This picturesque Minneapolis lake is small enough to walk around and the perfect spot for a picnic, sunbathing or paddling on a hot summer’s day.
Bike, walk, skate, fish, run, ride, sail, paddle or swim at this popular community area. Lake Calhoun is where locals go to chat, people-watch or get active when the weather is good. In the mornings the tracks are packed with joggers and cyclists and the lake fills up with people enjoying the water during the day. Join the crowds and circumnavigate the lake whichever way you like.
Lake Calhoun is the biggest out of the five Chain of Lakes to the southwest of downtown Minneapolis. A channel joins it to the Lake of Isles to the north. Lake Calhoun is more popular because it is bigger, offers city views and has many opportunities for activities.
Go to Wheel Fun Rentals and pick up a pedal boat, canoe or kayak to cruise around on the water. If you have your own boat, you can launch it from the ramp. Walk or cycle the three miles (five kilometers) around the lake it’s a great way to keep warm in winter. In summer, relax by the water or jump in for a swim.
There are plenty of places to cast a line if you like fishing, even when the lake freezes over. Ice fishermen set up shacks as soon as the ice is thick enough. If you don’t catch anything, there is one restaurant that always has fish for sale: the Tin Fish. It is a local favorite and there is nothing like a fish taco after a day at the lake.
Lake Calhoun is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis. The restaurant and boat ramp are in the northeast corner of the lake, but you can follow the Calhoun Parkway all around the lake to find a spot to picnic. You can rent watercraft on any day of the week
