Ramsey Lake sits right at the edge of downtown and is the city's defining geographical feature. The southern shore is wild and forested; the northern shore holds Science North, the YMCA, and a string of small beaches. Bell Park runs along the western side.
In summer the lake is busy with swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders, with rentals available from Science North's marina. In winter it freezes solid enough for skating, ice fishing, and the occasional pond-hockey tournament. A boat tour on the William Ramsey gives a different angle on the city and includes the rocky shoreline that most visitors never see.