Minneapolis Chain Of Lakes Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Minnesota, with multiple lakes and various outdoor activities to enjoy.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are several reasons to visit this park, including its picturesque scenery, numerous recreational opportunities, and historical significance.

The park boasts several points of interest that visitors should not miss, including Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles. These lakes offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking. The park also features several walking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the lakes and surrounding natural beauty.

One interesting fact about Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Park is that it was designed by the famous landscape architect, Horace W.S. Cleveland, and was one of the first parks in the United States to be designed with a naturalistic style. Additionally, the park played a significant role in the history of Minneapolis, as the lakes and surrounding park areas were considered a retreat for the city's elite in the late 1800s.

The best time of year to visit Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the lakes are perfect for swimming and water activities. However, the park is also lovely during the fall, when the leaves change color and the air is crisp.

Overall, Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the great outdoors in Minnesota. With its beautiful lakes, hiking and biking trails, and historical significance, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this stunning park.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks