Photo Set

Bde Maka Ska

Bde Maka Ska is Minneapolis's largest lake, sitting within the Chain of Lakes Regional Park system in the southwest of the city, its shores running along West Lake Street and bordered by the Uptown neighborhood to the east and the Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood to the west. The Dakota name, meaning "White Earth Lake," was officially restored in 2017 after the lake had been known for decades as Lake Calhoun.

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Aerial view of Minneapolis downtown skyline at twilight with West Lake Street light rail station, Cedar Lake, and Bde Maka Ska visible.View full post: Downtown Minneapolis Skyline Beyond Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska
July 31, 2026 — Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska sit west of downtown Minneapolis, two of the city's Chain of Lakes connected by the Midtown Greenway and nearby bike paths. The METRO Green Line's West Lake Street station, built along the Kenilworth corridor, opened in 2023 to link this area to downtown and the University of Minnesota. Downtown Minneapolis, including the IDS Center at 792 feet the tallest building in the state, rises on the horizon beyond the lakes.
A jogger runs along Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis at sunset, with stacked rowing shells in the foreground.View full post: Winter Sunset Jog Past Stacked Canoes at Bde Maka Ska
January 11, 2026 — A jogger runs along the shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the stacked rowing shells. Bde Maka Ska, one of Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes, is a popular destination for recreation and is home to several rowing clubs. The boats are stored on racks during the winter months, awaiting the warmer weather when the lake is free of ice. The presence of the boats signifies the cyclical nature of the seasons and the enduring appeal of the lake for athletic pursuits.
Frozen Bde Maka Ska Dog WalkView full post: Boat Storage Racks Along the Shore of Bde Maka Ska
December 15, 2025 — Boat storage racks and a lakeside building stand along the snowy shore of Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis, as a woman walks her dog on the frozen lake in the distance.
Two ducks float on Bde Maka Ska lake at sunset in Minneapolis with forested shoreline behind.View full post: Ducks at Sunset on Bde Maka Ska
November 1, 2025 — Ducks floating by on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis during a cloudy sunset.
White clubhouse of Minikahda Club overlooks Bde Maka Ska lake at sunset in Minneapolis.View full post: Storm Clouds Glow Over the Minikahda Club at Sunset
November 1, 2025 — The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis stands above Bde Maka Ska in the Chain of Lakes area. Founded in 1898, the private club includes a golf course and clubhouse overlooking the lake. An early November sunset falls behind the club grounds.
Four runners jog on a lakeside path at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis during autumn.View full post: Autumn Evening Walk Along Bde Maka Ska
November 1, 2025 — Sunset at Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis in November 2025.
Metro Transit Southwest LRT green line extension curves through autumn forests and residential neighborhoods between Cedar LakeView full post: Southwest LRT Line Under Construction Near Bde Maka Ska in Fall
October 27, 2025 — The new rails of the Metro Transit Southwest LRT green line extension. Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska and Cedar Lake.
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen lakeside pavilion at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis at dusk with moored boats.View full post: Aerial View of the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion in Autumn
October 22, 2025 — Pimento Jamaican Kitchen at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis occupies the lakeside pavilion near the marina. The restaurant is part of the Minneapolis park system’s lakefront amenities at one of the Chain of Lakes. Fall foliage lines the plaza and paths around the building.
People fishing from a shoreline path on Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis's largest lake, with sailboats moored in the water.View full post: Fishing Along the Bde Maka Ska Shoreline Path
August 22, 2025 — People fishing from the shoreline path on Bde Maka Ska, a lake in Minneapolis. As the largest lake in the city, Bde Maka Ska is a central component of the Chain of Lakes Regional Park system. Its name, meaning "White Earth Lake" in the Dakota language, was officially restored in 2017, reflecting its Indigenous heritage.
Thunderstorm clouds gather above Bde Maka Ska lake with Minneapolis skyline and moored boats visible beneath.View full post: Thunderstorm over Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis, July 2025
July 27, 2025 — A thunderstorm approaches Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis on July 27, 2025. Bde Maka Ska, meaning 'Lake White Earth' in Dakota, is the largest lake in Minneapolis and a central feature of the city's Chain of Lakes.
Aerial view of Minneapolis residential and commercial buildings with Mississippi River visible through haze from CanadianView full post: Wildfire Smoke Blankets Bde Maka Ska and Downtown Minneapolis
July 12, 2025 — Canadian wildfire smoke covered Minneapolis, Minnesota in July 2025, obscuring the urban landscape.
People and bicycles on shore at Bde Maka Ska Lake during sunset with moored sailboats and Minneapolis skyline.View full post: Sailboats and Skyline at Dusk on Bde Maka Ska
July 6, 2025 — Bde Maka Ska Lake, located in South Minneapolis, is a prominent natural lake within the city's Chain of Lakes Regional Park system. Originally known by its Dakota name, meaning "White Earth Lake," it was officially restored in 2017 after decades as Lake Calhoun.
