After yesterday's paddle, I gotta say this place is bliss. I'd kind of scoped it out a few days prior just by taking a hike around the entirety of the lake to see what all it had to offer besides hiking and biking. I'd parked over by the larger beach (Nokomis Main Beach) on the west side (there's a smaller one on the east side), utilizing the free parallel parking which was available since it wasn't yet a busy afternoon rather than the pay lot. The large beach is quite nice, with some play equipment for the kiddos, a decent restroom facility, even a eatery/ice cream place. Seasonally, there's also a rental place for kayaks/canoes/swan boats if you don't have your own. There's another parking lot on the north end which is nearby a dock that's great for putting in your own kayak/canoe. This is also where you'll find the nearby Community Center with lots more play equipment and tennis courts outside, as well as gyms and rooms inside (open in the afternoons/evenings). It looks to me that the community center offers a lot of classes/activities for kids throughout the year that you can sign up for. I took a quick detour inside and admired their small common area with little library, fish tank, art, etc. Walking around the entirety of the lake will also take you over the car bridge, which offers some nice views. Just north of that bridge is also where the fancier boats are anchored. When I came back the second time with my inflatable kayak, I was able to easily get out onto the water and enjoy my time. Lovely warm September day meant lovely warm lake water, and I paddled the length of it and back, stopping frequently to just lay back and vibe. I especially enjoyed relaxing at the southern end of the lake where the planes fly directly over on their descent into MSP airport. So cool to marvel at! read more

Love walking around this lake. Cool beach fronts and nice open fields with playgrounds.

My wife and I love to walk outside and we have walked Lake Nokomis hundreds of times. I even proposed to her 28 years from one of the benches that line the shore looking into the Downtown Minneapolis Skyline! We love this lake, they have some newish snack stands around it and plenty of trees and shade. Great for Pokemon Go! walking too, if you play that game. The view of downtown is perfect and it crosses over a busy street, so you can either cross at the light, or just continue across the bridge without crossing. You can get some ice cream nearby too! read more

Lake Nokomis is by far one of my favorite lakes in the Twin Cities. If you go to the main beach, you can either do paid lot parking or just park on the street right across for free. There are places to put a boat in, go swimming with lifeguards watching, parks to play in, and paths to run/bike on. Additionally, they have huge bathrooms with showers, changing rooms, and a first aid station. This came in handy as I actually cut my hand and needed to grab a bandaid. Highly recommend everyone take some time to relax here. read more

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Beautiful trail and beautiful lake - I took a walk here and will definitely be back! Definitely would recommend for running/biking as they have trails all the way around for both read more

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I love being outdoors and I enjoy this park. I've done the swan boating , I like to run and walk this lake. It's not overly crowded and normally clean. read more

Lake Nokomis - Lakes Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Love this lake! There's great trails, in the summer you can play at the beach or rent swan pedal boats. In winter there's the us pond hockey tournament. It's a free event. I was able to find easy parking by the community center and then walk over the ice to the event. read more

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I just signed up for my open water swim club membership for summer 2022, and in honor of Earth Day, I will finally finish my review of Lake Nokomis. 5 Stars. It's a beautiful lake in our beautiful city and we are lucky to have it. Pre-covid, you could swim across Lake Nokomis for free some days. They might not be bringing that back. I recommend the open water swim club to anyone who likes swimming in lakes. There is absolutely nothing like swimming to the middle of this lake, where it is absolutely silent. It is one of my favorite places. Many of the open swimmers are training for some big giant race, and TBH, many of them are assholes. Swim around me dude and maybe spot sometimes bc this is a big lake and if you bump me you are an asshole. Many of the open swimmer are older and kinder, and still beat me when it comes to speed. But I have endurance! And I love open water swim. Would you like to be at Nokomis for other reasons? Both beaches are lovely. It's a great place for walking or biking or hammocking or paddle boarding or looking for monarchs and there's free parking! Dont be a jerk and let your dog in the lake. There are clear signs saying not to do that, and this lake is already not the cleanest. Make sure you shower. read more

