Bde Maka Ska is the largest of the Chain of Lakes that runs through the western neighbourhoods of Minneapolis — a 400-acre lake surrounded by 5.7 miles of parkway trails used year-round by runners, cyclists, skaters, and in winter, cross-country skiers. The lake connects by channel to Lake of the Isles to the north and to Lake Harriet to the south, creating one of the best urban trail systems in America.
Beaches on the east and west shores are open for swimming from June through August, with lifeguards on duty. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rental is available at the northeast corner in summer. In winter, the lake freezes solid enough for ice skating and occasionally ice fishing, and the Park Board maintains a skating loop with a warming house. The surrounding residential streets — Victorian and Craftsman houses in the Kenwood neighbourhood — are worth exploring.