Sight guide · Minneapolis · United States
Visiting Chain of Lakes
Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake are ringed by separate paved paths for walkers and cyclists, part of the Grand Rounds parkway system.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Thomson200, CC0
Quick answer
Chain of Lakes is a park in Southwest Minneapolis, Minneapolis. Allow half a day; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Park
- Area
- Southwest Minneapolis
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, outdoors, kids and active
- Best months
- July–September
About Chain of Lakes
Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake are ringed by separate paved paths for walkers and cyclists, part of the Grand Rounds parkway system. In summer there are swimming beaches, boat and paddleboard rentals and free concerts at the Lake Harriet Bandshell; in winter locals skate and ski on the ice.
Tip: Rent a bike and ride the 5-km loop around Bde Maka Ska, then continue to the rose garden and bandshell at Lake Harriet.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Southwest Minneapolis.
Best time to visit Chain of Lakes
Chain of Lakes is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- September: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- July: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Minneapolis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Minneapolis itinerary visits Chain of Lakes on day 3, together with Paisley Park, Mill City Museum and Northeast arts and taprooms.
- No. 10 of the 17 sights in our Minneapolis things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Minneapolis.
- A family favourite in Minneapolis with kids.
If you like Chain of Lakes
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — Loring Park, 1 hour
- Minnehaha Falls — Minnehaha Park, 1–2 hours
Staying near Chain of Lakes
Where to stay in Minneapolis compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Chain of Lakes?
Plan half a day.
+Is Chain of Lakes free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Chain of Lakes?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Rent a bike and ride the 5-km loop around Bde Maka Ska, then continue to the rose garden and bandshell at Lake Harriet.
+Do I need to book Chain of Lakes in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Chain of Lakes good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a relaxed family city, with free museums, lake beaches, bike paths and the Mall of America's indoor theme park as a fallback in any weather.