Sailboat and people on dock at Bde Maka Ska during sunset in Minneapolis.View full post: Sailboat Passing the Dock on Bde Maka Ska at Sunset
July 6, 2025 — A sailboat glides across Bde Maka Ska at sunset, with people gathered on a dock near the Minneapolis Sailing Center. Located in Minneapolis, Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in the city's Chain of Lakes. The lake's name, meaning 'White Earth Lake' in the Dakota language, was officially restored in 2017, reflecting its Indigenous heritage.
Minikahda Club golf course overlooks Bde Maka Ska with Minneapolis skyline beyond.View full post: Minikahda Club Golf Course, Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis Skyline
July 5, 2025 — The Minikahda Club, a private golf club established in 1898, is situated on the western shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Its historic clubhouse and golf course provide a prominent recreational and social center overlooking the lake. From this vantage point, the club offers views across Bde Maka Ska to the distant Minneapolis skyline.
Hammocking on Bde Maka Ska MinneapolisView full post: Hammocking Along a Frozen Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis
March 9, 2025 — A person relaxes in a hammock strung between trees along the shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. This on one of the first mild days of spring, with lingering snow on the ground and the lake still partially frozen.
Canoes and kayaks in the snow in MinneapolisView full post: Snowbound Kayaks Along Bde Maka Ska at Sunset
February 22, 2025 — Canoes and kayaks are stacked on the snowy shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis at sunset.
Snowkiting in MinneapolisView full post: Snowkiter Vanishes into Whiteout on Bde Maka Ska
February 14, 2025 — A snowkiter navigates the frozen expanse of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis during a February 2025 snowstorm. Bde Maka Ska, meaning 'Lake White Earth' in the Dakota language, is the largest lake in Minneapolis and a central component of the city's Chain of Lakes.
Bde Maka Ska Pavilion in Minneapolis illuminated at night with signage displaying the Dakota name for the lake.View full post: String Lights at Bde Maka Ska Pavilion After Dark
October 8, 2024 — The Bde Maka Ska Pavilion in Minneapolis, illuminated at night, features signage honoring the lake's Dakota name, "Bdé Óta Othúŋwe," meaning "Many Village Place."
Minneapolis skyline illuminated at dusk across Bde Maka Ska lake after a thunderstorm.View full post: Storm Clouds Glow Red Over the Minneapolis Skyline From Bde Maka Ska
August 26, 2024 — The Minneapolis skyline is visible across Bde Maka Ska following a severe thunderstorm on August 26, 2024.
Sailboats dotting Bde Maka Ska with the Minneapolis skyline beyond under a dramatic cloudy sky.View full post: Storm Clouds Clear Over Bde Maka Ska and the Minneapolis Skyline
June 28, 2024 — Sailboats on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis on a June evening in 2024, under a sky filled with dramatic clouds.
Sailboat with colorful striped sail docked at Bde Maka Ska lake in Minneapolis with city skyline beyond.View full post: Colorful Sailboat at Dusk on Bde Maka Ska
June 16, 2024 — Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis: Sailboat and Sunset View. People gather on the docks of Bde Maka Ska, one of Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes, to watch the sunset. The lake, originally known as Lake Calhoun, was renamed Bde Maka Ska in 2020 following a tribal council resolution to honor its Dakota heritage.
Sailboats with tall masts moored at a dock on Bde Maka Ska lake in Minneapolis at dusk.View full post: Dusk at the Bde Maka Ska Sailboat Dock, Minneapolis
June 16, 2024 — Sailboats are docked at Bde Maka Ska, a lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The lake is part of the city's Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkways that are popular for recreation and serve as a vital green space within the urban environment. Bde Maka Ska, originally known as Lake Calhoun, was renamed in 2020 to honor the Dakota people.
Minneapolis skyline beyond residential buildings and Bde Maka Ska lake in the Uptown neighborhood.View full post: Aerial View of Uptown and Downtown Minneapolis After a Storm
June 12, 2024 — This photograph presents a panoramic view of Minneapolis, Minnesota, looking eastward from the southwest quadrant of the city. The foreground features residential buildings and the distinct architecture of the Uptown neighborhood. Beyond, the waters of Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles are visible.
Wooden pavilion overlooking Bde Maka Ska lake at sunset in Minneapolis, Minnesota.View full post: Sunset Light Inside the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion
November 12, 2023 — The Bde Maka Ska Pavilion in Minneapolis, rebuilt after a fire destroyed the previous building.