Lake Nokomis is a pleasant lake to relax and recreate. It's under three miles in circumference and offers docs, beaches or an actual ramp to go boating or launch your paddle board. Nokomis main beach is pretty big to sun bathe at ir watch your kids play in the water. There is also a ton of grassy areas to have a picnic. If your adventurous, is a little walk down to Minnehaha falls. read more

Lake Nokomis - Lakes Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

When I come to Mini Apples or Mini Soda, I Lake what I see here. Or rather what I see here are Lakes. This is a beautiful lake in the land of the Lakes. Minnesota has so many lakes it's just absolutely flush with lakes you could say. Although I hope they don't ever flush the lakes but knowing humans we could find a way to do exactly that. So this lake. It's beautiful and it's one of many but it's one of the better ones and a lovely place to hang out in the summer before the other 28 months a year come around, which are Siberian around here - it's just freezing to a fault, so be sure to bundle up well maybe even in summer, most of the time, honestly. Of course it's not Superior like Lake Superior, and it's not as dramatic as dating Mitch Again (Lake Michigan), but it's still lovely. They may only have Mini Sodas and Mini Apples in this state, but they have big lakes to go with their Mini Lakes. Speaking of Big Lakes, have you met Barbie. read more

Lake Nokomis - I lake what I see - Lakes Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

What a wonderful lake to run and walk around! There's plenty of parking. They have a beach area and what looks like water activities and some refreshment stand, but not open when I was there. The path around can include some side adventures into other parts, and you can also just run the larger part of the loop without doing the whole perimeter of the lake if you don't want to cross the street. The larger part of the loop without crossing is probably about 2.5 miles. I like the view and little areas around the lake that mix up the scenery. There is plenty of green space to also have other outdoor activities, which is nice. I only used it for laying in the grass and stretching. I also appreciate that there were pedestrian and cyclist paths- reduces stress and incidents that could case some clashes. There's even a pull up bar in one part! Cool! read more

Great place for family and friends! There's pickle ball, playground, and a beach on the stretch that I walked. Great for anyone!

Beautiful lake close to the heart of Minneapolis. Great place to run, walk, or bike around. I think it is around 3 miles around the lake. It is also conn3cted by trails to the other "chain lakes" of Minneapolis. In the warmer months there is a big swimming beach that isn't as crowded like the ones found at Lake Calhoun. You can also boat on the lake (non-motorized). There is also a great little place to grab a bite to eat and drink called Sandcastle. Perfect place to people watch or just hang out and enjoy a beautiful Minnesota summer day. read more

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LAKE PHELAN I was asked to remove my little pug from the beach area. As there"s dead fish and bird poop, and bandaids all over. NO PROB!! read more

How do you pick a lake in the land of lakes? 10,000 is a LOT to choose from! It was an excellent accidental discovery for me - thanks Yelpers for the nod in the right direction. I was blown away by how beautiful it is and by how much there is to do. Want to relax? You've come to the right place. Prefer to be active? Once again, you're in the right place! You can even bring your (leashed) dogs. Bikes, boats, beaches... you name it, they've got it. Hungry? They can even help with THAT! Swing by, and see what you've been missing. read more

If you just happen to be biking on the Grand Round as so many MPLSers do, you might as well stop by this summer and cool off in the lake. Beautiful greenery, easy access, and it has recognizability with the locals. read more

