Ask a Minneapolitan where the city goes to breathe and the answer sparkles: the Chain of Lakes, five linked jewels strung through southwest Minneapolis and wrapped in parkways, sailboats and skyline views.
Lake Harriet brings the fairy tale, with its castle-like bandshell hosting free summer concerts, a vintage trolley rumbling past and two swimming beaches. Bde Maka Ska, the largest of the chain, is the city’s watery playground, ringed with beaches, volleyball courts and sails. Lake of the Isles curves quiet and elegant past grand homes, beloved by walkers and loons alike, while Cedar Lake and little Brownie Lake hide a wilder, woodsier side.
The lakes connect by channels you can paddle and by the Grand Rounds paths you can walk, run or bike for miles without leaving the water’s edge. In summer it is swimming, sailing and sunset picnics; in winter the same lakes freeze into skating rinks, ice-sailing runs and the glowing magic of the Luminary Loppet.
Many cities build towers to impress. Minneapolis polished five lakes instead, and Happy City News thinks the city chose very, very well.
