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

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 Thank You Thursday, I'm popping in with an updated review - and more love - for Wirth Lake…read more Last year, I added Wirth Lake on Yelp and was SHOCKED that its listing hadn't been on here yet. The Theodore Wirth Park system is so vast, but it still feels highly underrated, unknown, and a true hidden gem in the heart of the city (5 minutes from downtown/North Loop!). After more than a year living within walking distance of this park and lake, I can safely say this is a highlight of my life here in Minnesota. How lucky are we to have stunning, protected, cherished green spaces that are so well-kept? Wirth Lake has it all: - A lovely paved walking path around the lake - Stunning views from the over-water bridge - A beach (YES!!) with shade, seating, and and over-water floating bridge - Sand volleyball courts (sign up for a league!) - Restrooms and facilities (weather-dependent, closed for winter) - Adirondack chairs under shade - Huge playground system - Basketball court Need I say more? With its connected access to the rest of the parkway walking and biking trails, close distance to Quaking Bog and Elise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, this is a highlight of the Bryn Mawr neighborhood. I love enjoying the lake in all seasons - and I must say, I've seen some of the best sunsets in MN right here. I'm so thankful to have this protected space as part of our Minneapolis Parks system!

Last month, I visited Wirth Lake for the first time. Minnesota is known for having at least 10,000…read morelakes. So, there's plenty of them for me to discover. Wirth Lake is a part of Theodore Wirth Park, which the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board manages. I learned that it's actually situated in Golden Valley. Well, it's thankfully managed well. I went on a Saturday. It was 2°C. With the windchill, it felt more like -6°C. I should return when it's warmer. I look forward to ditching the toque and mitts. It has a nice beach. I actually walked along a path with the lake on either side of me. It was enjoyable as someone who grew up in the Beaches and gravitates towards lakes without much thought. Despite the winds, it felt nice watching the ripples in the water as I walked. I saw some volleyball courts. Summer can't come any sooner! You can fish in this lake. Largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye are some fish that are present. There are some nice paths to walk and enjoy. The trees are majestic and likely provide some nice shake when it's hot. I especially loved the signs detailing the history of Wirth Lake. It used to be the site of the Aqua Follies, an aquatic extravaganza between 1941 and 1964. There was a 6,000-seat grandstand and an Olympic-sized pool. The shows featured high divers and synchronized swimmers. Eventually, the aging structure was torn down. There's nothing left of it. It's kind of sad, but I'm glad that I learned about these aquatic shows. I had no problem finding parking in front of the pavilion. The park is rather large, so you either have small lots scattered everywhere or you can park on the street. I enjoyed my time here, despite it being a bit nippy for April. I'd love to return when it's t-shirt and shorts weather and stay longer. (124)

Lake of the Isles is a lake in Minneapolis, it's connected to Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska. It's…read morepart of the Chain of Lakes. It's a park area. There's a walk area, and around the lake there are fancy homes.

This is my favorite lake in the twin cities, especially during the fall when the leaves are at peak…read moreintensity of fall colors! I especially love paddle boarding here because it's usually a short walk from street parking to the lake. The views are spectacular and the wildlife is fun to watch. The walking paths around the lake are always well maintained and it's about a 3 mile loop around, with great views the entire time.

Lake Minnetonka can be a vast, scary landscape where Big Boats like to play. No place for a dainty…read moreand classy vessel like the Silky Pig. She prefers a more bucolic environment, free of tidal waves and Auto-Tuner. Eagle Lake, a mere fifteen minutes from the middle of the city, is big enough to be exciting (tubing!) and small enough to keep Silky safe. If you head out around two or three you might catch a glimpse of Club Pontoon, the floating suburban party that rocks out to Jimmy Buffet every weekend off of Maple Grove's leafy coast. Also, turtles!

This is a pretty fun laid back Lake. We found a really good spot, but there were only small fish…read morethere. The real fun beginning when my boyfriend found the bridge and we began fishing from there. We were catching fish left and right. Mid-size fish though!!! But all of a sudden when we left expected it, I got a really good bite, and ALMOST caught the biggest fish of the day. Hahaha it was at least a 5lb Northern. Good place, great paths, great fishing!

Enjoyed a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Palmer Lake Park to attend "Arts in Autumn" event. Fun…read moreart activities, flowers, and music hosted by Brooklyn Center Recreation. The park has the perfect space for this lovely event, and I had so much fun at this lovely park, I need to remember to visit here more often!

Kind of a sleepy suburb, but an all around charming place. If I had to pick one or two things worth…read moreseeing, I'd say it's the RH Rooftop restaurant and Centennial Lakes Park.

It's much more beautiful in the summer time but is also nice to walk through in the winter time…read more Beautiful plants, fountain and a gazebo, Right now there's two area that are ponds due to this winters strange weather, rain and thaw. If you are looking for a neat place to walk around (in Spring, Summer and Fall), come check it out.

White Sand Beach is a true hidden gem of a beach in the cities, especially for those who like to…read moresit back and take in the beauty of the Mississippi River that flows by the beach + nice hiking/walking trail before you find yourself at the beach and enjoying the spectacular views and soft natural sandstone sand! Bear in mind there is quite a few old firewood chips scattered all over the beach. A little annoying how they are scattered everywhere, but luckily it's not a huge issue, but just don't be surprised or disappointed when go. Seems like it's a popular spot for locals to host intimate bonfires, which I love this spot for a fun summer night bonfire with friends. Just make sure to "Leave No Trace" practice by cleaning up all bonfires and throwing away left over trash. Love that there's a few trash bins down by the beach! Overall great place to check out!!