Experts' Choice Award Chain of Lakes
What the experts agree on
Connected lakes southwest of downtown offering diverse water and land activities—biking, walking, canoeing, fishing—with scenic sunset views and easy access from Uptown neighborhoods.
“Southwest of downtown Minneapolis is the Chain of Lakes, popular with locals for walking, jogging, rollerblading, biking, fishing, and canoeing.”
– Fodor's
Lonely Planet "Uptown is a convenient jump-off point to the Chain of Lakes - ie Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Lake Harriet and Cedar Lake." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"The largest of these is Lake Calhoun, situated in a park where sporting activities are on offer." Full review
On the Grid "Park yourself down on a blanket or in a hammock anywhere along the lakeside, enjoy the calls of chickadees and blackbirds, and watch the sunset reflected in the city skyline." Full review
Afar Magazine "With over 20 lakes, Minneapolis is truly a water city—which is roughly what its name means in the Dakota language of the area's original American Indian inhabitants. The 1555-acre Chain..." Full review
National Geographic "The best way to see my city is in the summer, on a bike, riding the 50+ miles of trails around Minneapolis, especially around the Chain of Lakes"
New York Times "Take it straight to the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes (five in total), encircled by pedestrian and bike paths. At Lake Calhoun, the largest, there are public beaches with sand volleyball,..."
36 Hours in Minneapolis
Select Date
National Geographic "The best place to spend time outdoors in my city is the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. Great opportunities for walking, canoeing, picnicking, and soaking up the sun (yes, we do have sun in..."
Lonely Planet "Minnesota is called the land of a thousand lakes for a reason, and Minneapolis has more than its fair share of scenic pools. The Chain of Lakes links some of the city's best natural..."
The 17 best things to do in Minneapolis that don't cost a cent
January 20, 2022
Lonely Planet "Five distinctive lakes – Cedar, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Harriet and Brownie – make up Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a series of well-loved bodies of water just southwest of..."
