Though Minnesota offers four exciting seasons to get outside and enjoy the diverse array of activities across the state, it’s undeniable that summer is one of the best times to visit the land of 10,000 lakes. There are, of course, hundreds of fantastic cities and towns to visit, but for many, a stop in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is a “must.” It’s also hard to argue with a trip to these fantastic cities, especially when you consider vibrant outdoor parks and trail systems like those you’ll find at Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is known for its verdant spaces, sparkling lakes, and vibrant parks, all of which cater to those living in and visiting the area who find themselves in need of a nature break. Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis, is one of the many crown jewels of the city’s urban core. It’s an extensive park system that offers a refreshing retreat from city life and consists of interconnected lakes built for various recreational pursuits. Whether walking or cycling along the lakeside paths, winding your way through lush trails, or simply relaxing on or by the water’s edge, the park’s natural beauty offers visitors the best of summer in Minnesota.
Of course, as delightful as time on and around these five pristine lakes can be, it’s just a tiny drop in the bucket of what awaits this summer. Whether you’re visiting the Twin Cities, heading up north to the sparkling shores of Lake Superior, or biking your way through Bluff Country in the southeastern part of the state, you’ll find an incredible variety of things to do in Minnesota. If you’re seeking unique experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures, turn to the experts in lodging and hospitality: The Midwest Association of Independent Inns.
Our collection of properties offers access to the best of the Midwest. With exceptional hospitality, world-class accommodations and amenities, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better places to stay in Minneapolis, let alone the entire Midwest. These exceptional places to stay provide comfort and luxury you can depend on to ensure your summer vacations are even more memorable. What are you waiting for? Browse our properties in the Minneapolis area, and let’s get started planning an exciting visit to one of the Midwest’s best cities.
The Best of Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Minneapolis
Though there is no shortage of fantastic places to get outside for a nature break in and around the Twin Cities, there are few things quite so magnificent as Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Chain of Lakes, in the heart of Minneapolis, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, catering to a wide range of interests. The park has five interconnected lakes – Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), Brownie Lake, and Lake Harriet. These lakes are a picturesque place to spend a warm summer afternoon.
But more than offering a great place to enjoy a little time lakeside, Chain of Lakes Regional Park also encompasses over 1500 acres of public land – all located within the Minneapolis city limits. The park is lush, featuring more than 13 miles of pedestrian trails and another 15 miles of city bike trails, not to mention connections to the 51-mile Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. It is a great place to exercise and stretch your legs, but these trails also offer some of the best views of the Minneapolis skyline, not to mention a great place to enjoy a romantic sunset picnic!
Chain of Lakes Regional Park is easily the most popular park in Minneapolis – but while you may be sharing this urban oasis with thousands of other people on a given summer afternoon, it won’t feel like it. The park’s five lakes offer plenty of shoreline for relaxed afternoons to yourself. Bde Maka Ska (“White Earth Lake” in the Dakota language) is the largest of the lakes and is one of two offering designated swimming beaches (three of them!) – Lake Harriet is the other. Bde Maka Ska is also the perfect choice for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing, and it offers plenty of watercraft rentals. The park at the lake also features a soccer field, softball field, sand volleyball court, an archery range, and plenty of open grass for games, picnics, and more.
If you want to try your hand at sailing this summer, Chain of Lakes Regional Park is the perfect place for that! There are sailing facilities at Bde Maka Ska, and they also host various sailing classes and events throughout the summer. Sitting back with a picnic and watching vessels out for a sail is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening! Lake Harriet is another excellent place to watch sailing, particularly those participating in the races sponsored by the Lake Harriet Yacht Club.
Speaking of Lake Harriet, don’t miss your chance to enjoy a summer concert or movie at the picturesque Lake Harriet Bandshell. This lake is also known for the fabulous mansions lining its shore, and the gorgeous public rose garden on its north shore. It’s the second oldest garden of its kind in the country, featuring over 100 rose varieties and more than 3,000 total plant species. This lake is also home to the Roberts Bird Sanctuary, which offers 31 acres of largely undeveloped woodlands and wetlands perfect for summer birding.
If you’re looking for a quiet afternoon away from the crowds and potentially busy waters of these two lakes, consider the quiet Lake of the Isles or perhaps venture onto the peaceful, secluded, and woodsy trails around Cedar Lake. If you’re looking for an epic kayaking adventure, consider starting at Brownie Lake, the smallest of all of them, and work your way through the other lakes, enjoying the views as you go. Brownie Lake is the least developed of all the lakes and also a great place to enjoy some mountain biking.
As you can see, there are myriad adventures waiting for you at Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis, this summer. We could share so many more tips and tricks for making the most of your time at this fabulous city park, but we’ll leave the details for your visit with one of our highly-rated places to stay in Minneapolis.
3 More Great Parks in Minneapolis
As great as Chain of Lakes Regional Park is, it’s just one of many great city and state parks in the Twin Cities. Each park is different and does a spectacular job of showcasing central Minnesota’s breathtaking natural beauty. So, whether you’re looking for more fun adventures or are seeking more tranquil places after your adventure at Chain of Lakes Regional Park, we’ve listed a few more of the best parks in Minneapolis below.
- Aside from Chain of Lakes, one of the most popular parks in Minneapolis is Minnehaha Regional Park, home to the majestic Minnehaha Falls. This 53-foot waterfall is a striking centerpiece of the park but is not the only reason to visit. Minnehaha Regional Park offers a range of activities, including walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and historical sites such as the John H. Stevens House.
- At just over 700 acres, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in the Minneapolis Park system. The park is a popular four-season destination for locals and offers diverse activities and landscapes to enjoy. In the summer, visitors can enjoy golfing on the park’s two courses, swimming at Wirth Lake, or exploring the numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, located within the park, is a delightful attraction for nature enthusiasts, featuring over 500 plant species and a rich variety of birdlife. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy some fall foliage, too, and in the winter, it transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and more.
- Finally, don’t miss a trip to the beautiful Fort Snelling State Park, situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. This historical park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with its restored military fort dating back to the early 19th century. Visitors can explore the fort, hike the extensive trail system, or partake in water activities such as canoeing and fishing. The park’s diverse habitats, including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, also provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
The Best Places to Stay in Minneapolis
These parks barely scratch the surface of all the great things to do in Minneapolis, let alone the stunning state of Minnesota. There are far more things worth sharing, seeing, and doing than we can possibly share here – but one of the best things about our collection of Inns, cottages, vacation rentals, and boutique hotels across the Midwest are the incredible Innkeepers at their helm. These Innkeepers offer a wealth of insider knowledge and would love nothing more than to share the best of the Midwest with you this summer.
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Minneapolis, our local Inns are undoubtedly it. From a charming Inn in the heart of St. Paul’s historic district to a beautiful mansion just outside of town on Lake Como, there are truly no better places to stay near Minneapolis than these. Like the rest of our properties around the state (and the Midwest), you can expect to find a comfortable place to stay, complete with top-notch amenities and exceptional, detail-oriented hospitality.
Our properties are anything but bland hotel chains, too. Rather, they are unique and come with a personalized stay experience that will transform your stay from an ordinary getaway to an unforgettable vacation. With a strong dedication to excellence in hospitality, choosing our association as your lodging partner ensures you’ll enjoy the most exquisite “Minnesota Nice” hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a romantic couple’s retreat, a trip with friends, or a family vacation, our network of Inns offers you the best selection of places to stay in Minneapolis and beyond. Book your stay at a Minnesota Inn or hotel today!
