Lake of the Isles Park

Beautiful quiet lake, dog park, street parking, lots of benches to rest.

Unbelievable fall colors this year , so Beautiful.

Beautiful lake in a very nice area. Had a launch for kayaking, and the water was very calm. I was just visiting, but I would definitely go back. I brought my own kayak but it looked there were kayak and paddle board rental options near by.

Beautiful park, great for a walk, picnic, volleyball anything :) Surrounded by green space and beautiful trees and houses

We were at this park to watch co-ed volleyball on a Tuesday evening. 10 courts were set up, 5 in 2 rows. It was a nice area for outdoor volleyball, with grass courts. It was a little difficult to find parking. We couldn't find any handicap parking areas.

Nice area for a paddle Lots of people on the lake and it connects to other lakes…great time

Minneapolis is the most beautiful city in the world. I took these photos when there was still some ice on the lakes. I will say that it is during summer and fall when it's the most beautiful. These photos show before the true beauty. When everything is green and súper awesome.

Love the area beautiful lakes and beautiful night life

Lake of the Isles is a lake in Minneapolis, it's connected to Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska. It's part 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 intensity 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.

Wonderful for a short hike and the neighboring area has wonderful shops and restaurants to stop at afterwards. Love seeing everyone enjoying the outdoors - hiking, biking, roller blading and out with their dogs.

Good place to have fun good place to play around i wish I lived in Minneapolis instead of Eagan

Maybe I am grasping at straws whenever I review a place such as this. The basis for similar impressions is not of one or several encounters but rather a great many experiences built up over a long period of time. In any case I have walked, driven, biked and even occasionally jogged around Lake of the Isles innumerable times. I personally don't ever grow weary of the scene. It's a prime spot for people watching IMHO. An equally superb place to watch the privileged in their varied estates while being grateful that I am not liable for the astronomical housing costs, steep property taxes and astonishing maintenance fees. Whether taking the "scenic route" to a destination, showing off to out-of-towners, ambling around the lake, gawking at many of the spectacular houses, taking in the relatively modest places of worship or whatever floats your boat it is to me a seasonal extravaganza. A monument to restrained (with a few exceptions) good taste and old money wealth. I suppose that some could argue that it conceals snobbery and clubby insularity. But I contend that compared to Lake Minnetonka, Sunfish Lake and other similar redoubts it is a credit to the inhabitants that they choose a quite public place in the city and are willing to support the schools and arts. That doesn't mean that I can't be envious or must be completely oblivious. Oh, the lake itself is pretty swell too. Smaller and quieter than some of its neighbors it's a good spot for paddling around in when the weather cooperates and skating about during the winter months.

Lake of the Isles is another one of my favorite lakes in the Twin Cities behind Bde Maka Ska. It's interesting shape makes the walking path surrounding it a beautiful and scenic ~3 mile loop. The lake and surrounding areas are home to many animals from geese to squirrels and much more. And if you walk around, you'll have the chance to see so many cute dogs being taken out for a walk which is always a bonus. One of the things that sets this Lake apart from the rest is that it's surrounded by some of the most beautiful homes in the city. The homes around Bde Maka Ska and others are also super beautiful don't get me wrong, but there's something special about these mansions. I like to pretend one day I'll be able to live in one. Another special feature of this Lake is its views of downtown. As one of the closest lakes, if not the closest, you can see the skyline beautifully and clearly from many parts of the lake which is something you can't see in many other cities. Definitely worth a nice stroll and I am excited to see what it's like in the summer!

5 Stars for the parks! You want a city with a biome in the parks good enough for oyster mushrooms growing on the path? What a delicious city we are when it comes to the parks! Bon Appétit! Oyster Mushroom on a dead elm * delicious anti-inflammatory, anyone? Photo perspectives. A healthy city park biome creates a healthy gut biome if we eat of it! Love the wilderness here in our city scapes.

One of my favorite spots to walk with friends! Here's the ideal lineup: 1. Get a beverage and baked goods from Isles Bun and Coffee 2. Walk down the block to Lake of the Isles 3. Do a "lake lap" - over 3 miles of beauty in every season! There is so much to take in here: the little islands in the middle, the STUNNING homes around the lake, and folks enjoying the lake year-round. In the summer and fall, join the locals fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. In the winter and early spring, join the many who love xc skiing around the perimeter. A lovely lake loop whether you're walking, running or biking! I also love packing a picnic and coming out to sit in the grass - or hammocking - in summer.

I am an Artist and want to see more of this area. I will start taking more unusal pictures and add to my Art collection. We live in such a beautiful area. Thank you for your inspiration!

This is my favorite of the downtown lakes, less crowded, interesting islands, calm water for kayaking, and native shore birds and plants. Walk the loop which is under 3 miles and stop along one of the many benches to read, bird watch or eat a snack. Or bring your paddle board, kayak or canoe and enjoy the calm water without sailboats.

My favorite lake out of all the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis. Lake of the isles is a gorgeous lake for walking, biking, skating, or running all year-round. Very scenic, with gorgeous trees and stunning houses and mansions which makes it very fun. In the summer time you can rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board and in the winter time you can skate, cross-country ski, ice-fish, and enjoy the Luminary Loppet, which is a winter lantern festival held at this Lake of the Isles. In the Spring time, enjoy the newly greens and flowers, then in the Autumn the changing colors of the leaves of the trees. What a treasure! LOVE!

Beautiful lake to walk or bike around. Heavy foot traffic. Lots of people sunbathing, lots of bicyclists, lots of dog walkers. You can paddle board or canoe on the lake, as well as fish but I don't believe there's a swimming area. A good hike right outside downtown Minneapolis if you're looking for something to do. Located in a beautiful neighborhood too. Street parking only, may be limited depending on time of day.

This is a beautiful area to walk, ride a bike, or roller blade. One path is for walkers and another path (one-way) for those with non-motorized wheels. The path takes you around the lake and alongside some big, beautiful, old homes. The trees were flowering and everything was a lush green. We saw many people enjoying the spring weather with picnics, blankets, and hammocks. At various points throughout the 2.6 mile path, there were stations to rent canoes, sailboats, or bikes. Our only complaints are that we didn't come across any public restrooms and saw only street parking. It was a beautiful way to enjoy the day.

I live near here and walk at least once a week around this lake. It is always scenic and beautiful and no bugs. Definitely more crowded on the weekends and warmer days, especially for biking or walking. It's a great place to hammock in the summer and to walk on the lake in the winter. Always scenic and a place to take a break. Just expect foot traffic always and get a good distance in.

Coming through here is certainly a breath of fresh air. Had time to kill before a good friend's (whom I met while living in Portland) nuptials. At my age, it certainly is a rarity to attend a wedding-- for me, attendance is both bittersweet as well as a small injection of hope. I realize that it will be impossible to do the beauty of this find any justice in attempting a description, but for any folks headed this way, I'd hate for you to miss it. I found this neighborhood beyond subdued, beyond sublime, beyond stunning... Walking this lake, even in wedding attendance attire, made me feel so elated! The sun on the lake, the # of sunbathers, the joggers, lovely biking couples and serious road bikers....for me, this is the perfect way to spend a day. Everything was so very peaceful. Not to mention the gorgeous and unique mansions dotting the periphery of this shimmery wonder. There was a nice breeze as I was lost inside my head, thinking of memories locked away and wrestling with thoughts that are always there for me. Walkers and runners run close-in to the shore, while bikers have a nicely widened path for riding side-by-side, if desired. The path only runs clockwise (aka ONE WAY!). The lake is large enough so that in strolling it, one would have to give himself at least 1 hour+ to walk the entire circumference (I only got past the 'knurl' of it, personally). Given the unfortunate weather that has been plaguing MNans this month, I definitely counted myself extra lucky for the propitious sunny days I experienced on my first-time visit. Awe-inspiring...if he were alive, Monet and Manet would be here with their palettes.

What I like about this park is it's extensive paved bike paths. And with the size of the lake similar to a track one can go to the hearts content around and around.

3 mile walk. Perfect for a walk and talk. The views are gorgeous of all the beautiful homes and the lake.

I spent most of my trip taking in as many outdoor recreational opportunities as I could and this was one of the first that I visited. It was the first day of fall and the crisp smell in the air makes you want to just keep walking around enjoying the scenery, the kayakers and the beginning of the leaves changing. There was plenty of street parking and there was two paved walkways in the area that we walked near. There was one right next to the lake and one up a little higher and I believe that one was a walking/running bath and the other was a biking path. There are also some beautiful homes around the lake to look at while you are strolling. This place was popular but, still peaceful as we only saw a few bikers, people walking dogs, pushing strollers and running. If I lived here I would probably walk these paths on a regular basis. It's a nice place to unwind and to let go of daily stress.

After a nice lunch at Victor's 1959 Cafe, we drove up Lyndale, over towards the Walker Museum and onward to Lake of the Isles. The first marker to that journey was St. Paul's Episcopal Church, which considering the fancy nature of the homes here, might be considered to be High Anglican. Yet at the same time, we counted no less than 14 homes that were for sale before we completed our loop around this part of Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes. Now if Gayle and I could just find new jobs and afford this part of town....... Both the walking paths and roads curve around and there's a new pretty view around every corner. This is one of the places that you would never get tired of looking out the first thing in the morning, at sunset, or during any of the 4 seasons. And although this is a very moneyed neighbourhood, it's low key, quiet, and welcoming. It's also a place that I could do some serious contemplation and put situational parts of my life within proper perspective.

I moved to MN last summer and kayaking in summer or just taking a walk around lake of isles is really nice. Even in Winters, its beautiful. First of all you can walk on frozen lake, how amazing is that (well as I am non-minnesotan). You can also skate or play ice hockey here (neither of which i know how to), there is a room if you want to get warm before/after skate. Part which i know how to, is running. This is really nice place to run. There are always fellow runners on this. Its a 3 mile circle or whatever shape this has. Another great thing is, its in uptown so after your walk/run/kayak/skate/ice hockey/or any weird shit you are into; you can eat and drink in so many restaurants and bars.

This park not only shines in the summer but in winter too! We visited on a nice crisp winter weekend, We took advantage of the outdoor skating but there were plenty of people walking the lake, cross country skiing and having a romp with their dogs at the dog park. The skating area has a hockey rink in the center and a warming hut to put your skates on. They even have skates available to borrow, use and return. Ice wasn't perfect but this is pond skating so it is pretty much what you would expect.

I absolutely love Lake of the Isles. I prefer it to Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet. It's rarely crowded and the scenery is beautiful. There's parking everywhere, because you just park around the outer circle. The only downside is the lack of bathrooms, which are needed if you're going to spend a few hours actually sitting by the lake. It's a nice walk, about 2.60 miles around.

I always see people fishing in Lake of the Isles and wonder what the hell kind of lake monsters they are catching... I found out. I figured they would be little guppies, but last fall this guy caught the biggest, beastly looking fish right in front of me. We saw him struggling with his fishing rod and stopped out of curiosity. By the time he finally reeled in his catch, a crowd had gathered with us, we all said, "WTF!" in unison and then we applauded him! I don't fish in Lake of the Isles, but I do jog here a lot. Including the distance from my house, it's my perfect everyday jog (2.8 miles around the lake). I totally agree with everyone (especially Nick L.'s well-written review) that it's a less in-your-face lake when compared to Lake Calhoun. The only downside is that less congestion means I have less of an excuse to slow down and be my lazy self. In contrast, the tennis courts on the north end of the lake are very, very busy. They are great courts, but from about 4:00 p.m. until dark, they are swarming with people. Last summer I went almost every afternoon and our wait times varied from 30 seconds to 40 minutes (even with an ice cold stare down). They are also reserved for lessons one or two days per week, and the instructors will boot you... sometimes after you've waited 40 minutes for a court. It's all very frustrating, but I keep coming back for more because I'm addicted to the racket.

Kayaking review - this was the maiden voyage of my new kayak and immediately I wanted to try out this lake. There are two entry spots, but one seems to be geared more towards the residents that keep their boats there, as parking for that spot (west side of lake) is not conductive to hauling a kayak. Where as the entry near the dog park is close, you will be hauling up/down the hill. After a good lake workout it is a bit trying. the views are great, the water has quite a bit of weeds and the animals are definitely use to people. I have a beaver/otter try to dump me out of my kayak - I would like to think it was on accident and that he wasn't gunning for me. Lots of areas to explore and great links to the other lakes. I went into each link, but did not go to the other lakes, saving that for another adventure. Why not 5 stars? I was petrified to fall in, have you read the reviews about the huge monster fish living in there??

