The Minneapolis lakes are a beautiful way to escape from all the unappealing things about a city while staying in the city. With stunning views, open parks, and refreshing water, the lakes are the place to be during a Minnesota summer. The highlights of my summer took place at the “Lakes.” Lake Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Harriet, the chain of lakes just before uptown, make up “the lakes,” as my friends and I call it. Ever since I was little, when my dad would bike me to the lakes to go around and enjoy the sunshine, they were a place I liked to be when I had free time.
One of my favorite things to do to relax and enjoy the summertime is go on a bike ride. The lakes are perfect for that — with seemingly never-ending trails, bike-friendly roads and walkways, they’re the perfect place to go and take an afternoon off. The ride is defined by its beautiful scenery and is a great place to people-watch. I would make a stop at one of the numerous food places in the area. My favorite is Wakame, a sushi restaurant located by Bde Maka Ska. Bde also has two of my favorite chains, Chipotle and Punch Pizza.
Next on my list would be to grab a friend, get some ice cream and go for a walk. Two great ice cream places in the area offer numerous flavors: Sebastian Joe’s, which is right off Lake Harriet, and Ben and Jerry’s, which is right off Bde Maka Ska. Both places are less than a five-minute walk from their corresponding lakes. A post-walk ice cream stop is a good activity to wind down, enjoy a sweet treat and catch up. I enjoy the raspberry chocolate chip flavor at Sebastian Joes and the cookies and cream flavor at Ben and Jerry’s.
Something I have recently gotten into is paddle boarding. For years I would see the lake littered with people enjoying the water on little rafts. I finally invested in a paddleboard, and it was my best investment last summer. Multiple times a week I would go out and enjoy the lakes — my favorites being Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake. Both these lakes are small, and the water is both on the warmer side and very calm. Paddleboarding calls for a good time with friends where the world kind of slows down for your time out there. There is nothing to worry about — no phones, no school work — the only thing to worry about is falling in. The best time to go out is during the evening when it’s a little cooler and the sun is beginning to set, illuminating the sky into a purple color.
Next up is going to the lakes and playing a friendly game. Last summer, my friends and I began playing Spikeball — we brought a ball to the beach at Bde Maka Ska. We played for hours, till it got dark, and had a great time. While biking around the lakes, I’ve seen other people playing several different games that would be a great time. For example, you can play beach volleyball or catch a frisbee. Playing a game or doing an activity can bring people together for a good time and create memories.
Lastly, something I haven’t tried yet, but can imagine would be relaxing, is sitting down and enjoying a book, maybe with some music in the background. Every time I drive or bike around the lakes, there are always people doing this, and it always looks like time well spent. Reading slows down the fast world we live in today.
There’s something about the area, the seemingly perfect breeze and the warm sun on your skin — it’s a great time to enjoy life after a long week.
