How To Spend A Day At Lake Harriet
Arguably the thing that makes Minneapolis one of the absolute best places to live is our Chain of Lakes, a string of 4 major lakes nestled in the heart of the city. Sitting at its Southernmost point is our beloved Lake Harriet, the heart of our Southwest Minneapolis community. If you ask a Minneapolis local, they'll have a favorite lake amidst the Chain of Lakes - one with a vibe that best matches their persona and likely one where they'll recognize the most neighbors, friends and peers. The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system, one of the country's longest continuous systems of public urban parkways. The Grand Rounds provides 13.3 miles of parkways to enjoy surrounding the Chain of Lakes making it a breeze to navigate and enjoy all that the lakes have to offer.
Today we are talking about Lake Harriet, best known for its picturesque shores sprinkled with sailboats, beaches, soaring trees and the hub of sunset cocktail hours. Read on for ways to make the absolute most of a day spent at our prized Lake Harriet.
Take a streetcar ride
Whether you are a regular to Lake Harriet or not, make a point of riding the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line.
( image via )
You can board the Streetcar from the Linden Hills Station located on the corner of Queen Avenue South & West 42nd Street, just West of the band shell. Truly a museum on wheels, the streetcars are preserved in nature and offer a 15 minute scenic ride between Lakes Harriet & Calhoun.
If you are looking for even more Streetcar fun, The Minnesota Streetcar Museum has partnered with Linden Hills own Wild Rumpus bookstore to offer unique author and seasonal events aboard the trolley. You can view a list of special streetcar themed events here. Rides during regular hours are just $2/rider with children 3 and under FREE! Linden Hills Station, 4200 Queen Avenue South, Minneapolis
Eat and drink at Bread & Pickle
Alongside the boisterous band shell with its unmistakable silhouette sits Bread & Pickle.
( image via )
Bread & Pickle is operated by the same group that brings us local hot spots like Barbette and Bryant Lake Bowl. Serving up an array of goodies from appetizers and ice cream to hardy shrimp & lobster rolls, the good folks at Bread & Pickle are striving to bring us locally sourced & sustainable ingredients whenever possible. Open seasonally for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving craft beers and wine too! Check out their full menu here. Bread & Pickle, 4135 West Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis
Catch a concert or movie in the park
Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can catch a concert at the Lake Harriet band shell 6 days a week.
( image via )
Featuring everything from folk and rock to bluegrass bands, there's a day of the week that you should be there taking in the magnificent sounds filling the Minneapolis airwaves. You can check out my printable guide to everything you need to know to enjoy Minneapolis Music & Movies in the park right here.
Visit the gardens
Nestled along the Northeast corner of Lake Harriet sits the Lyndale Park Arboretum which plays host to an array of meticulously planned and maintained gardens. Wander through the winding paths of the sculptural Peace Garden then make your way to the Hummingbird & Butterfly Garden, which is planned and maintained by neighboring Minneapolis public school students. Perhaps the pièce de résistance, pass through the canopy of crab apple trees into the Rose Garden where the blooms are as fragrant as they are vibrant. The scene will be filled with picnickers on gingham blankets, local artists putting their brushes to canvas and a celebratory wedding party or two.
Play at the park
There are two rather incredible playgrounds to take advantage of when visiting Lake Harriet. William Berry Park sits perched atop a hill on the North side of the lake. With an expansive climbing structure, interactive water feature and plenty of picnic tables and grills up for grabs, you could easily pass the best kind of summer day without needing wander elsewhere. William Berry Park, 3810 Richfield Road, Minneapolis
Beard's Plaisance on the Southwest side of the lake offers similar amenities as well as a large covered pavilion with plenty of space to sprawl out. The shelter is also available for rental and plays host to many company picnics, family reunions and graduation parties. More information on rentals here. Beard's Plaisance, 4525 South Upton Avenue, Minneapolis
Hit a beach
Lake Harriet offers two swimming holes if the summer temps are heating up. Lake Harriet's North beach is a quick walk from the band shell making grabbing lunch or a quick snack totally feasible. If you have little ones to keep an eye on, the North beach is staffed with lifeguards the majority of the summer, from noon - 7pm daily. On the other hand, Lake Harriet's Southeast beach is located across the lake, but offers spectacular sunset and skyline views. Make a point of visiting them both!
Enjoy time on the water
Wheel Fun Rentals is located just East of the band shell and offers a variety of ways to actually get out and enjoy the water. From stand up paddle boards, to pedal boats to kayaks and canoes, there's a speed for just about every level of adventure. Wheel Fun Rentals also offers cruiser, mountain and tandem bike rentals by the hour. More information can be found right here. Wheel Fun Rentals, 4135 East Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis.
One of Lake Harriet's most recognized features is its sailboat sprinkled shoreline. Whether you are brand new to sailing or ready to test your skills by racing, there's a club to cater to your needs. Summer sailing lessons are available for youth and adults through the Minneapolis Parks board. Registration information can be found right here. If racing is more your speed, consider joining the Lake Harriet Yacht Club in partnership with the Twin Cities Sailing Club. Information on seasonal events and instruction with LHYC can be found right here.
( image via )
Anytime I manage to sneak away from the bustling soundtrack of work and family life, you can find me seeking refuge at Lake Harriet. Despite all the amenities Lake Harriet has to offer and the vibrant food, music and social scene, nothing beats a 3-mile stroll around its picturesque shores. The crisp Fall air is moving in, bringing with it the colors and nostalgia of the seasons to come. It's a year round amenity that gives back to us day after day - the most charming setting where the heartbeat of our community can be heard.