Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis

Hard to beat the cozy energy at Lake of the Isles in the heart of a city with several fabulous lakes and connected trail systems. Lake of the Isles offers great walking and biking paths, a dog park, ice skating rink and warming house, channels to Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska, and wonderful architecture. Beautiful in any season, including the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, a two-day festival that is topped off with the Luminary Loppet, one of the most magical nights of a Minnesota winter.

I’ve loved this Minneapolis treasure since I first experienced it over 20 years ago. I come at all times of year to appreciate the lake, the seasons, the nature, and the people watching. There are wonderfully maintained trails around the lakes, amazing homes to gawk at, and it’s a serene getaway from the nearby city area. Plenty of places to sit, parks nearby, places to walk and dine at.