Bde Maka Ska

The Chain of Lakes park surrounding Minneapolis's largest lake, from docks and trails to the Minikahda Club and Southwest LRT corridor

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.

The lake has been central to Minneapolis's parkland since the late nineteenth century, when landscape architect Horace Cleveland's Grand Rounds Scenic Byway connected it to the surrounding chain of lakes and parks. Along its western shore, the private Minikahda Club, founded in 1898, operates a championship golf course and historic clubhouse overlooking the water, while the lakeside pavilion near the marina houses Pimento Jamaican Kitchen as part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's lakefront amenities. The channel linking Bde Maka Ska to Lake of the Isles, cut in the early twentieth century to improve water flow between the two lakes, has become a corridor for kayakers and paddleboarders. This set covers the lake across all seasons, from sailboats moored at the docks in summer and anglers casting from the shoreline path to a frozen surface walked by residents and their dogs in winter, as well as the wider park landscape visible from the water, including the downtown skyline and the newly laid rails of the Metro Transit Southwest LRT Green Line extension near Cedar Lake.

Minneapolis Sunset Over Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska — *July 31, 2026* — Sunset in Minneapolis with Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska visible. The new West Lake Street station light rail stop in the middle.

Frozen Bde Maka Ska Dog Walk — *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.

Ducks on Bde Maka Ska — *November 1, 2025* — Ducks floating by on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis during a cloudy sunset.

The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis above Bde Maka Ska 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.

Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis Fall 2025 — *November 1, 2025* — Sunset at Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis in November 2025.

The Lakes around Cedar Lake Trail LRT — *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 sits beside the Bde Maka Ska marina in Minneapolis with fall trees nearby. — *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.

Fishing and Sailboats in Minneapolis — *August 22, 2025* — People engage in fishing from the shoreline path and sailing on Bde Maka Ska, a significant 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.

July 2025 Thunderstorm in Minneapolis — *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.

Group watches sunset at a Minneapolis beach — *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. The lake serves as a vital recreational hub, popular for sailing, kayaking, and cycling along its shores.

The Minikahda Club on Bde Maka Ska 2025 — *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 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.

People watch sunset from 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.

Bde Maka Ska boats in June 24 — *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.

Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska June 2024 — *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, nestled within a dense canopy of trees that characterize the city's park system.

Channel between the lakes in Minneapolis colorful — *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. Today, it serves as a picturesque waterway for kayakers, paddleboarders, and anglers, while the surrounding parkland offers walking paths and green spaces enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The blooming trees in this image indicate the arrival of spring, a season that revitalizes the urban landscape.

Sailboats on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis — *May 3, 2023* — Sailboats on Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis in May 2023.

Sunset Skating at Bde Maka Ska — *September 10, 2022* — A temporary skate park was established on the shores of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.

Sailboat on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis with the downtown skyline behind it — *June 26, 2022* — A sailboat is on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis with the downtown skyline in the background. The late-day light warms the buildings along the lakefront while other boats are moored near shore.

Minneapolis skyline as seen from Bde Maka Ska May 2022 — *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.

Bench on Bde Maka Ska with skyline across lake — *May 9, 2020* — A bench at Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis. The Minneapolis skyline seen across the lake.

St Marys Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis — *May 9, 2020* — St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church as seen from across Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.

Downtown Minneapolis beyond Lake of the Isles at night. — *April 17, 2020* — Downtown Minneapolis rises beyond Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a nighttime view from the city’s Chain of Lakes park system.

Sailboats are moored on Bde Maka Ska lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at sunset. The lake is part of the city's Chain of Lakes, known for water activities. — *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 reflected in Bde Maka Ska on a foggy night. — *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 in Minneapolis along Bde Maka Ska lake. — *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. It has hosted numerous prestigious golf tournaments throughout its history, solidifying its place as a significant sporting venue in the region.

Aluminum boats are secured on a wooden dock at Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis. The lake is part of the city's Chain of Lakes park system. — *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. The boats pictured are likely used for fishing or recreational sailing, reflecting the ongoing use of the lake for leisure and sport.

Grand Rounds Scenic Byway sign with pedestrian and pet waste signs at Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis. — *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. Additional signage on the post promotes leash laws and pet waste cleanup in the park.

Bde Maka Ska

Minneapolis Photographer