We’re Minnesotans, it’s in our DNA to be drawn to the water that surrounds us. It would be a crying shame not to take advantage of what Mother Nature offers just a short bike ride or drive away.
June 2008
Lake of the Isles
One of our favorite footpaths is the loop around Isles. The lake is the star, but who can ignore the gorgeous Kenwood and East Isles homes that surround its shores. For some prewalk carbs, grab antipasti from D’Amico & Sons (2210 Hennepin Ave., 612-374-1858) or deli delights from Isles Market (2115 21st St. W., 612-377-6876). And don’t worry about bringing Fido. There’s a dog park on the south end of the lake. Coordinates: West on Franklin Ave. from Hennepin Ave.
Lake Calhoun
Canoe, run, windsurf, bike, sail, hit the beach—all is at your disposal when hitting this piece of blue heaven. Don’t have your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboat? Wheel Fun Rentals (612-823-5765) is happy to loan you one for $11 to $20 an hour. Plus, starting this summer, it offers gondola service! Want to stay on dry land? Calhoun Rental (612-827-8231) has bikes and more, and each trip around the lake on the bike path is three miles. Just want to read on the beach? Calhoun has three. Need a bite to eat? The Tin Fish (612-823-5840) serves up tacos right on the northeast side of the lake. Or grab something at Lucia’s To Go in Uptown (1432 W. 31st St., 612-825-1572) for a shore lunch–Uptown-style. Coordinates: Follow Lagoon Ave. west from Hennepin Ave.
Lake Harriet
It’s perhaps best known for the summer music series in the bandshell, but before the music starts each night, head to the area for some mooching around, including a ride on the famous trolley. Just blocks from the bandshell, downtown Linden Hills offers quaint stores and eateries. Stroll down the streets and hit the shops—Bibelot (4315 Upton Ave. S., 612-925-3175), Wonderment (4306 Upton Ave. S., 612-929- 2707), Ensemble (2812 W. 43rd St., 612- 310- 8498)—or grab some meat at Clancey’s (4307 Upton Ave. S., 612-926-0222) for your lakeside grill-out or ready-made ribs from Famous Dave’s (4264 Upton Ave. S., 612-929-1200) or a cone at Sebastian Joe’s before heading to hear the night’s entertainment. Coordinates: North on Penn Ave. from 50th St.
Como Park
One of the crown jewels of the Cities. Yes, there’s the zoo and the conservatory, both of which are obvious summer draws. But Como takes up nearly 400 acres of prime St. Paul real estate—so look beyond the zoo to the carousel, pool, 2.5 miles of paved trails, golf course, the Lakeside Pavilion, paddleboats, café, and two dozen pieces of art scattered across the grounds. If you forgot the picnic lunch, head to Black Bear Crossing Café in the pavilion. Coordinates: Head north on Lexington Ave. from I–94.
Minnehaha Falls
Few cities can claim to have a natural wonder like Minnehaha Falls right on the edge of the city. The fifty-three feet of water that cascades over the limestone bluff is enough reason to hit the park, not to mention the trails that take you along the creek. Park amenities include bike rentals from Wheel Fun Rentals (612-729-2660), plus Sea Salt Eatery (612-721-8990), a surprisingly good spot for a fish taco or shrimp po’boy. Or just spread a blanket under one of the countless oak trees for a shady respite from the heat. Coordinates: East on Minnehaha Pkwy. from Highway 55.
Editor’s Pick:
Hiawatha Avenue runs along a former Indian path between the Big Falls (St. Anthony) and the Little Falls (Minnehaha). Why not make the trek on the light rail. |
Lake Minnetonka
It’s no secret that the “big lake” is the hottest spot for boating—motorboats, sailboats, cruise boats, party boats—in the TC. If you don’t live on it or near it, we recommend taking anybody up on any offer to experience it. No connection? Tonka boasts eleven beaches, a bunch of picnic areas, bike trails, Big Island—so even those sans boat can enjoy its winding shores. Or take one of Al & Alma’s (952-472-3098) public cruises—with or without the kids—for a two- hour lunch or a sunset dinner. Coordinates: go to Lake Minnetonka's website for maps.
St. Croix River
Though we equate this border river with Stillwater, head north to Taylors Falls for a myriad activities, including hiking, biking, rock climbing, and canoeing down the St. Croix River. Ski hill Wild Mountain (651-465-6315) serves as a water park in the summer, operates river boat tours, and rents canoes and kayaks. Choose from a seven- or seventeen-mile one-way river canoe route. Either way, take your time, stopping at sandbars and swimming spots along the way (a shuttle will take you back). Leave time to head to Taylors Falls for a riverside lunch at Tangled Up in Blue (651-465-1000), or head across the River to Chateau St. Croix Winery (715-483-2556). On the drive back to “the city,” stop at Franconia Sculpture Park (651-257-6668)—home to twenty giant, fanciful sculptures in the middle of a field. Coordinates: North on Hwy. 95 from Stillwater to old Hwy. 8.
Editor’s Pick: History Cruise
Ride an authentic paddleboat along the St. Croix River while learning about the fur trade, logging, and Indian history. Groups of 20 or more. |
Theodore Wirth
The largest of the Minneapolis parks, nestled on the edge of the city and Golden Valley, is the perfect spot for tranquility in the middle of the city. In the 750-acre space, there is an eighteen-hole golf course (763-522-2818), a swimming beach, hiking trails, volley ball courts, and even off-road biking trails. Other than the golf course’s Swiss chalet–inspired clubhouse, there aren’t many hints of civilization—so make sure to come well-stocked with water and a picnic lunch to enjoy in the nearly 100-year-old pavilion. Walk-off your lunch with a stroll through the famed Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. Coordinates: North and south along Theo Wirth Pkwy. from Olson Memorial Hwy.
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