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Usitour
National Park & Nature

Lake Calhoun

📍 3000 Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3.5/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Minneapolis
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
3000 Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Coordinates
44.9400, -93.3150

Introduction

Lake Calhoun, now renamed Bde Maka Ska, is one of the most beautiful urban lakes in Minneapolis, located in the Chain of Lakes district in the southwest of the city, forming the famous Chain of Lakes corridor together with Lake Harriet and Lake Isles. This approximately 17-hectare urban oasis features a 5-kilometer multi-use trail around its shore, making it the most popular destination for running, cycling, walking, and dog-walking in Minneapolis. The sparkling lake offers kayak, paddleboard, and sailboat rentals in summer, while the beach is ideal for sunbathing and picnicking. On the north side stands the iconic Spoon and Cherry sculpture by artist Claes Oldenburg, one of the most recognizable public art landmarks in Minneapolis. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a natural ice skating rink and ice boating venue, continuing the city's year-round outdoor tradition. The surrounding Uptown and Linden Hills neighborhoods are filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, creating a perfect lakeside lifestyle district.

✨ Highlights

1
Chain of Lakes Trail
A 5km multi-use trail connecting the lake chain, Minneapolis's most popular running and cycling route
2
Spoon and Cherry Sculpture
The iconic giant public art by Claes Oldenburg, Minneapolis's most recognizable landmark
3
Water Activities
Summer rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats; beach for sunbathing and picnicking
4
Winter Ice Sports
The frozen lake becomes a natural skating rink and ice boating venue, continuing year-round outdoor traditions
5
Uptown Lifestyle District
Surrounding Uptown and Linden Hills offer boutiques, cafes, and restaurants for a perfect lakeside experience

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：Summer evenings and fall afternoons are most beautiful; weekends are busier
→Duration：About 1 hour to circle the lake; allow 2-3 hours for leisure
→Opening Hours：Park open year-round; water rentals 10:00-sunset in summer
→Ticket Information：Free; equipment rental $15-$30 per hour
→Transportation：10-minute drive from downtown, or Metro Transit bus 4 or 6

💡 Tips

• Multiple free lots around the lake; summer weekends fill up, arrive early or bike in
• The left lane is for walking, right for cycling; stay in your lane to avoid conflicts
• The best angle for the Spoon and Cherry is from the south lawn, capturing the lake too
• Tin Fish at Linden Hills offers popular lakeside fish and chips

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Lake Calhoun?

Park open year-round; water rentals 10:00-sunset in summer

How much is the admission for Lake Calhoun?

Free; equipment rental $15-$30 per hour

Any practical tips for visiting Lake Calhoun?

Multiple free lots around the lake; summer weekends fill up, arrive early or bike in The left lane is for walking, right for cycling; stay in your lane to avoid conflicts

How long should I spend at Lake Calhoun?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.