Great big-brother lake to Hiawatha. Although I guess Nokomis is the grandmother of Hiawatha. Awesome for canoeing, swimming or just hanging out. Lots of space for BBQs, throwing a ball around or organized sports. You may see a dead fish here and there, but that's really not shocking. The planes are a constant, taking off and landing at the airport nearby. Nokomis Beach Coffee, Fat Lorenzo's and the 5-8 Club are within walking distance of the lake. Great trails surround the lake for biking, blading or walking, running. Some fish here. I've seen sailboats and other kinds of boats as well as canoes and kayaks. Sometimes there are lifeguards on duty. They will regulate the masses of kids that congregate on the main beach on hot summer days. Recently they had a new diving pier out in deeper water. I remember late-night swims on Nokomis long ago. This lake is a superb spot to spend a day. From Wikipedia: Nokomis is the name of Nanabozho's grandmother in the Ojibwe traditional stories and was the name of Hiawatha's grandmother in Longfellow's poem, The Song of Hiawatha, which is a retelling of the Nanabozho stories. Nokomis is an important character in the poem, mentioned in the familiar lines By the shores of Gitche Gumee, By the shining Big-Sea-Water, Stood the wigwam of Nokomis, Daughter of the Moon, Nokomis. Dark behind it rose the forest. According to the poem, From the full moon fell Nokomis/Fell the beautiful Nokomis. She bears a daughter, Wenonah. Despite Nokomis' warnings, Wenonah allows herself to be seduced by the West-Wind, Mudjekeewis,Till she bore a son in sorrow/Bore a son of love and sorrow/Thus was born my Hiawatha. Abandoned by the heartless Mudjekeewis, Wenonah dies in childbirth, leaving Hiawatha to be raised by Nokomis. The wrinkled old Nokomis/Nursed the little Hiawatha and educates him. In the Ojibwe language, nookomis means "my grandmother," thus portraying Nokomis of the poem and the aadizookaan (Ojibwe traditional stories) from a more personal point of view, akin to the traditional Ojibwa narrative styles. read more

Lake Nokomis - Frozen - Lakes Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Living in the cities now for over 10 years, I have just been under the idea that the lakes to go to were around Uptown. I graduated from Calhoun to Harriet after my partying days became less. Now, I am faithful to Nokomis! A recent discovery for me, Lake Nokomis is right off of Minehaha Parkway. On a bike ride to Minnehaha Falls and back, we decided to stop for a quick dip. Have you ever seen a blue lake? No, not the bluish side of brown. Actually blue! They have two beaches (we generally go to the north beach). You can see the bottom of the lake it is so clean! The beach is busy, but great for swimming. It stays shallow pretty far out, making it good for kids and non-swimmers. If you are a water junkie, there is a raft for diving and hanging out, but it is a good swim away. As with the other lakes, you can rent canoes, bikes, etc. They have a snack stand set up for a mid-day break. The trails total about 3 miles around the lake, but there is an art walk on the southern part of the trail. It is not rocky like Calhoun, but very smooth sand. It is not weedy like Harriet, but crystal blue water. I am not sure why anyone would want to go to a different city lake! read more

Lake Nokomis is a nice lake with beaches on both sides. There is a 2.4217mile jogging / bike path that goes around most of the lake (a part of it cuts through over a bridge). Earlier this month, I ran the annual FANS 24 Hour Race there (in its 22nd year) for 24 hours, so I know the path very well. I ran 40+ laps in that 24 hour span, so you can say that I became too familiar with it. http://www.fans24hour.org http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=12866 read more

Lake Nokomis - What they say about Mount Nokomis is true, during the FANS 24 Hour Race! - Lakes Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The blue gem of south Minneapolis, Lake Nokomis is a definition of the tagline 'City by Nature'. Between the schools of bluegill and largemouth bass cruising the shoreline, planes flying close overhead, the beaches, the National Pond Hockey Championship, and view of the Minneapolis skyline, I love this lake so much- YEAR ROUND! I highly recommend bringing/renting a watercraft at least once a year, preferably on a weeknight when it's not as busy. This is a favorite spot to bring my canoe and drop a quick line in the water to try and snag some fishies (but that is probably just because I'm less than two miles away.) The trail around the lake is also nice, and makes for a good workout spot. It also connects to the Minnehaha Parkway trail as well. There's a reason we keep winning 'best park system' in the country, and I'd like to thing Lake Nokomis is a big reason why. read more

Years ago when I discovered the quiet walking path and beach of Lake Nokomis I felt I found another Twin Cities secret gems. Soon after the location was "discovered" by fund raising groups. During the months of May through October I make regular visits during the weekday as usually every weekend the park is booked with a running event for more charities than you ever heard of. Of course it's still open for anyone to walk or jog but the roads are closed and there is no parking in the neighborhood for many blocks. It's crowded with runners and the women wearing bright pink vests tend to give a glare for an "outsider" to be walking while they have their organized activity. There are separate paths for walkers/joggers and bicyclists and a beautiful roadway with scattered expanded parking lanes. There is paid parking at the North end. It's a joy to live in the city with this many lakes and parkways as this is my favorite year round place, (snow is cleared on the path) to view the season changes and see wildlife I wouldn't expect to see in the metro. read more

