Bde Maka Ska

Photo provided by Meet Minneapolis
Grab the kids, pack a picnic and head to this perfect lakeside location, popular with energetic watersport enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike.

Located just Southwest of downtown Minneapolis, Lake Calhoun is the biggest of the five Chain of Lakes in the area. A multitude of activities on offer along with a choice of three beaches, make it popular destination among tourists. The expansive shady parklands and cultivated pathways are a great place for chin-wagging locals to escape the city bustle.

Lake Calhoun draws the biggest crowds of any of the five lakes and it caters for everyone's taste. Love the water? Take your pick from activities such as canoeing, wind surfing, sailing or just plain swimming. Wheel Fun Rentals offer an hourly rental service of various boats and kayaks, but if you've brought your own feel free to launch it from the ramp yourself.

If you’re more comfortable on dry land, why not bring along your skates and roller-blade around the 5.5-kilometre cycle track, rent a bike and cycle it or take it easy with a leisurely stroll on the separate pedestrianised pathway.

Lake Calhoun is great for fishing, both in the summertime and also in the winter, when the freezing temperatures aren’t enough to keep the ice fisherman at bay! If you're feeling adventurous why not try the exhilarating sport of snow kiting!

You won't want to leave the lake all day so make sure to bring a picnic but don't worry if you forget, the Tin Fish restaurant serves up some excellent cuisine if you fancy something special.

Towards the north of the lake there are some great playground facilities for kids, which is a popular spot for families as the boat ramp and restaurant are located here also. Lake Calhoun is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis.

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