Loveliest urban lake ever! Would live here in a heartbeat. Quiet neighborhood with the most beautiful, big houses to look at as you walk, jog or bike around. There are two paths separating people by activity. I was running while my kids were biking, so I broke the rules to be next to them (and run a little further than the shorter walking trail on the inside. :) Yes, you know people like me...squeezing out those extra steps.) FYI : The bike trail is a one way going clockwise around the lake. Same for Lake Calhoun across the street, which was perfect for my figure eight, running them both, idea. Loved the way the lake and trails curve and bend so you really have no idea how far you've gone or how much further to go. So pretty and serene!

My favorite lake in Minneapolis, and I'm not just saying that because I live near it. It is 2.6 miles on the jogging path so perfect for a short run. There is always something interesting to look at - and on a cool Saturday summer morning very beautiful as the sun comes up. Plenty of green space to throw down a blanket and do nothing. One of the best dog parks is at the south end. If I have one complaint (and this applies to all the lakes in the chain) is the occasional lack of PATH ETIQUETTE. 1. Pick up after your dog. 2. Keep your dog under control on a 6 foot leash (I've been bitten and my dog attacked). 3. If you don't have wheels, be on the inner path and if you do, stay on the outer.

Its my first time to this lovely walking lake, luckily the one night the Luminary Loppit occurs. Be aware that you need to buy a glowstick for this annual event! Its a non profit shindig. The lake was lit with ice luminarys, holsing small flickering fires. The lake is beautiful, flat, and wonderful for cross country skiing.

Nice place to walk 2.85 miles around the lake very beautiful houses, good place for a family walk or a couples walk to enjoy the weather together!!!

If your goal is to have a peaceful walk and not get gawked at then this is the lake to walk around. If you're motivated by people when you're running or rollerblading then this is not the lake to come to. This lake has very pretty scenery and a relaxing atmosphere. Bring your date here for some quality alone time!

The quiet lake. Surrounded by sturdy, old school mansions. Couples picknicking with a bottle of Chardonnay and duck pate. Gay guys scouting out the bridge for a potential wedding photo op...hoping someday the government will come to their senses. The quiet lake. A place for a peaceful, non bicycle-roller blade-skate boarding kinda place. To walk. Zen out. Maybe spot a duck or two that's not in the pate you're eating. With that oaky Chardonnay. The quiet lake. Smaller in size. But don't be fooled. Size doesn't always matter. "He chuckles as he types." The quiet lake. A place to reflect on how awesome Minneapolis is. And, sometimes, because of those damn sturdy mansion, a place to realize, you have THINGS TO DO. Places to go. Dreams to realize. Lake of the Isles. It's as Minneapolis as the Guthrie Theatre. The good ole Mississippi. And me. Returning to my homeland. Returning to a great place. That's not always quite energizing as rowdy Calhoun and yuppy as Uptown Harriet. But will always have a serene spot. Lake of the Isles, to get away from it all. Five Big Stars. To memories made. And memories to be made.

As the Middle Lake in the Chain of lakes (I'm only counting those with shared waterways) Lake of the Isles boasts a unique ambiance that really sets it apart. First of all, this is a much quieter lake in terms of traffic and sunbathers. You are definitely sure to find a great parking spot (for free!) and a quiet secluded spot to stake your claim and just soak up the rays. Additionally, if you want to see some wildlife, this is your best chance! From the duck families floating around the edges, to geese hanging out in a lagoon, and even a lake monster if the timing is right (might want to follow her on facebook to be sure!), Lake of the Isles is alive with critters. The best part are the 2 wildlife refugee islands in the middle that is home to many of said critters you will see. But my favorite part about this lake is it is my favorite for paddleboarding! Sure, you start in Calhoun if you are renting some watercrafts, but if you are on a paddleboard, it will be far more enjoyable in Lake of the Isles. So why is it the best for paddleboarding? The water is almost always still - or at least more calm than in Calhoun. Also, the island provide for this create figure 8 pattern that can keep you busy for quite awhile. The wildlife sightings get even better when you are on the water - jumping muskie fly out of the water randomly and little sea turtles paddle alongside of you. As you pass between the islands, a whooping crane watches lazily in between pecks at lily pads and lake moss. Oh, and the views of downtown are spectacular from this lake too. While most people head straight through Lake of the Isles to Cedar Lake, they are missing some of the best part of paddle boarding. If you happen to have your own board, there are still great entry points along the lake, including the dock. But even at an hourly rate, spending a little time exploring this lake is definitely work it!