Lake Nokomis - A Grey Egret (I think) in contemplative respite. - Lakes Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

All of our lakes in Minneapolis are great in thier own way. What I like the most about Lake Nokomis is the sand on the beach is much softer than the others, not as good as ocean sand but the closest thing we have to it, and accessing the beach, as well as parking is alot easier. As with all Minneapolis lakes, Nokomis is surrounded by alot of beautiful parkland and has many excellent biking and jogging trails along with many great pickniking spots. There are also benches along the lake shore in lots of different places (see my photo of the Downtown Minneapolis Skyline from one of them). I highly recommend coming to this lake. read more

Lake Nokomis - Minneapolis Skyline from one of the lakeshore benches at Lake Nokomis - Lakes Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I really love Lake Nokomis. I grew up coming here with my dad on weeknights in the summer in the early and mid 90s (wow that makes me sound old)!He would jog around the lake (I would stay and play at the beach with my older sisters), and then we would all go swimming and finish the evening with ice cream if we were lucky. If we were EXTRA lucky, we'd go over to Fat Lorenzo's for pizza dinner afterwards. The thing I like about Nokomis is that it's way more low key than the other lakes in the cities. And parking is a breeze! I prefer to park on the east side of the lake and go to the "small beach" instead of the larger main beach. Just FYI the water quality is not the best (ducks and their droppings in swimming areas), so make sure to shower and scrub with soap after you're done swimming. There is a running/walking path and a separate bike path. You can connect to the parkway and get to either the other chain of lakes or fort Snelling for a nice long bike ride. Nokomis has gotten a few upgrades in the recent years too. The restaurant at the main beach was completely renovated- I'm looking forward to trying it. The park was also renovated a while ago- looks completely different compared to when I was a kid! Wheel Fun rentals have kayaks, canoes, bikes, SUPS, etc for day rent from the main beach as well. Overall a great place to do a variety out outdoor activities, an abundance of free street parking, and minimal city traffic (compared to Calhoun and Isles) read more

I love Lake Calhoun but Lake Nokomis is just as great. It's not as busy and much easier to find parking! They have a pay lot that's only $0.75 an hour, otherwise there are plenty of free parking spots along the baseball fields. Like many lakes in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Lake Nokomis has walking/running and bike paths. They also offer rentals for canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, paddle boards, bikes, and surreys! Otherwise, if you just want to relax, there's a beach and plenty of spots to have a picnic :) It's a little more peaceful here. You don't have the hustle and bustle of Uptown Minneapolis around you but you do get to listen to the sounds of airplanes flying overhead every once in awhile - you'll barely notice it though. There's also a concession stand called Sandcastle! I haven't tried the food here yet but I hear it's decent. They sell Jonny Pops which are my favorite summertime treat! read more

I've lived in and traveled to a great many places in the world. A Minnesota resident now and for the past three years, I am in love with this lake. Unlike Calhoun and Harriet, which remind me of why I moved and am grateful to be away from Orange County, California, Lake Nokomis is like that cool, easy-going, blue collar, t-shirts and shorts friend; the nice-looking, happy, friendly, beer-in-hand, easy-going, great sense of humor buddy. A place where you can come, take it easy, have fun, and just let your hair down. I'm here more nights a week than not, just running, walking, swimming, enjoying. It is, to start with, just plain beautiful here. Never crazy busy. Whether you just want to kick back on one of the beaches, run or bike the trails around the lake, or rent a bike, kayak, paddle board, canoe, picnic, barbeque or whatever, there's lots to do here, or nothing at all, depending on what you prefer. The crowd is laid back and easy-going. Plenty of parking in the paid lot, or free parking streetside, if you don't mind walking. Full facilities here - a food concession, restrooms, rental operation, boat launching and mooring - whatever you need. LOVE this place. read more