Joggers run on a paved path beneath bare trees along Bde Maka Ska lake in Minneapolis.View full post: Golden Hour Walkers Along the Bde Maka Ska Path
November 12, 2023 — Joggers use the paved path along Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis during November 2023. Established in the late 19th century, Bde Maka Ska is one of Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes and has historically served as a crucial public space for recreation and community events. The extensive path system encircling the lake remains a popular route for runners, cyclists, and walkers.
Volleyball players on a sand court at Bde Maka Ska lake with Minneapolis skyline beyond.View full post: Sand Volleyball at Sunset on Bde Maka Ska
November 12, 2023 — Volleyball players engage in a game on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis during an unseasonably warm mid-November day. The lake, one of the city's Chain of Lakes, is a popular destination for recreation throughout the year.
Spring-blooming trees line a canal connecting Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis.View full post: Crabapple Blossoms Along the Bde Maka Ska-Lake of the Isles Channel
May 15, 2023 — The channel connecting Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis is a popular spot for recreation. The channel, part of the city's Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, was created in the early 20th century to improve water flow and navigation between the lakes.
Sailboats anchored on Bde Maka Ska lake with a jogger on the grassy shore beneath bare trees.View full post: Jogger and Sailboats Along Bde Maka Ska in Spring
May 3, 2023 — Sailboats on Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis in May 2023.
Crowds gather at a temporary skate park on the grassy shores of Bde Maka Ska lake in Minneapolis.View full post: Evening Crowd at the Pop-Up Skate Park on Bde Maka Ska
September 10, 2022 — A temporary skate park was established on the shores of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.
Sailboat with white sail numbered 12 on Bde Maka Ska lake with Minneapolis skyline beyond.View full post: Sailboat on Bde Maka Ska Beneath the Minneapolis Skyline
June 26, 2022 — A sailboat is on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis with the downtown skyline in the background.
Minneapolis skyline illuminated at dusk across Bde Maka Ska lake.View full post: Storm Clouds Over the Minneapolis Skyline from Bde Maka Ska
May 30, 2022 — The Minneapolis skyline is visible across Bde Maka Ska, a prominent lake in the city's chain of lakes. The lake, originally named Lake Calhoun, was renamed Bde Maka Ska in 2018 to honor its Dakota heritage.
Wooden bench on grass overlooking Bde Maka Ska lake with Minneapolis skyline illuminated at dusk.View full post: Night View of the Minneapolis Skyline from Bde Maka Ska
May 9, 2020 — A bench at Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis. The Minneapolis skyline seen across the lake.
St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church illuminated at night across Bde Maka Ska lake in Minneapolis.View full post: St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church at Night Across Bde Maka Ska
May 9, 2020 — St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church as seen from across Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.
Sailboats moored at Bde Maka Ska lake at sunset in Minneapolis, Minnesota.View full post: Sailboats Moored on Bde Maka Ska at Golden Hour
September 23, 2019 — Sailboats are moored on Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the sun sets. The lake, formerly known as Lake Calhoun, is one of the city's Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkland that provides significant recreational opportunities. Bde Maka Ska is a popular destination for sailing, kayaking, and other water activities, and its shores are lined with parks and trails used by residents and visitors.
Minneapolis skyline with IDS Center and surrounding buildings mirrored in foggy Bde Maka Ska at night.View full post: Foggy Night Reflection of the Minneapolis Skyline on Bde Maka Ska
May 20, 2019 — The Minneapolis skyline, including prominent structures such as the IDS Center, Capella Tower, and Wells Fargo Center, is reflected in the calm waters of Bde Maka Ska on a foggy night. Bde Maka Ska, the city's largest lake, is part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkland that has been central to the city's identity and development since the late 19th century.
Aerial view of Minikahda Club golf course along Bde Maka Ska lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota.View full post: Fairways and Bunkers at the Minikahda Club Near Bde Maka Ska
May 24, 2017 — The Minikahda Club golf course in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is situated along the shores of Bde Maka Ska lake. Established in 1901, the club features a championship golf course designed by William Watson and Robert F. Grant. The course is known for its challenging layout and mature trees, which have been a defining characteristic since its early development.
Aluminum boats moored on a wooden dock at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, with sailboats anchored in the background.View full post: Rental Boats Chained Up at Bde Maka Ska
June 10, 2012 — Aluminum boats are secured on the wooden dock at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. The lake, formerly known as Lake Calhoun, is one of the most popular bodies of water in the Chain of Lakes park system. It is a central feature of the city's parkland, offering residents and visitors opportunities for boating, swimming, and other water activities.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway wayfinding sign at Bde Maka Ska park in Minneapolis.View full post: Trail Signs for Grand Rounds Scenic Byway at Bde Maka Ska
April 27, 2009 — A wayfinding sign for the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway stands at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. The Grand Rounds is a system of parkways designed by Horace Cleveland in the late 19th century to connect Minneapolis's chain of lakes and parks.

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