Year-round recreation and parkways around Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes
Minneapolis, MN
Bde Maka Ska anchors Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. The set follows lakeside activity from sunset sailing to jogging and volleyball, and includes the rebuilt pavilion that now serves visitors throughout the year.
54 photos
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. The image shows winter conditions at the city park, where the lake surface has frozen over and shoreline facilities are closed for the season. Bare trees and snow-covered paths frame a late-afternoon view of one of Minneapolis’s best-known urban lakes.November 1, 2025 — A early November sunset over The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis.November 1, 2025 — Sunset at Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis in November 2025.November 1, 2025 — Lake Street bridge over the channel between Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska on a fall day.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.October 22, 2025 — Exploding maple trees outside Pimento restaurant on Bde Maka Ska.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. The lake provides a vital public space for diverse recreational activities, including fishing, sailing, and paddle boating, alongside lakeside dining facilities. These uses underscore the lake's importance as a natural amenity for leisure and community life within the urban landscape.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. The lake is a popular destination for sailing, kayaking, and other water activities, with a busy roadway, Lake Street, and residential buildings lining its eastern shore. The approaching storm highlights the dynamic weather patterns common to the region, impacting both natural environments and urban life.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. As evening falls, residents and visitors gather on its beaches to observe sunsets over the water, with the city's residential buildings visible across the lake.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.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. The club's grounds, including a putting green, reflect its enduring role in the city's social and sporting life.June 11, 2025 — A spectacular sunset around Cedar Lake yesterday. Although probably made possible by incoming wildfire smoke.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 and a central component of the city's park system, offering extensive public access for recreation. The lake serves as a popular destination for paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water activities, providing urban residents with natural spaces for leisure. The Minneapolis skyline, featuring prominent downtown structures, forms a backdrop, illustrating the proximity of natural landscapes to the metropolitan core.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.March 9, 2025 — A person relaxes in a hammock strung between trees along the shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. This activity takes place on one of the first mild days of spring, with lingering snow on the ground and the lake still partially frozen, signaling the end of winter. Bde Maka Ska, the largest lake in Minneapolis, is a key part of the city's Chain of Lakes Regional Park system. The lake and its surrounding parkways are widely used for outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and relaxation, providing a vital public green space for the community.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.January 30, 2025 — The Little Ember Co. Mobile Sauna is situated at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, providing public sauna sessions. Cedar Lake, a natural lake within the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park, is a significant urban green space. This portable sauna offers a unique wellness experience, reflecting the cultural importance of saunas in Minnesota's cold climate. The mobile unit operates on a regular schedule, integrating traditional sauna practices with the natural environment of the city.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.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. The Chain of Lakes was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of Minneapolis's park system, designed to preserve natural areas and provide public access.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.October 8, 2024 — Trees changing colors reflecting on the water of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis.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." This location is situated on land historically significant to the Dakota people, predating its 19th-century renaming to Lake Calhoun. Following advocacy by Indigenous groups, the lake officially reverted to its Dakota name in 2018, acknowledging Minnesota's original inhabitants and languages. The pavilion now serves as a contemporary gathering space that also signifies cultural reclamation and respect for ancestral heritage.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. On this late September day, visitors enjoy the water and shoreline, taking advantage of unseasonably warm temperatures. The area is part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a system of lakes and parkland integral to the city's recreational and cultural landscape.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.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. The Chain of Lakes, including Cedar Lake, was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of Minneapolis's "City Beautiful" movement, transforming swampland into accessible public spaces. Today, the lakes and surrounding parkways are heavily utilized for activities such as fishing, boating, cycling, and walking, contributing to the city's quality of life and offering a natural respite.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. The presence of sailboats on the lake suggests continued use of the area for recreation even as the weather clears. This view highlights the relationship between Minneapolis's urban development and its natural waterways, which have historically been central to the city's identity and growth.June 30, 2024 — Fishing at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis.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. The lake and its surrounding parkland are a popular destination for recreation and offer views of the city's skyline.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. The lake and its surrounding parkland are used for sailing, swimming, biking, and other outdoor activities throughout the year.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. In the distance, the central business district's towers rise above the landscape, representing the commercial heart of the metropolitan area. The image was taken in June 2024, during a period that followed significant civil unrest in the city in 2020, which was centered around the Powderhorn Park neighborhood, several miles south of this vantage point.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. Lake of the Isles is a central component of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a park system established for public recreation and natural preservation. This yearly gathering highlights the community's engagement with Minneapolis's urban parklands, even when adapting to environmental conditions.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. Lake of the Isles is a central component of Minneapolis's historic Chain of Lakes park system, providing a significant urban green space. This event serves as a cherished community gathering, celebrating winter activities despite changing conditions.November 12, 2023 — The Bde Maka Ska Pavilion in Minneapolis, rebuilt after the 2020 civil unrest, offers a gathering space overlooking the lake. The original pavilion, built in 1930, was a significant structure for the city's park system. This modern iteration serves as a focal point for community activity and provides amenities for visitors to the popular urban lake. The structure's design complements the natural setting, allowing for year-round use and enjoyment of Bde Maka Ska.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, underscoring its continued significance to the city's residents.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. The presence of the volleyball court highlights the ongoing use of the park for athletic activities, even as the seasons change.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. The lighting enhances the park's usability after dark and highlights the natural beauty of the landscape.August 11, 2023 — Sailboats on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis during sunset. Lake of the Isles seen in the distance.August 11, 2023 — Above part of the 51 mile Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in 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.
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.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.May 3, 2023 — Sailboats on Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis in May 2023.September 10, 2022 — A temporary skate park was established on the shores of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. This park was created in the wake of the Minneapolis Uprising in the summer of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. The park served as a community gathering space and a place for recreation during a period of significant social and political unrest. It provided a much-needed outlet for youth and residents, fostering a sense of normalcy and shared activity amidst challenging times.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.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. The skyline represents the central business district of Minneapolis, with its tallest buildings including the IDS Center and Capella Tower. This view from the lake's edge, near Thomas Beach, offers a perspective on the city's development and its relationship with its natural landscape.May 9, 2020 — A bench at Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis. The Minneapolis skyline seen across the lake.May 9, 2020 — St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church as seen from across Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.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. Office and residential towers are illuminated behind a foreground of shoreline trees, houses, and parkland along the lake. Lake of the Isles is part of Minneapolis’s interconnected urban lakes and parkways, a major public open-space network developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.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.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. The area is a popular destination for recreation and offers scenic views of the city's architecture and natural environment.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. The area integrates urban recreation with natural scenery, a characteristic of Minneapolis's park system design. Today, Cedar Lake remains a popular destination for swimming, boating, and enjoying the city's green spaces.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. The juxtaposition of the illuminated urban core with the natural landscape highlights Minneapolis's ongoing relationship between its built environment and its significant natural resources.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. The surrounding area includes residential buildings and commercial developments, reflecting the ongoing growth and development of the city.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.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.
Built in Minneapolis
Photographs showcasing change over time
Browse by location, move through long-running series, or start with recent work.