Lake Nokomis is the Jan Brady of the Chain of Lakes; everyone is always like " Calhoun, Calhoun, Calhoun!" But you know what Jan? You're special too. Sure we have to contend with the sound of jets flying to and from the airport, and the snack bar ain't no Tin Fish. But parking is only $0.75 per hour and you might even find some free parking along the softball fields. The swimming is pretty good; little to minimal weeds, clear water, and a sandy bottom. Another great aspect is that it is always less crowded than the other lakes. If you're a sometimes-misanthrope like me, this is a huge plus. Don't forget Grand Ole Creamery is nearby too, if you're looking for a sweet treat. If you find Cedar or Calhoun too crowded, consider Lake Nokomis. She may be the middle child, but she's still special in her own way. read more

Great lake to check out. Lots of activities going on. Good bike/walking trails. The traffic on the main road going towards the lake is kind of a bitch sometimes...and sometimes gets pretty busy around there, so if you bring your little ones, keep an eye out for them as cars come and go. Plenty of spots to cop a squat with a good book...or with your loved one(s). It's nice to skip out on the more popular lakes sometimes and enjoy different scenery! read more

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I've been to Lake Nokomis more this summer than any other, and I have become a huge fan. Lake Calhoun is overrated. Nokomis is smaller, yes, but it's also not as crowded, has great walking/running and bike paths, and is overall a more peaceful and relaxing place to hang out. Granted, it doesn't have the yupster vibe of Calhoun or maybe Harriet, but I like it that way. I think that Lake Nokomis likes it that way too. Lake Nokomis is not far from Minnehaha Falls, and is also part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, so it's a great place to bike to. And, if you're so inclined, you can rent a canoe, or even "park" your sailboat there for the summer. Some other amenities include an amazing skyline view of Downtown Minneapolis, a playground, softball fields, two beaches, and Fat Lorenzo's within walking distance. Oh, and I agree with Angela L. - if you could do me a favor, and you're thinking of checking out one of the lakes in Minneapolis, please choose any of them besides Nokomis. Unless you're going there in the winter to watch or play in the Pond Hockey Championships. But after that, forget you've ever been there. read more

If you want a quality park/lake to take a bike ride around, a place to run or a place to hang out with some family and/or friends without the "Calhoun" or even "Harriet" experience this is your lake. It's fairly clean, not over-crowded, small and wind blocked enough that you could troll around it in your kayak or canoe with ease. In the mid-summer months the beach and adjacent park on the West side of the lake can get a bit crowded so try the northeast side beach and park for a quieter experience. Just heard that they are updating their food concessions in the next year. read more

Being an urban child in my youth, I spent my toddler days and early school years along the shores of Lake Nokomis in the Wenonah neighborhood.... so, I have one thing to say about Lake Nokomis: please don't go here. It is far less busy than Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, and with much better biking and walking trails, in my opinion. It's quieter and more peaceful, and I'd like it to stay that way. Lake Nokomis is one of the most under-rated of the area lakes... people think Calhoun and Harriet are where it's at, and yes, they may have a more metropolitan flair, with their band shells, their Sven-Sundgaard-sightings and their free-yoga-in-the-parks, but Nokomis is where you go if you truly want to relax. They recently put in some community art installations around the walking trail, and it is of course home to the pond hockey championships in the winter time. read more

I love this lake its my favorite one in the area because Calhoun is always too crowded for my taste. Soak up the sun and catch a tan while relaxing with a good book is my favorite past time for the summers . While your at Nokomis they have plenty of bbq's and room for group gatherings and have a place that sells snacks and ice cream to cool you down while your out. One last thing check out fat lorenzo's a block or two away they have awesome food ;) read more

The people's lake, or as I heard one passerby call the East Beach the "townie" beach, it is the most egalitarian lake of all the Minneapolis chain of lakes. With Fat Lorenzo's on its southern point, art installments and natural wildflower restoration along its edge, this lake has it all. In summer, it's the most inviting and low maintenance. In winter, you'll see folks cross country skiing, and in summer kayaks, SUPs, and quaint sailboats venture its calm waters. I would be remiss if I left out the popular West Beach, complete with restaurant and bathrooms, and plenty of green spaces and grilling pits, it has everything one could want in a summer day. The east beach is more casual (we prefer it) and now has a floating dock. Family friendly, romantic for couples, and with its circumference of roughly two and a half miles, a stroll around Nokomis is perfect any time of year. (Leashed) Dogs welcome! read more

