The lake was known as Lake Calhoun for over 150 years before the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officially restored its original Dakota name, Bde Maka Ska, meaning 'White Earth Lake', in 2018.
Bde Maka Ska reaches a maximum depth of approximately 82 feet, making it the deepest lake within the Minneapolis city limits.
The lake serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
The surrounding parkland is part of a larger interconnected system of parks and lakes designed by landscape architect Theodore Wirth.
The park features an extensive underground tunnel system designed to manage water quality and storm runoff from the surrounding urban watershed.
Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis and a central component of the city’s Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. The park features a 3.2-mile paved path surrounding the lake, designed for shared use by pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. Visitors can access three public swimming beaches with seasonal lifeguards. The park serves as a hub for water sports, including sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, with equipment rentals available on-site during warm months. The area includes the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion, which provides dining and public facilities. The lake is managed by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board as part of the Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Native Dakota history is central to the site, marked by its 2018 official name restoration. The shoreline offers views of the Minneapolis skyline from the northern vantage points. Fishing for species such as walleye, northern pike, and panfish is permitted from the shoreline and watercraft.
The north shore near the beach entrance provides the best framing of the Minneapolis skyline across the water.
Stick to the right side of the trail to allow faster cyclists and runners to pass safely.
Check the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board website for real-time water quality reports and beach closure notices during the summer.
Parking lots fill quickly on warm weekends; utilize designated bike racks or street parking in adjacent neighborhoods if lots are full.
Attempting to swim at non-designated beach areas or outside of buoyed safety zones where watercraft traffic is high.
Watercraft rentals and beach lifeguard services operate only during the summer season; trails remain open year-round for winter recreation.
Leash laws are strictly enforced for pets; keep dogs on designated paths and clean up waste immediately.