This is probably one of my favorites, If not my all time favorite place to chill during hot summer days. Yes, it might get a tad crowded on weekends in the summer but once you make it past the Wheel Fun Rentals and larger pedestrian bridge, you can't really hear the hustle and bustle of the city any more and are one with nature in your kayak. As far as kayaking around the lake, the water is very calm, and there aren't many boaters around so you don't have to been like your life is going to be a risk if you're a first timer. It's a very nice lake to paddleboard on because there is not too much water traffic. Running...let's be honest..walking around the lake doesn't take too long either and it's a nice combination of nature, nice houses, and different kinds of people to watch. The lake is clean, the general vicinity around the lake is nice, and it offers the perfect little escape right in the middle of the city. If you decide to rent a kayak, I'd suggest getting a Wheel Fun Rentals groupon, those are always available online. They have plastic bags available so you can put your phone and keys in them for safety..unless you are trying to snapchat your entire experience, then I recommend getting a waterproof, submersible phone case. I've seen so many people fall out of their kayaks or off their paddleboards.

On these rare early Spring, 60 degree days it's hard to find anything wrong anywhere. Everyone's beaming and warm, happy energy engulfs the City. It's the type of day that everyone rationalizes our living here in the winters. And there's no better way to celebrate spring than with a walk around the Lakes. While I love all three, Isles, for me is the daydream lake where you can "house hunt" and play "what if" and "someday". Stop by Isles Coffee for a cap and a puppy dog tail and enjoy it on a bench around the lake.

**Review #500** I like to save the special reviews for special places.. ahhh! Doesn't that melt your heart? But really, as a new Minneapolitan I absolutely LOVE living by this gorgeous body of water. My dogs LOVE living by this gorgeous body of water... if only their little chicken-wing legs were longer so they wouldn't get so tired they could walk the whole thing. (They're dachshunds...) But I would absolutely recommend this lake to anyone and everyone. It's peaceful, it's serene, you can bring a blanket and picnic basket for a romantic date... you could invite friends and run or bike.. you could bring your dog(s) on a walk. (they'll LOVE you... so many other dogs here too!) i've even witnessed a couple that tied up a hammock between two trees and lounged/snuggled You could watch the sunset.... I've seen paddleboarders, kayakers, canoeists, and fisherman And also a bunch of canadian geese too... There is a separate walking/running path and an outer bike path. It's usually pretty busy with people -- for sure now while the weather is great. If you can't tell, clearly i love this lake. It might even be in the top 3 in the state for me. :)

Around the Lake of the Isles I go, About three miles in total or so, Beautiful homes, joggers out even when it's cold, Minnesotans are tough and loving, "Don't cha know?" Winter brings lake hockey, summer canoeing, Spring time causes people to hold hands, love starts brewing, The lake is a great place to hang when you plan, Take note that you can see the city's skyline from 28th and Pkwy, understand?

Lake of the isles in two words: veritable oasis LOTI is not too crowded like Lake Calhoun or too serene like Lake Harriet but seems to always have the perfect amount of people no matter what time of the day/week it is. I've reignited my love/hate relationship with running and have to say that while the path around the lake has many twists and turns it still is way more relaxing than having to deal with the overabundance of uber-athletes ("show-offs") that frequent Lake Calhoun. It's crazy to think that a place like this can exist right next to the hustle and bustle of Uptown/Downtown. Even if you're not looking to exercise LOTI is still a great place to meet up with friends to go kayaking, lay out and read a book or bring your pup to their dog park.

