdrop for the beautifully designed waterways and landscaped grounds. Even without full bloom, you can see a real commitment to diverse plants here. I can't wait for a return visit in the spring! I can only imagine how bright and colorful it gets when everything is in full bloom. If you want a peaceful place to clear your mind, enjoy some fresh air, and take a nice walk, Centennial Lakes is a must-visit. Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour, it's the perfect spot. I left feeling refreshed and energized. I can't wait to see it come to life in the spring!

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    Centennial Lakes Park
    Centennial Lakes Park
    Seating

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    Seating

    Bde Maka Ska Park - parks - Updated June 2026

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