Lake Harriet is a picturesque and popular lake located in southwest Minneapolis. This beautiful lake is encircled by rolling hills, lush woods, expansive parkland, and charming gardens. It features three miles of cycling and skating trails, along with a 2.75-mile trail designated for walkers and runners.
Entertainment at the Bandshell
During many summer weekends and evenings, visitors can enjoy live concerts, performances, and other forms of entertainment at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Situated on the north shore of the lake where East Lake Harriet Parkway meets West Lake Harriet Parkway, the bandshell features a glass wall, allowing boaters and sailors to watch the performances from the water.
Interestingly, the Lake Harriet Bandshell has had a series of unfortunate incidents; the first structure, built in 1888, burned down, and its replacement met a similar fate. A third bandshell was destroyed by a storm in 1925. The fourth version was meant to be a temporary setup but stood for nearly sixty years before being replaced in 1985 by the current castle-shaped bandshell.
Additional Activities and Events
Lake Harriet is well-known for its boating and sailing opportunities. The Lake Harriet Yacht Club operates at the lake, offering various sailing activities. Furthermore, paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes are available for rental.
This yacht club hosts weekly races, regattas, and other events throughout the sailing season. Additionally, during the months of April and May, migratory birds stop at the Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary, which features a shelter for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Beaches
Lake Harriet boasts two beaches, both of which have lifeguards on duty during the summer. The North Beach, located a short walk from the bandshell, includes ropes to separate swimmers from boaters. The second beach, known as Southeast Beach, offers a more tranquil atmosphere and is just a brief stroll away from North Beach.
Sights
Along the southeast shore of Lake Harriet, on both sides of Roseway Road, lies the stunning Lyndale Park Gardens, which encompasses several distinct garden areas. The formal Rose Garden showcases numerous rose varieties. Other garden highlights include a Peace Garden, rock garden, Annual/Perennial Garden, and a Perennial Trial Garden.
Keep an eye out for an Elf House nestled at the base of a slender tree, adorned with a small garden, located between the bike and walking trails just past South Oliver Avenue. Local lore suggests that notes left for the elf in this tree are always responded to with a message.
Visitors can also explore The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, a small remnant of the trolley lines that once traversed Minneapolis and St. Paul. During the summer months, trolleys operate between the west shore of Lake Harriet (at Queen Avenue South and West 42nd Street) to Lake Calhoun (Richfield Road, just south of West 36th Street).
Parking
Convenient parking is available at the bandshell, alongside on-street parking options in close proximity to the bandshell and throughout the lake area.
