Minneapolis Lakes

Sailing, fishing, and winter gatherings across Bde Maka Ska, Cedar Lake, and Lake of the Isles

Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a system of interconnected lakes and parkland stretching through the southwest side of the city, developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as part of a citywide parks movement. Bde Maka Ska, Cedar Lake, and Lake of the Isles form its core, linked by parkways and trails that remain among the most heavily used public land in Minneapolis.

The chain took shape under the influence of landscape designer Horace Cleveland, who argued in the 1880s that Minneapolis should acquire its lakeshores before development claimed them. The city followed that advice, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board built out a system of connected green corridors, beaches, and boating facilities that still define the neighborhoods surrounding them. The Minikahda Club, founded in 1898 and situated along the shore of Bde Maka Ska, reflects how private institutions also took root around the lakes during that same era.

The largest lake in the system, Bde Maka Ska, carried the name Lake Calhoun for most of its recorded history under American governance. Its original Dakota name, meaning White Earth Lake, was officially restored in 2017 following a resolution by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, with the change formalized in 2020.

The lakes draw year-round use: sailing and volleyball in summer, the Luminary Loppet lantern event circling Lake of the Isles in winter, and fishing and cycling through the shoulder seasons. The opening of the Metro Transit Southwest LRT green line extension added a rail connection running near Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska, threading new transit infrastructure through parkland that has anchored this part of the city for well over a century.

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.
Lake Street over Bde Maka Ska Channel 2025
November 1, 2025 — Lake Street bridge over the channel between Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska on a fall day.
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.
Sunset watching at Bde Maka Ska
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, a popular destination for water sports and public enjoyment. The lake's name, meaning 'White Earth Lake' in the Dakota language, was officially restored in 2017, reflecting its Indigenous heritage. The Minneapolis Sailing Center provides access and instruction for sailing, contributing to the lake's role as a vibrant urban recreational hub.
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.
Beautiful sunset around Cedar Lake in Minneapolis
June 11, 2025 — A spectacular sunset around Cedar Lake yesterday. Although probably made possible by incoming wildfire smoke.
Couple kisses on a Minneapolis Lake in front of the downtown skyline
May 14, 2025 — A couple enjoys Bde Maka Ska, one of Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes, with the city skyline visible in the distance. Bde Maka Ska, meaning 'White Earth Lake' in Dakota, is the largest lake in Minneapolis.
Top 10 Weather Week and Lake Volleyball in Minneapolis
May 14, 2025 — What a beautiful top 10 weather week it's been in Minneapolis! Feel like next time we see these temperatures it'll be with the humidity? People squeezing in a few more games of volleyball at Bde Maka Ska before tomorrow's rain.
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.
Canoes and kayaks in the snow in Minneapolis
February 22, 2025 — Canoes and kayaks are stacked on the snowy shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at sunset. This urban lake, formerly known as Lake Calhoun, is the largest in Minneapolis and a central feature of the city's Chain of Lakes. Throughout the year, Bde Maka Ska serves as a popular destination for outdoor activities, including paddling in warmer months and ice skating or walking on the frozen surface during winter. The lake holds cultural significance for the Dakota people, who originally named it Bde Maka Ska, meaning 'White Earth Lake' or 'White Bank Lake,' a name officially restored in 2018.
Little Ember Company Sauna Sessions
January 30, 2025 — The Little Ember Co. Mobile Sauna is situated at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, providing public sauna sessions.
Lake of the Isles Ice Fishing
December 30, 2024 — Ice fishing is a winter tradition on Minneapolis's Lake of the Isles, a prominent feature of the city's Chain of Lakes park system. The lake, originally a marshy area, was expanded and deepened in the early 20th century as part of a larger urban park development plan. This activity, often conducted from portable shelters like the one pictured, allows anglers to access fish populations beneath the frozen surface. The presence of homes along the shoreline indicates the lake's integration into the surrounding residential landscape.
Northern Lights in Minneapolis with Downtown Skyline
October 10, 2024 — The Aurora Borealis is visible above Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The lights of the downtown Minneapolis skyline are reflected in the water. Cedar Lake is one of the city's Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkland that provides a significant natural and recreational resource within the urban environment.
Richfield Drive and Bde Maka Ska Parkway
October 10, 2024 — Bde Maka Ska Parkway in Minneapolis is a scenic route that encircles the city's largest lake, Bde Maka Ska. The parkway, originally developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system, provides access to the lake's shores and surrounding parkland. This image, taken from 36th Street, shows a cyclist pausing by the water during sunset. The parkway continues to serve as a vital corridor for transportation and recreation, connecting residents and visitors to the natural beauty within the urban environment.
Autumn trees on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis
October 8, 2024 — Trees changing colors reflecting on the water of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis.
New Bde Maka Ska Pavilion 2024
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."
Hidden Beach on a September day in Minneapolis
September 26, 2024 — Cedar Lake Beach, a popular urban oasis in Minneapolis, offers a respite from the city's bustle. The beach is situated on the shore of Cedar Lake, providing a natural setting with views of the Minneapolis skyline in the distance.
New bench at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis 2024
September 20, 2024 — A memorial bench overlooks Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The bench is dedicated to Geoffrey Hellman, with a plaque stating "for my husband Geoffrey Hellman who finds his peace here on the shores of Cedar Lake. Randi." This bench is part of a program where individuals can sponsor benches for a decade for a fee. Cedar Lake is one of the "Chain of Lakes" in Minneapolis, a popular urban park system managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Fisherman on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis
September 11, 2024 — A lone fisherman casts a line into Cedar Lake in Minneapolis on September 11, 2024. Cedar Lake is one of the city's Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkland that forms a significant recreational area within the urban environment.
Thunderstorm over Downtown Minneapolis August 2024
August 26, 2024 — The Minneapolis skyline is visible across Bde Maka Ska following a severe thunderstorm on August 26, 2024. The city's downtown core, with its prominent skyscrapers, is silhouetted against a dramatic sky as storm clouds dissipate.
A person fishes from a pier on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis.
June 30, 2024 — A person fishes from a public pier on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. Cedar Lake is part of Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes, a group of lakes connected by parkland, trails, and neighborhood access points. The lake is used for fishing, paddling, swimming, and shoreline recreation on the city's west side.
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.
Aerial photo of Lake of the Isles
February 3, 2024 — The Luminary Loppet, an annual winter festival, took place around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis in February 2024. Due to unseasonably warm weather, the event's traditional route across the frozen lake was relocated to the surrounding parkways, where participants walked among thousands of luminaries.
A couple walk in front of luminaries with city skyline
February 3, 2024 — Participants gather for the Luminary Loppet around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis during February 2024. Due to unseasonably warm weather, the annual winter event was held off the ice, a departure from its traditional setup. The Luminary Loppet transforms the lake's perimeter with thousands of illuminated lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere for community engagement.
Bde Maka Ska Pavilion during sunset
November 12, 2023 — The Bde Maka Ska Pavilion in Minneapolis, rebuilt after a fire destroyed the previous building.
Joggers at Bde Maka Ska in November 2023
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.
November Volleyball at 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. In the background, the Minneapolis skyline rises above the trees and the water, a reminder of the urban environment surrounding this natural space.
Cedar Lake in Minneapolis 2023 reflections
September 19, 2023 — Cedar Lake in South Minneapolis is illuminated by park lighting in September 2023. The lake is part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkland that forms a significant recreational area within the city. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Chain of Lakes has been a vital component of Minneapolis's park system, providing residents with access to nature and leisure activities.
Sailboats on lake with city skyline
August 11, 2023 — Sailboats on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis during sunset. Lake of the Isles seen in the distance.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis
August 11, 2023 — Above part of the 51 mile Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis.
Sunset clouds over Bde Maka Ska Lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with sailboats on the water and trees lining the shore.
August 11, 2023 — Sunset clouds over Bde Maka Ska Lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sailboats are visible on the water, with trees and distant buildings lining the shore. Bde Maka Ska is one of the largest lakes in Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes park system, popular for recreation and known for its scenic beauty. The lake and its surrounding parkland are integral to the city's identity and offer a natural escape within the urban environment of the Twin Cities.
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.
Aerial view of the Minneapolis skyline beyond Bde Maka Ska Lake and Lake of the Isles, part of the city's Chain of Lakes park system.
July 16, 2019 — An aerial view shows the Minneapolis skyline in the distance, with Bde Maka Ska Lake and Lake of the Isles in the foreground. These lakes are part of the Chain of Lakes, a system of interconnected lakes and parks in the city. Bde Maka Ska, the largest of the lakes, was formerly known as Lake Calhoun.
Cedar Lake South Beach in Minneapolis, part of the city's Chain of Lakes, offers a natural shoreline and wooded surroundings for public recreation.
May 25, 2019 — Cedar Lake South Beach in Minneapolis is part of the city's Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkland developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This beach, situated west of Bde Maka Ska, offers a natural shoreline and wooded surroundings, providing a tranquil public space.
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.
Minneapolis skyline and Bde Maka Ska under a full moon, viewed from the West Calhoun neighborhood.
October 24, 2018 — The Minneapolis skyline is visible in the distance as a full moon rises over Bde Maka Ska. The photograph was taken from the West Calhoun neighborhood, looking east towards the downtown core. Bde Maka Ska is one of the largest lakes in Minneapolis and is part of the Chain of Lakes, a popular urban park system.
North side of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis
June 10, 2017 — View from the north side of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis
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.

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