Bde Maka Ska Park is a beautiful expanse of greenery near the scenic Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. It features a playground for children, a dock for boats, trails for long walks and a delightful picnic area. One can spend the day with family and friends at the scenic beaches. Fishing is also permitted at the pier.
Travel half a mile south of Lake Calhoun on William Berry Parkway and you will find a lake that will make you wish summer were 12 months long. Named for the wife of Colonel Harry Leavenworth, the first commander of Fort Anthony (later named Fort Snelling), Lake Harriet is a lovely area consisting of sandy beaches, rose and rock gardens, a popular band shell and some of the city's most palatial homes. The Lake Harriet Trolley leaves from the lake's northwest curve, and Beards Plaisance, a large sheltered picnic area, occupies the southwest corner. The northwest shore is also home to the Lake Harriet Band Shell and refectory from which the Queen of the Lakes paddlewheel boat departs. The Lake Harriet Rose Garden, also known as Lyndale Park, located on the northeast corner of the lake, boasts some 250 different varieties of roses. This lovely sanctuary is a meticulously cared for and fragrant oasis of blooming flowers adjacent to a tranquil Japanese rock garden.
Closing soon
With blue LED lights built along pathways and at the bases of trees creating an eerie and pleasant glow at night, this uniquely designed open space is not your everyday public park. At the center of Gold Medal is an observation mound surrounded by a seating area that allows visitors to sit and take in views of the Mississippi River from under the shade of beautiful Amur trees. Benches also line the perimeter of the park, creating the perfect place to stop and relax or eat some lunch in the company of walkers and readers.
In 1883, the city purchased 35 acres of land and turned it into the first city-owned park, a gorgeous commons known as Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of New York City's Central Park. In 1890, the park's name was changed to honor Charles Loring, the first president of the Minneapolis Park Board and the initial force behind preserving much of the land that eventually evolved into one of the nation's most magnificent city park systems.An active and much-used inner city recreation area, Loring Park has a basketball court, paved walking and bike paths, numerous tennis courts, horseshoe pits and shuffleboard courts. In winter, the lake is packed with skaters. On the west side Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge connects the park to the Walker Art Center. Loring Greenway, a well-traveled pedestrian thoroughfare, connects the park to downtown's Nicollet Mall. At the end of the Greenway is the Berger Fountain, shaped like a giant dandelion. Free concerts are held in the summer and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. The recreation building houses restrooms, an information center and ping-pong tables.
Closed now
Located off Lake Hiawatha, the Lake Hiawatha Park is a wonderful green park-space that is well known for its natural beauty. Enjoy the crisp air here as you indulge in the many sports and games with friends and family. Children love playing in the kid's area here. There are trails where you can enjoy morning and evening walks.
