Minneapolis Smoke Over Lake of the Isles

Canadian wildfire smoke blankets Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, obscuring the urban landscape. The lake and its surrounding parkland are part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkways designed by landscape architect H.W.S. Cleveland and engineer William Berry in the late 19th century. These lakes, including Bde Maka Ska, Harriet, Nokomis, and Cedar, were developed to provide naturalistic recreational spaces within the growing city. Today, the Chain of Lakes remains a vital public amenity, offering residents and visitors opportunities for walking, biking, boating, and enjoying nature, even when impacted by environmental events like wildfire smoke.