Minneapolis' best-known lakes boast the Twin Cities' best human scenery.

by Contributor

In Short
Forming a backward letter J, the six lakes connected by Minnehaha Creek sweep through the heart of Minneapolis' residential neighborhoods course a path of blue and green through a density of brick and asphalt. All the lakeshore is public property, giving rise to a variety of public recreation spaces, including beaches and trails. There's plenty of room for leisurely touring. Bicyclists, inline skaters, roller skaters, skateboarders, runners and dog-walkers share the paths.

04/21/05

must do

by msp2anc

skip the mall it's a big shopping center, go to the lakes and pack a lunch sit under some of the oldest trees in the city and people watch all in the shadows of downtown, visit the rose garden and take in a evening of music at the band shell, and all of this will cost you nothing! I miss it most of all.

• Pros: value
• Cons: bathrooms

01/30/04

Absolutely Awesome!

by lotrfanatic418

The Chain of Lakes is so beautiful. It is a great chance to get away from the stress of life and just relax with family or friends. Enjoy!

08/25/02

Truly Special to Minneapolis

by bingsy

In the spring, summer, and fall I love to walk around Lake Calhoun, especially at sunset. It is beautiful and peaceful. Sometimes there is so much going on, but I love it. I love all the people and activity. Sometimes it is very quiet and there are not very many people, and I love the solitude. In the winter it is really neat to ice skate on one of the lakes, and I had a friend tell me she played "ice" croquet - which is bound to be a good time. There isn't a chain of lakes anywhere else. It is truly a treasure.