In the dead of winter, the art shanties are a fun activity at Lake Harriet. Always new and…read moresurprising shanties that come from the creative minds of the artists. You can dance, dress up and sing, learn about what lives below the ice, be a cat, cast a spell with Taylor Swift lyrics, and help aliens understand humans. This event epitomizes how Minnesotans don't let freezing temps keep them from enjoying the lake and expressing their creativity.

Minnesotans really know how to throw events no matter rain, shine, or winter. Reflecting on this…read morepast winter reminded me of the surreal experience of standing on top of this frozen lake having moved from a two season state. If you've never been when it's frozen over I would highly recommend coming during their kite festival which also happens during the art shanty exhibits. If you show up to the kite festival on a whim, no worries, the park will have kites for sale. I would highly encourage coming with footwear that has good traction or added cat tracks to get secure grip on the ice.

This is the "beach" we grew up at. So many memories of my dad bringing me here whenever I wanted to…read morego for a swim. It's usually really nice and clean. The fishing area is separated from the swimming area. Area to wash off the sand when you are done for the day. Plenty of parking. Playground nearby for kiddos who don't want to swim. Bring your beach toys for a nice day at the lake. Great place for picnic too.

This is a smaller beach which has its pros and cons…read more Pros: family friendly, easily walkable, grills, dog friendly Cons: can get crowded, drinks are not permitted So, I believe it is perfect for a stroll and a family grill. However, if you are looking for a hang out with your 21+ friends to drink and lay out I would recommend another beach. They have a beautiful dock for some quiet reading and fishing. However, I have yet to go down there because it's always being used.

After yesterday's paddle, I gotta say this place is bliss…read more I'd kind of scoped it out a few days prior just by taking a hike around the entirety of the lake to see what all it had to offer besides hiking and biking. I'd parked over by the larger beach (Nokomis Main Beach) on the west side (there's a smaller one on the east side), utilizing the free parallel parking which was available since it wasn't yet a busy afternoon rather than the pay lot. The large beach is quite nice, with some play equipment for the kiddos, a decent restroom facility, even a eatery/ice cream place. Seasonally, there's also a rental place for kayaks/canoes/swan boats if you don't have your own. There's another parking lot on the north end which is nearby a dock that's great for putting in your own kayak/canoe. This is also where you'll find the nearby Community Center with lots more play equipment and tennis courts outside, as well as gyms and rooms inside (open in the afternoons/evenings). It looks to me that the community center offers a lot of classes/activities for kids throughout the year that you can sign up for. I took a quick detour inside and admired their small common area with little library, fish tank, art, etc. Walking around the entirety of the lake will also take you over the car bridge, which offers some nice views. Just north of that bridge is also where the fancier boats are anchored. When I came back the second time with my inflatable kayak, I was able to easily get out onto the water and enjoy my time. Lovely warm September day meant lovely warm lake water, and I paddled the length of it and back, stopping frequently to just lay back and vibe. I especially enjoyed relaxing at the southern end of the lake where the planes fly directly over on their descent into MSP airport. So cool to marvel at!

Love walking around this lake. Cool beach fronts and nice open fields with playgrounds.read more

Wow, what a beautiful place and way bigger than I thought! Got out on a Saturday morning for a…read morewalk. Started at the central Park entrance off of Dale street walked all the way to the nature center, around the boardwalk and back--it was a lovely path. Much of it was paved, but there was some dirt/wooden trails once you got to the nature center. They have bathrooms, but I couldn't find a water fountain which was a bummer. Definitely a cool spot right in the middle of the neighborhood. It is a busy place though so the parking lot does fill up but there's also a few parking lots and plenty of street parking.

A gem of a park in Roseville and it's bigger than it looks at first glance. Check both sides of…read moreVictoria street. Past the east end parking lot there is an open area with plant and flower types lightly explained with rock formations. There are walking paths circling the park. There is the better known area on the west end of the roadway with playground and picnic equipment.

Very, very late review of maybe my favorite of the chain of lakes…read more Even though it's connected to much busier lakes it seems more secluded and quieter than the others. It does have a smattering of large homes but much of the shoreline appears almost uninhabited despite being surrounded by the city. Walking along the lake shore can be a relaxing way to pass some time. Even driving by seems calm and peaceful if you're not in a rush. A bonus is my book is that the Lake is next to the Cedar Lake bicycle trail which skirts the North shore.

The lake offers ample shore fishing opportunities…read more Trail Pedestrian is almost 2.miles and the bike is around the same I believe You can grill, do cross country skiing when it's winter I heard. You need to paid for parking lot. Is connected to Lake of the Isles. I post a video of the lake.

Como Park Everything…read morehappens here. Location of Hmong July 4 tournament every year. Only Como could contain the July Hmong tournament. 2nd largest in USA next to Fresno. For one location, this is pretty big. Hmong can do better. Hmong have money, they should buy and build a location like NC did. Highly recommended

Ah such a lovely park in the heart of the city…read more A walking and biking trail around the entire lake, a zoo, golf course and a historic trolley station nearby are all available. The Pavilion, in it's current format is a wonderful space where musicians and more perform. I've even gone to a yoga class at one point that was a perfect stretching exercise. Both the Pavilion and the golf course offer food and drink. The golf course being off of everyone's radar because people think golf. But here too is a great balcony, overlooking the 9th hole. Super relaxing.

One of my favorite parks in the twin cities! I hang out here a lot because my dragon boat team…read morepractices here. But I also like to walk around the lake and paddle board. When I paddle, I love that I don't have far to carry my board into the water. When I walk, I love that there are plenty of places to park and that there are so many points of interest to admire along the 3 mile loop. The beach is nice and the splash pad is perfect for little kids. Great park for all ages

Great location to walk the lake and take in the beautiful sights. Often they have events and…read moreactivities tha make the trip even more valuable

Walk or drive around the lake with the easy winding paths. The body of water is large enough to…read moresee a storm on one side but not the other as a screen of rain shoots across the lake. The old pictures will show a tree lined forest like thicket which is long gone for development. Every type of water amenity is available or just be a watcher. Large sandy beach as sun and bathers enjoy the Minnesota short season.

What a gorgeous lake and one of my favs on the east side of town. The boaters are friendly and…read moreit's fun to drive around to the different spots/nooks in this lake. On July 4th they even have a boat parade where lots of the boats are dressed up with red, white and of course blue! Lots of fun restaurants along the edge of the lake too! (Go bears as they say in the movie - fargo).