MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesotans are fortunate indeed, as the varied landscape of our state allows residents to find outdoor adventure wherever they are.
Minneapolis' chain of lakes is a perfect example. Nestled in the shadow of the city skyline, Bde Maka Ska, Harriet and Lake of the Isles provide an outlet for paddlers, sailors, anglers, walkers and joggers, and those who just like to grab a bench and gaze upon sparkling water.
The latest installment of our drone series KARE in the Air features Lake Bde Maka Ska, at 401 acres the largest (and arguably most heavily-used) lake on the chain. While the summer of 2023 is in the rear view mirror, the surface of Bde Maka Ska and the paths around it remain a beehive of activity.
While extremely popular with those who use the paved paths to walk, jog, blade or bike the 3.1 miles around the lake, Bde Maka Ska is also a destination for anglers, who don't mind not being allowed to use a gas-powered motor. The DNR website says bluegill, crappie, northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, carp and bullhead lurk under the surface, as does a healthy population of tiger muskie (cue the Jaws theme music.)
According to the Minneapolis Parks and Rec department, Bde Maka Ska was never actually connected to neighboring Lake Harriet in the Chain of Lakes, because its surface elevation is seven feet higher. Connecting them would have required building locks.
Bde Maka Ska is connected to Lake of the Isles by a manufactured channel that was overseen by parks pioneer Theodore Wirth. The city says that construction was actually the first chapter in the story of the chain of lakes.
Known for decades as Lake Calhoun, named after one-time vice president, secretary of state and political theorist John Calhoun, the name of the lake was officially changed to Bde Maka Ska in 2018 after public uproar over Calhoun's public endorsement of slavery. Bde Maka Ska was the name used by the Dakota tribe prior to the late 1800s.
Some consider nearby Cedar and Brownie Lakes part of the chain, but Bde Maka Ska, Harriet and Isles are definitely the core of this recreational mecca.
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Watch more KARE in the Air:
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