Photo Set

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 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.
Lake Street over Bde Maka Ska Channel 2025View full post: Fall Colors Along the Channel Between Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska
November 1, 2025 — Lake Street bridge over the channel between Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska on a fall day.
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.
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.
Beautiful sunset around Cedar Lake in MinneapolisView full post: 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 skylineView full post: Couple Floating on Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis 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 MinneapolisView full post: 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 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.
Mobile sauna structure with wood frame and metal chimney at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis.View full post: Little Ember Co. Sauna Sessions at Cedar Lake
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 FishingView full post: Ice Fishing on Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis
December 30, 2024 — Icve fishing on Minneapolis's Lake of the Isles, a prominent feature of the city's Chain of Lakes park system.
Aurora borealis illuminates the sky above Cedar Lake with downtown Minneapolis skyline lights mirrored in the still water below.View full post: Northern Lights Glow Above Cedar Lake in Minneapolis
October 10, 2024 — The Aurora Borealis is visible above Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. The lights of the downtown Minneapolis skyline are reflected in the water.
Richfield Drive and Bde Maka Ska ParkwayView full post: Bde Maka Ska Parkway at Sunset, Minneapolis
October 10, 2024 — Sunset over Bde Maka Ska from 36th Street.
Tall trees with golden autumn foliage mirror in the still water of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis.View full post: Fall Color Reflected Along Cedar Lake’s Shoreline
October 8, 2024 — Cedar Lake is one of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, about 170 acres and 51 feet deep at its deepest. A wooded shoreline of cottonwoods and other hardwoods rings much of the lake, turning gold and orange each October.
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."
Beachgoers and a paddleboarder at Hidden Beach on Cedar Lake with Minneapolis downtown skyline rising beyond autumn trees.View full post: Downtown Minneapolis Towers Seen from Hidden Beach on Cedar Lake
September 26, 2024 — Hidden Beach is a beach on the east side of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, with no lifeguards or city upkeep. Cedar Lake covers about 170 acres and is one of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, joined to Lake of the Isles by the Kenilworth Channel.
Memorial bench overlooking Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, surrounded by vegetation and trees.View full post: A Memorial Bench Overlooking Cedar Lake
September 20, 2024 — A memorial bench dedicated to Geoffrey Hellman sits along the shore of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, part of a park program that lets people sponsor a bench for a decade. Its plaque reads, "for my husband Geoffrey Hellman who finds his peace here on the shores of Cedar Lake. Randi." Cedar Lake is one of the city's Chain of Lakes, managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
A person fishes from a bench on Cedar Lake's shore in Minneapolis with downtown towers visible across the water.View full post: Angler Casts a Line into Cedar Lake Near Downtown Minneapolis
September 11, 2024 — Cedar Lake is one of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, about 170 acres and 51 feet deep at its deepest point. An angler casts a line from the shore toward the open water.
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.
An angler stands on a wooden pier fishing on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis at dusk.View full post: Fishing Pier on Cedar Lake With the Downtown Skyline Beyond
June 30, 2024 — Cedar Lake is one of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a roughly 170-acre lake on the city's west side with a maximum depth of about 51 feet. A wooden pier extends into the water, giving anglers access away from the shoreline's reeds and trees. The downtown Minneapolis skyline rises beyond the tree line on the lake's far shore.
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.
Aerial view of Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis at night with illuminated luminaries lining the parkway pathways around the dark water.View full post: Aerial View of the Luminary Loppet Beside 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 skylineView full post: Luminary Loppet Luminaries, Lake of the Isles 2024
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.
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.
Cedar Lake in Minneapolis glows with orange and green park lighting during twilight hours in September 2023.View full post: Autumn Trees Reflected in Cedar Lake, Minneapolis
September 19, 2023 — Cedar Lake is one of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, about 170 acres and 51 feet deep at its deepest. The Kenilworth Channel, dug in 1913, joins it to Lake of the Isles.
Sailboats on lake with city skylineView full post: Sailboats and a colorful sunset
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 MinneapolisView full post: Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis
August 11, 2023 — Bde Maka Ska Parkway on Bde Maka Ska, the largest lake in Minneapolis.
Sunset clouds over Bde Maka Ska Lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with sailboats on the water and trees lining the shore.View full post: Bde Maka Ska Lake Sunset Clouds Minneapolis
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.
Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis surrounded by residential neighborhood and tree canopy, with hazy sky from Canadian wildfire smoke in June 2023.View full post: Hazy Skies Over the Channel Bridge at Lake of the Isles
June 14, 2023 — Lake of the Isles in June 2023, smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires pushed air quality across the Twin Cities to hazardous levels for several days.
A bench sits on the shore of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, with dense green trees mirrored in the still water.View full post: A Wooded Shoreline Path at Cedar Lake, Minneapolis
June 14, 2023 — Cedar Lake is one of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, roughly 170 acres with a maximum depth of about 51 feet. A bench sits along its wooded shoreline near a sandy path leading down to the water.
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.
Minneapolis downtown skyline at night viewed across Lake of the Isles with illuminated office towers and foreground park.View full post: Minneapolis Skyline at Night from Lake of the Isles
April 17, 2020 — Lake of the Isles sits at the western edge of Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes, linked by man-made channels to Bde Maka Ska to the south and Cedar Lake to the north.
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 downtown skyline rises beyond Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles in the Chain of Lakes park system.View full post: Downtown Minneapolis Skyline Beyond Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles
July 16, 2019 — Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles are two of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, joined by a channel. Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis at about 401 acres, while Lake of the Isles covers about 108 acres.
Cedar Lake South Beach in Minneapolis offers a sandy shoreline with trees and calm water under evening light.View full post: Sandy Shoreline at Cedar Lake South Beach
May 25, 2019 — Cedar Lake South Beach sits on the south shore of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, one of the city's Chain of Lakes. The lake covers about 170 acres and reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, with a sandy swimming beach on this side and a mostly wooded shoreline elsewhere around it.
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.
Minneapolis skyline and Bde Maka Ska under a full moon, viewed from the West Calhoun neighborhood.View full post: Minneapolis skyline and Bde Maka Ska under full moon
October 24, 2018 — The Minneapolis skyline is visible in the distance as a full moon rises over Bde Maka Ska. Bde Maka Ska the largest lake in Minneapolis and is part of the Chain of Lakes.
Wooded trail along the north shore of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis with sandy path and lake visible through trees.View full post: Wooded Trail Down to Cedar Lake’s North Shore
June 10, 2017 — Cedar Lake is one of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, tucked between the Kenilworth corridor and the Bryn Mawr neighborhood west of downtown. It covers about 170 acres and reaches roughly 51 feet at its deepest point, with a dirt path cutting down through the wooded shoreline to the water.
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.

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