Minneapolis is home to Lake Harriet, which covers almost 350 acres, plus a 67-acre coastal region. The lake features hiking trails, bike paths and two beaches. Professional lifeguards are on duty during swimming hours. HIGHLIGHTS Our team of researchers has confirmed that this attraction is kid-friendly, free/cheap and a good date idea 97% of 500 visitors to TripBuzz and other popular sites across the web rated this attraction favorably

This easily accessible loop takes you on a moderate walk around Lake Harriet, a popular recreational site for cyclers, walkers, runners, and families. You can cycle this trail in the clockwise direction, or opt to walk. Be sure to explore the surrounding park and gardens, afterwards!

Lake Harriet is a lake in the southwest part of Minneapolis, just south of Lake Calhoun and north of Minnehaha Creek. The lake is surrounded by parkland as part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. The lake has an area of 335 acres and a maximum depth of 85 feet. Lake Harriet is very popular for recreation. It offers sailing, two beaches, and a system of bike and pedestrian trails. The trail and parkway system, part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, connects with Lake Calhoun on the north end via William Berry Parkway and with the Minnehaha Creek trail system on the southeast corner. The north end of the lake also offers a bandshell, which is used in the summer months for concerts, and a refreshment stand. A preserved section of the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line runs between Lake Calhoun and the west side of Lake Harriet. Other Features On the walking path near where Queen Avenue T's into the perimeter drive around the lake, there is an "elf house" carved into the base of an ash tree. For several years, one could leave a letter for the elf supposedly living there and find a letter in reply sometime in the next few days. During the winter season, the elf door is shut and a plank appears stating he has "moved to his castle in the east." It reopens around springtime. Other parkland near the lake includes a picnic ground just north of the bandshell, Lyndale Park, and the Thomas Sadler Roberts bird sanctuary on the northeast corner of the lake. Located adjacent to the bird sanctuary is the tranquil Peace Garden, and across the street is a large garden featuring many varieties of roses. Lakewood Cemetery is located between the southeast corner of Lake Calhoun and the north shoreline of Lake Harriet. Located just 2 blocks West is the quaint shopping district of Linden Hills, often referred to as "a small town in the City". The lake contains black crappie, bluegill, golden shiner, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch. Some fish consumption guideline restrictions have been placed on the lake's bluegill, carp, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, white sucker, and yellow perch due to mercury and/or PFOS contamination. In 1998 a six foot 105 pound female lake sturgeon was found washed ashore on the lake. Sturgeon were thought to no longer exist in the lake.

From the parking lot, follow the trail down to the lake. The path continues around the lake, and it is difficult to get lost here. Though located in an urban area, this lake and its path are usually serene and quiet. Keep an especially close eye out for the rose gardens in the northeast corner of the lake. The trail passes close to the gardens, and they're a scenic and fragrant side trip! If you happen to be near the Bandshell, you may even be able to catch notes from a concert, as this is a great outdoor venue.

As one of the picturesque lakes in the renowned Chain of Lakes, Lake Harriet features 67 acres of land and 344 acres of water. It is noted for biking and walking trails, nearby gardens, a variety of water activities and summer concerts at the stunning band shell. Lake Harriet was named for Harriet Lovejoy, wife of Colonel Henry Leavenworth, who founded Fort Snelling in 1819.