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Usitour
Sightseeing

Lake Calhoun

📍 Minneapolis · USA
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3.5/ 5.0
★★★★☆

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
2
Spoon and Cherry Sculpture
3
Water Activities
4
Winter Ice Sports
5
Uptown Lifestyle District

🛈 Practical Info

→Hours：Park open year-round; water rentals 10:00-sunset in summer
→Admission：Free; equipment rental $15-$30 per hour
→Transportation：10-minute drive from downtown, or Metro Transit bus 4 or 6
→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

💡 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

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