Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis is one of the best outdoor paces to hang out in the Twin Cities. It joins the Lake of Isle through a long channel and is the biggest lake of five that make up the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. Sandy beaches lie along the shoreline beckoning young crowds for swimming, beach volleyball, picnics and sunbathing. In the winter months ice fishing huts can be seen scattered around the lake with anglers hunkering down for a big catch. In the warmer months Lake Calhoun is a prime spot for people watching.
Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis is second only to the Mall
of America for Minneapolis
attractions. If shopping
isn’t really your forte than head to the lake for
exciting outdoor activities or grab lunch at a café
and sit by the lake where you can watch the afternoon
roll by. The area that laps Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis
spans more than three miles. This makes it an excellent
spot for biking, walking and running.
Three separate beaches afford tons of space for lounging
around with many other beach-related things to do. Kayaking
is a popular pastime many city dwellers and visitors enjoy
while at the lake. At Lake Calhoun Minneapolis rentals
are available for lake transportation for those who don’t
own have own water crafts. You can take a captivating
journey around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes where access
to the Lake of Isles, Brownie Lake, Cedar lake and Lake
Calhoun can all be had. Boat rentals include kayaks, canoes,
paddle boats and electric “fun boats.” Make
an arduous and exciting trip or just take it easy.
At Lake Calhoun Minneapolis gondoliers await to take you on a romantic trip around the water. A gondola ride is definitely a one-of-a-kind way to see the shoreline and watch the lively activity.
Your own personal gondolier is available in the summer
months during weekends and evenings. Though most gondola
rides will whisk you around Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis
it’s also possible to take a trip to the Lake of
Isles depending on if the weather
is favorable.
One of the great things about Lake Calhoun is its close proximity to many things in the city. You can plan a fun day out with a visit to the Minnesota Zoo and stop by the lake for a late lunch outdoors. If you’re visiting in July don’t miss the celebrations and events at the Minneapolis Aquatennial. You can also dine at the Tinfish Restaurant at the Lake Calhoun Pavilion where delicious dishes are served up all day.
The history of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis is quite intriguing. One hundred years ago many Native Americans inhabited the shores of the lake, fishing and hunting with their tribe. The land and water were first acquired by Minneapolis parks and recreation in 1886 and continued through to 1909. Originally it was named Lake of Loons, or Lake Medoza, and was renamed in recognition of John Caldwell Calhoun. He was once a U.S. Senator, then the U.S. Vice President and finally he was the secretary of War serving under President Monroe. Circa 1911 the canal joined the Lake of Isles and lake Calhoun and became much less restricted.
When visiting Lake Calhoun Minneapolis exhibits an exceptional city environment at it’s best. With many cities cited as concrete jungles with little or no green space, Minneapolis shows its best side with Lake Calhoun. Though the city is beautiful and offers many fantastic attractions, it can be relief to have such a great open space and lake to retreat to for a real breath of fresh air.