I try to run around Lake of the Isles at least 3 times a week. It's always quiet and uncrowded; I am chubby, so I run at night to minimize witnesses, but I'm never afraid someone's going to pop out of a bush and shank me here. Even on a post-dinner saunter with Boyfriend, Lake of the Isles is kind of magical. The homes are tiny urban dreams for kids like us, hoping to one day be able to afford tax-pits like they are. Sometimes you can catch an owl or other cool bird bad-ass flying around, too, if nature is more appealing than symbols of man's decadence. I had a run-in with a muskrat once, though, which was pretty scary. I am planning several picnics here for the finer months, but I like to think I own the lake after dark. Just me, nature's splendor in the squalor of the city, and a confusing bike/person path. Doesn't get any better. (Or, it would if people didn't catch me occasionally singing along to my ipod sometimes.)

MOOOOVE! Love this place, especially on the weekends for an AM jog. The trail is easy and always a joy to run around in. Only problem I've encountered is that there tends to be an older/retired crowd early on and they go to walk - slowly. This becomes a problem if there is more than 3 gray or shiny bald heads walking in unison like penguins because they will most likely block your path which will cause you to pause your Pandora and yell, "Excuuuuse Meee!" "Left, Riiiight" With that said though, this lake is much more enjoyable than Lake Calhoun - half the people there just go to be perverts anyway - even the ladies..I see you..don't front..yea your blushing 'cause you know it's true. YOU got GOT! All in all, Lake of the Isles is a great place but meant more for the serious jogger/runner just make sure and be prepared to keep on yelling at people to move outta the way.

This is the lake to bike/run/walk around if you don't want to deal with navigating around a ton of people (Lake Calhoun). I biked around nearby (attached) Lake Calhoun about ten times, then I stumbled upon Lake of the Isles while on the Greenway heading to Calhoun. I like L.C. when I am in the mood to bike around a lot of people and stay motivated because it's easy to track your distance (Round lake with no trees etc blocking the view). However, Lake of the Isles is much more scenic with the islands and shape of the lake. There are also more ups and downs. I thought the houses on Calhoun were cool, but they don't come anywhere near the size and $ of Lake of the Isles. ***If you drive here the street parking is extremely easy all along the lake.

This is my favorite lake to walk around. Usually not packed, usually just locals. Expect lots of yuppies. Not as interesting for the people watching as Calhoun, but it's got a very scenic and L-shaped course that is deceptively long -- seems like you're just about to lap it then you realize there is a whole other bend. It's great, and like I said, easily one the most handsome and accessible lakes with lot's of neat nooks and crannies.

After only visiting Lake Calhoun last summer, I thought it was time to mix things up a little bit. I finally visited Lake of the Isles, and I'm glad I did! First off, free street parking seemed to be much easier to come across than what I remember from Calhoun, which offers lots for payment and street parking. One benefit of Lake of the Isles is the fact it seems a lot less packed than Calhoun; makes for a little more peaceful walk or run. If you're looking for more people watching, I would recommend Calhoun. An option if you choose to walk/run, is to start on Lake of the Isles and follow the trail to Lake Calhoun. It totals a little under 7 miles going around both lakes, and it gives you a sense of both lakes. This is a little more difficult to do if you choose to rollerblade-I'm not sure if there is a great path with no off-roading or gravel involved.

This is probably my least favorite lake in the Chain of Lakes*, though that is a little like saying Malbec is my least favorite red wine. Even though it's my least favorite I still enjoy it. It lacks the energy of Lake Calhoun while also lacking the greenery of Lake Harriet which is why it lands in last place. That said, it is still a great place to go jogging, biking, walking the dog, or sunbathing. *Unless Cedar Lake is part of the Chain of Lakes. In that case, Cedar Lake comes in last and LOTI is 3rd.

Out of all of the Lakes in South to walk around this is the best. Any of the lakes will be highly populated in the spring/summer but this one is bigger than Calhoun that it doesn't get too overwhelming. I've never had issues with people when I've walked or ran this loop. The houses in the surrounding area are fun to look at & admire & if you're someone who enjoys being surrounded by life & other people, this is a great spot to be in the warmer seasons.

I love walking/jogging-driving around the lake of the isles. The houses are to die for! They all are different and have so much character. The lake is beautiful and quiet. Nice time.