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This is a great place to jog early mornings, walk and family fun. Took a much needed walk and it was very healing the scene is beautiful read more

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We bought the 3 wheel bikes and biked 3 miles around the lake! Didn't even feel like one mile! We weren't tired at all so we did Kayaking and it was amazing! 10/10 cleanliness and family fun! read more

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OK, it's March and I'm really anxious for some weather to enjoy the lake. Nokomis is Southeast Minneapolis at its finest and it's my favorite lake on the Three Rivers Park system. It's the biggest, cleanest and deepest with the best fishing out of all the other city lakes. With multiple beaches to choose from, a bike path, (Where you can go both directions) and the new Sand Castle restaurant, what isn't there to like? So one might complain about the planes but that's one of the things I actually like. It's awesome to get paddle boards go to the middle of the lake and lay down on the board and watch the planes, kind of a rush. Nokomis has Wheel Fun rentals, softball fields, open space, grills and more! Parking can be a little tricky, there is street parking and a large pay lot by the club house, if you don't pay they ticket regularly. Altogether, another fantastic park in the Minneapolis city limits! read more

My sibling and I were all hanging out for the 4th of July. My sisters recommended that we head to the beach. Since it was so hot this seemed like a great idea. Unfortunately we went to the beach on the West-side of Lake Nokomis. It was by far the most disgusting beach I have ever been to. When I first got there I sat down and I immediately noticed the strong smell of dog crap. I tried moving to the other side of the our blanket but no matter where I went I could smell dog crap. I even walked around thinking I could see a big pile laying out in the open but I could not offend the offending pile. Then when we got into the lake itself there were two decent sized dead fish floating right in the swimming area. Between that dog crap I decided it was time to go. I think the Minneapolis Park Board needs to invest a little money in keeping the beaches a little bit cleaner. read more

Definitely my favorite of the lakes! You can actually do whatever it is you're set out to do at Lake Nokomis be it biking, jogging, swimming, walking, bbq'ing or just relaxing because it's not crowded. And this public beach (there's two actually) never gets closed for various contaminants like the other lakes. Love having this lake walking distance from my house! There's snacks and ice cream at the Sandcastle and canoe rentals at the "big" beach and Nokomis Beach Shops 1 block east of the "little" beach on 50th Street east & 28th Ave S. Love the mix of people as well! read more

I really like Nokomis, and durring the week it feels like the perfect getaway. (I just don't like the fitness stations telling me I'm getting old. They encouraged me to have fun as a kid, now they mock me) read more

I found it really disrespectful at the fact that my three year old son got stranded on a paddle boat that i rented and they didn't want to help me. I had to swim to shore leaving behind my three year old son and his father to find help and only received help after nagging the workers 3 times. I also rented a bike for my family and the chains were completely broken. Will not rent from there again and would not go again. I'm very disappointed and unsatisfied with my experience. read more

Free swimming/skating in the middle of a city is simply amazing! This is a beautiful lake, and a great place for anyone to occupy a few hours of their time. It's also a nice scenic drive around the lake. There are 2 swimming areas. The bathrooms at the largest swimming area are old, but they aren't dirty. For the summer, they bring in sand to make a nice beach and there are lifeguards on duty during the busier times. There is a playground on the beach so kids can play in the water and on the slide or monkey bars. Seems like heaven for a kid...or a mom with an energetic kid. Pets are allowed, and pretty much everyone has their dog with them. There is also a rental stand near the restrooms where you can rent kayaks and canoes (and maybe I even saw bikes). The second smaller swimming area had the added benefit of having a floating dock for people to swim out to and dive off of. Tons of fun to be had. You Minnesotans are an active bunch, and I'm totally jealous of all your parks and recreation. read more