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Lake Harriet

4.8 (101 reviews)
Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

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Karina C.

Hubby and I were visiting Minnesota and were looking for trails to walk and found Lake Harriet It was about a 3 mile loop trail. This is a very popular area for birding, biking, running and for sure walking, you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The path around Harriet is well maintained. Lake Harriet you can boat and picnic link at any spot. Recommended it

DeJha P.

Had a surprise birthday picnic dinner for a friend!!! We found the perfect area new at the peace rock garden. The landscape was beautiful and made for an amazing back drop. Hope to go back and explore more. We were on the East side so parking wasn't bad. There were plenty of spots on Kings Highway.

Alexis B.

Over our weekend in Minneapolis, my friend and I visited three of the city's 22 lakes - including Lake Harriet. It has so much to offer: a rose garden; a bandshell park with a café and clean bathrooms; canoe and kayak rentals; a walking path around the lake; and beaches! It's a great place to spend some time, whether you're up for a picnic, some time on the water, a walk, a bite to eat, some beach time...Lake Harriet has something for everyone! If you're visiting Minneapolis, don't sleep on its lakes - part of what makes Minneapolis unique and special!

Old photos of past bandshell
Jeremy S.

Lake Harriet is a wonderful place to take a walk around, just under 3 miles in circumference. Like all the other chain of lakes, there is a separate path for pedestrians and bicycles, keep in mind the bike path is one way going clockwise. In the summer you can rent a boat near the bandshell. There's also a concession stand for a bite to eat. Just on the north hill side you can find a picnic area and jungle gym for the kids. If all the free parking is taken around the lake, there are two paid parking areas. You can also find bike rentals located in the parking lots. For those wanting to take their own boats out on the lake, there is one boat launching ramp.

Sabrina F.

This is such a fantastic lake - winter, spring, summer or fall.... you can get outside and enjoy Harriet. People in this area are always out and enjoying the space in some way (biking, walking, sailing, cross-country skiing, etc.). If you find yourself walking this lake, stop at Bread and Pickle (by the Harriet Bandshell) for a (spendy) wine or beer, or walk into the Linden Hills Village area and get a coffee at Dunn Brothers Coffee. In comparison to, Lake Maka Ska (previously known as Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles, I think of Harriet as a lake more tucked into a residential and family-oriented scene.

Dominik D.

Basically equivalent in beauty to Lake Bda Maka Ska. This forms the chain of lakes that makes Minneapolis so darn scenic. Strongly consider moving this toward the top of your visit list.

Risa Y.

Lake Harriet is not only a wonderful place to visit in the warm beautiful months but also worth the visit in the winter as well. Last weekend my friends and I ventured to the Annual Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival...oh and what a breathtaking sight it was to see all these fun, awesome kites of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes fly over frozen Lake Harriet! The Art Shanty Project also took place on the lake as well, this is a project where art studios set up in the traditional ice fishing house on the frozen Lake Harriet. Oh, what an amazing experience to watch gorgeous kites outside in the brisk weather and then warm up and enjoy art in these ice houses!

Denise L.

Another tourist item on my list checked off! It was the perfect day to visit Lake Harriet as the weather was just like cool California weather, and even just trying to find parking around the neighborhoods was fun! The sprawling mansions and neighborhoods were filled with so much character! As my friend and I walked around the lake, we would see dog walkers with 9 different fluffy dogs, kids skateboarding, and others biking. The lake was clear, although grimey at the bottom. It was a perfect photo day with the beautiful fluffy clouds in the sky. We picked up two bikes and biked around the entire lake. It was absolutely scenic to just go through the greens, take pit stops to take photos of the lake and boats, and people watch!

Amy R.

Of all the years we've lived here, never made it over until recently. Pros: Fairly easy parking Restrooms and relatlvely clean ones Bandshell Wonderful playground, but will appreciate when our little one is bigger Lunch options at Bread and Pickle Walking paths Trolley- with such an adorable little shop inside the trolley station. Beautiful views of the lake Counting planes Cons: Can't really think of any. Lovely park and a great place to hang out in the summer months.

Kara D.

I love Lake Harriet so much. There are just so many things to see and do here that I couldn't help but think to myself, "Who is this Harriet?? Because she must have loved all things joyous and fun." Well damn, I looked it up and the lake is named after F'in Harriet LOVEJOY. 'Sup, coincidences. Here's a few things you can do here: run/walk the scenic perimeter, hop on your floating device of choice (from paddle boards to sailboats), grab some food and drink at Bread & Pickle, check out a live performance at the Bandshell, watch a movie on the lawn in the summer, get your tan and swim on at the beach, and revel in the rose garden. There is a good-sized attached parking lot that I always find a space at. It IS metered, but just $1/hr, I believe. When I'm feeling lucky, I like to bring a scratch ticket and a rootbeer float to the pier and pray I win some money for more soda and ice cream.

Sarah J.

The best parts of Lake Harriet in my mind are three-fold. 1) The drive around the lake is the prettiest in the chain of lakes, in large part because the lake itself is so lovely. It's sparklier than Calhoun and Lake of the Isles, I swear (although the houses around those are more impressive if you're looking for that sort of thing). You also pass the Lyndale Park Gardens on the Northeast shore, where you will probably see a wedding party strolling in the Rose Garden if the season is right (warm). Actually the Rose Garden itself makes a trip 'round Harriet worthwhile. I can't quite get over the fact that we have a rose garden. How refined! 2) The bandstand. Must be new-ish. I first saw it from across the lake and thought it must be Disneyland Twin Cities, because it basicially looks like Cinderella's Castle, all turret-y and such. 3) The beach! I prefer the North beach. It's much quieter than Calhoun's and I can always find a place for my towel on the sand. There aren't too many kids and there's plenty of space to swim around. Maybe too much lakeweed. Consider riding your bike if you do go to the beach. Parking is a big annoying monster on hot days. Otherwise be prepared to park far away and walk.