Before my husband and I purchased our house in Southwest Minneapolis, we lived within walking distance of Lake of the Isles. It's what I miss most about our old apartment building. We must have walked around it more than a hundred times in the five years we lived in Uptown. Lake of the Isles is an absolutely gorgeous and peaceful setting in the midst of a city; truly, an urban oasis. It is by far my favorite Minneapolis lake, and preferred place for a long, relaxing walk. It is far less busy but more sophisticated than Calhoun and Harriet (both good things, in my opinion), and I love its unique shape which makes for more interesting an varied scenery. It is a lovely place to picnic, sunbathe, read, enjoy wildlife, and play the 'Which is your favorite mansion?' game. It can also be quite a romantic setting...in fact, one hazy summer morning as we sat on a bench listening to the birds and watching the water fowl, my then-boyfriend proposed to me. For this reason and more, Lake of the Isles will always be our special place (I'm sure it is for many other Minneapolitans, too!). On the downside, there's no real restroom facility save for the port-a-potty on the lake's south side (ugh) and no concession stand. If you want to enjoy a treat while visiting this lake, I recommend starting or ending your walk with an ice cream cone from Sebastian Joe's (Hennepin and Franklin) or a coffee and pastry from Isles Bun an Coffee (28th and Hennepin). Kowalski's (25th and Hennepin) is a nice place to buy picnic items such as prepared salads and sandwiches. The nearby Kenwood and Lowry Hill neighborhoods (on the lake's north side) are also nice for a quite walk--so many lovely old homes in this area.

Things to do at Lake of the Isles: -Walk, stroll, or run around the lake -Push a stroller or a pramulator -Bike, or roller blade- there is a separate path for bikes and those riding on wheels -Pack a picnic to share with a friend -Bring a blanket and read a good book -Rent a canoe or kayak at Lake Calhoun and paddle over to Lake of the Isles -Rent a Paddle board at Calhoun and paddle around the lake -Take photos of the gardens and wildlife -Enjoy viewing some of the most exquisite homes in Minneapolis -In the wintertime there is an ice rink for pick up hockey and recreational skating -Cross country skiing is a popular activity among locals during the winter months -Ice fishing for those hardy folks who fish regardless of the weather -Drive around the lake for the scenic route between downtown and uptown

I'm surprised I had to add this listing to Yelp, since it's part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. This was another go-to spot of mine this summer. It's also right off the Greenway if you're a biker like me, and usually less crowded than Calhoun if you're looking to relax outside. I loved coming to Lake of the Isles with a blanket and a book, laying out and sunbathing as I read on the grass. You can't swim in this lake (Calhoun is next door for that), but there's plenty of space to relax, and the bike trail that follows the lake is also a plus, with more gorgeous houses to admire. It also connects to Calhoun, so there's opportunities to rent kayaks, canoes, or paddle boats and explore this lake as well. Another favorite of mine!

This is by far my favorite lake to jog around in Uptown (I go about everyday). It is a little off the beaten track and so It is not usually crawling with people like Lake Calhoun. The walking/jogging trail is about 2.6 miles and it is kind of leaf shaped. Lake of the Isles connects to Lake Calhoun and Cedar Lake, so you can paddle board and kayak to them all. The homes surrounding Lake of the Isles are beautiful! When I go walking I tend to dream about what all the homes look like inside. I usually see people fishing, but I am not sure what they are catching. There are plenty of geese and turtles that hangout here as well. I have seen the turtles walking on all 4 legs back to the lake. I have also seen beavers or something swimming in the lake on some of my morning runs.

I think I prefer this lake/park are to Calhoun. It is generally less busy, and there is usually a better place to sit by the water and picnic here. It's a bit smaller than Calhoun, but still provides a good workout for you. I enjoy rollerblading arouned the place, mostly because unlike Calhoun, there are turns and corners. It isn't just a big round lake to walk in a circle with. It seems bigger to me too. I've always felt that the Isles is bigger than Calhoun, but apparently its not. I guess the only thing that lacks about this park, would be the houses around it. I wish there wasn't so many, but hey, if I could, I'd own one of those! Also in the winter time, there is tons more to do here!