Lake Nokomis was originally named Lake Amelia before being renamed in 1910 to honor the grandmother of Hiawatha in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem.
The lake was significantly altered in the early 20th century through dredging and landscaping projects to create a more uniform recreational basin.
Water quality at the beach is monitored regularly by the city, with real-time updates provided to ensure public safety during the swimming season.
The lake is a popular venue for community events, including the annual Lake Nokomis Aquatennial Beach Party.
The park system utilizes native plant buffers along the shoreline to help filter runoff and protect the lake's ecological health.
Lake Nokomis Beach is a primary recreational waterfront located in South Minneapolis, featuring sandy shorelines and designated swimming areas managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The lake encompasses 204 acres of water surface and is known for its relatively shallow depths and regulated water quality monitoring. It serves as a hub for both the Nokomis and Wenonah neighborhoods, providing facilities for non-motorized boating, such as kayaks and paddleboards. The beach area includes a concession building that provides seasonal refreshments and restroom access. A paved path encircles the entire lake, spanning approximately 2.7 miles, which is heavily utilized by cyclists, runners, and walkers. During the winter, the lake is frequently used for ice fishing and walking on the cleared paths. The surrounding park land provides extensive green space for picnicking and informal athletic activities.
The wooden bridge on the eastern side of the lake, offering a panoramic view of the water and the downtown Minneapolis skyline.
Check the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website for current beach water quality status before swimming.
Utilize the designated kayak launch rather than attempting to board from the primary swimming beach area.
The walking path around the lake is popular; use the designated lanes to avoid collisions with faster cyclists.
Ignoring water quality signage or swimming when bacterial levels are flagged as high.
Lifeguards are only present during the summer season; swimming is unsupervised outside of these periods.
No glass containers allowed on the beach; pets must be leashed in park areas and are prohibited from the sand during the swimming season.