The neighborhood elf is probably hanging out in Cabo this time of the year...

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Review Highlights - Lake Harriet

Many performances have been taken in at the bandshell ( be well prepared for mosquitoes at certain times).

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Loring Park

Loring Park

4.3
(87 reviews)
3.2 mi

This is a huge park that has a little of everything. This park has a fine mix of modern amenities…read moreand rustic appeal. It is a little piece of calm just outside the busy city. It spans 34 acres and is named after Charles Loring, an American businessman, miller and publicist who was the first Minneapolis Park Board and considered the "Father of the Park System" in Minneapolis. The park has an astounding flower garden. It was very pretty. You will also find a very nice lake/wetland here. It has seating and is very soothing. The lake is home to many animals. Fishing is welcome at the lake. They even have a fishing pier. The park has a full basketball court and a half-court basketball court that are in great shape. The park's horseshoe pits could use some TLC, though. The park is home to about 10 pits. If you are a pickleball player, then the park has a couple of nice courts to play on. Other park amenities include tennis courts, shuffleboard, and two playground areas on wood-chip beds. One area is fenced in and is for smaller children. This area has a bank of swings, a saucer swing, slides, a modern merry-go-round, a bebble bridge, and a jungle gym. The other playground area, for older kids, has a climbing net, balance beam, slides, pebble bridge, and rock climbing wall. This area is not fenced in. I have seen a lot of parks, and this is a nice one. They host events such as movie screenings, ice skating, and lunchtime concerts. You can easily spend half a day here. I really enjoyed my time here and am sure that you will too.

I love a beautiful park in the middle of the city! Loring Park is a tranquil oasis in the middle of…read morethe hustle and bustle of Minneapolis. Lots of beautiful flower beds in the Garden of the Seasons. Great place for a stroll or picnic. Lots of benches to stop and take a rest and enjoy nature. Spring is my favorite time to visit because I love to see the tulips!

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Loring Park
The park are this morning while setting up for pride
The park are this morning while setting up for pride
Loring Park

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Theodore Wirth Park

Theodore Wirth Park

4.4
(48 reviews)
4.3 mi

Come out and visit the Trail Head at Theodore Wirth!…read more It has a fantastic community space and outdoor recreation center. Totally makes winter in Minnesota even better. I'm new to discovering The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, but believe me when I say I'll be back many more time. In the winter, they offer cross-country skiing and lessons. (You can rent a full set of gear for about $30- no need to have your own to experience skiing! They also have à la carte options for cheaper if you only need poles or boots, etc.) Besides skiing, outdoor winter activities also include snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing.... You name it. (I haven't been in fall or summer yet, but I also hear great things about their mountain biking and trail running options.) Inside The Trailhead, there's food and drink concessions, ample seating, lockers, bathrooms, and even rooms for rent. The last time I was there, a family was hosting a young child's birthday party in the multi-purpose room. Altogether, there is an amazing assortment of services here to come and check out. Can't wait for next ski season!

HIDDEN GEM IN THE CITY…read more I've lived on this parkway for 3 years now and I don't think I've shut up about how amazing Theo Wirth is since! The City Chain of Lakes get all the hype, but you know what's even closer to downtown, in the heart of the city, with: a lake xc ski trails fat bike / mountain bike trails endless walking paths beach with volleyball courts public golf course and so much more?! Yeah, that's right - my neighborhood park! You can do about every outdoor activity you can think of here. Plus, the Trailhead is the main hub for all of it, with a restaurant, tons of indoor seating, gear rentals year-round, and an amazing nature space in the heart of the city. This is the perfect park to embrace any season in Minne!

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Theodore Wirth Park
Fall Leaves
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Trail
Centennial Lakes Park

Centennial Lakes Park

4.6
(82 reviews)
4.2 mi

I have such a nice time at this park. I go here to study. To relax. To take in the scenery…read more It is a bit crowded but that's because it's such a nice environment. I enjoy finding quiet nooks at the park

Urban Oasis for a Peaceful Stroll! Centennial Lakes is a…read moregreat outing, earning five stars from me. I wanted a nice place to stretch my legs, and this park was just right. The paved paths make for an easy and accessible walk, suitable for a quick escape or a leisurely stroll. What really stood out to me was how quiet it felt. Even with buildings in the background, the park feels remarkably peaceful. The gentle sound of water, the rustling of leaves, and the overall calm let you forget you're in a busy area. It's a fantastic bubble of serenity. The scenery mixes urban sophistication with natural beauty. Modern buildings create a sleek backdrop for the beautifully designed waterways and landscaped grounds. Even without full bloom, you can see a real commitment to diverse plants here. I can't wait for a return visit in the spring! I can only imagine how bright and colorful it gets when everything is in full bloom. If you want a peaceful place to clear your mind, enjoy some fresh air, and take a nice walk, Centennial Lakes is a must-visit. Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour, it's the perfect spot. I left feeling refreshed and energized. I can't wait to see it come to life in the spring!

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Centennial Lakes Park
Centennial Lakes Park
Seating

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Seating

Lake Harriet - parks - Updated July 2026

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