Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet
4.5
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520 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
601 reviews
Excellent
451
Very good
126
Average
18
Poor
5
Terrible
1
valeri
Staunton, VA17 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Beautiful in all seasons. Ran around the lake a few years ago for the Minneapolis Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, and enjoy coming in the summer spring and fall for a walk around the lake and people and dog watching. There are parking lots, and often street parking available .
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptTrouble
Hudson, WI7,892 contributions
May 2020
My husband and I have been taking walks around this lake for decades. You can put on over 3 miles and park in the residential areas; looking at the beautiful mansions is part of the fun. Some have impressive gardens during the summer.
We noted that there were a lot more people out using the trails than normal. Generally speaking, there were only walkers on the walking path; a few years ago, it was all gigantic baby strollers that took 75% of the path and that was pretty annoying. Also, it was mostly bikes on the bike path and most were going the right way (it’s a one way trail). So it was a nice, brisk walk even though it was crowded. The only area that was truly messed up was near the Bandshell. Too many people that weren’t watching where they were going. We ducked into the bird sanctuary to get away from them.
We noted that there were a lot more people out using the trails than normal. Generally speaking, there were only walkers on the walking path; a few years ago, it was all gigantic baby strollers that took 75% of the path and that was pretty annoying. Also, it was mostly bikes on the bike path and most were going the right way (it’s a one way trail). So it was a nice, brisk walk even though it was crowded. The only area that was truly messed up was near the Bandshell. Too many people that weren’t watching where they were going. We ducked into the bird sanctuary to get away from them.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leza H
London, UK666 contributions
Jun 2022
Nice views of the lake. Picnic tables as there’s an on-site food place. More tables need shades as the sun was fierce the day we visited. Food was very mediocre especially for the price. Take your own food instead and simply enjoy a pretty lake view.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gbb
Minneapolis, MN233 contributions
Jan 2022
The path around Harriet is well maintained and the lake is always lovely. Check out the bandshell and the Rose Garden in the spring; the Linden Hills neighborhood on the west side is very nice as well. This area is very safe and the paths are heavily used.
Written February 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
twolanehwyman
22 contributions
Jun 2015
I worked lifeguard and police work here for years and know this area really well. Excellent place to enjoy outdoors very safely and calmly for families and all ages. Very user friendly facilities and patrons using the parks are very safe and pleasant people. Parking can be difficult, try parking lots near bandshell on northwest corner of lake, lots near rose gardnes on northeast side of lake, or street parking, some metered, some free. Just lock your bikes, and hide your valuables "before" you arrive and park, lots of car break in thefts possible in all parks. Safe here at night on streets and sidewalks. Parks closed at night, but by law its still ok to walk through if you keep moving the whole time on lakeside sidewalks and streets. Minimum violent crime here day or night.
Great family oriented place to swim, walk or bike lakeside trails (paved), enjoy rose and rock gardens, fountains, a lakeside restaurant near bandsheel, open air concerts, picnic areas, rental boats (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, sailing lessons, beautiful homes, dog walks and parks, dogs can sneak swims in at old unused beach on center south side of lake, and fine people watching for all ages and types. Very safe family type area great for families and young singles and children. Quiet neighborhood type place, no wild stuff here. Both public swim beaches have summer lifeguards on duty, clean lake water, sand beaches, warmer water temps at south beach since shallower. The north beach is steeper beach and deeper water, over 12 feet deep at the outer ropes. The south beach is very flat and shallow, about 4 or 5 feet deep at the outer ropes boundaries. All ages at both beaches, north more singles but all ages, south more families and kids. Porta potty bathrooms and drinking water at both beaches and along lakeside trails. No swim changing rooms, except for the couple of big building's bathrooms near the bandshell on northwestern side of Lake. No showers available, can just rinse off under ice cold hand well pump at south beach, but clean waters here. Well worth your time to see and enjoy. One of the best in the twin cities.
Great family oriented place to swim, walk or bike lakeside trails (paved), enjoy rose and rock gardens, fountains, a lakeside restaurant near bandsheel, open air concerts, picnic areas, rental boats (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, sailing lessons, beautiful homes, dog walks and parks, dogs can sneak swims in at old unused beach on center south side of lake, and fine people watching for all ages and types. Very safe family type area great for families and young singles and children. Quiet neighborhood type place, no wild stuff here. Both public swim beaches have summer lifeguards on duty, clean lake water, sand beaches, warmer water temps at south beach since shallower. The north beach is steeper beach and deeper water, over 12 feet deep at the outer ropes. The south beach is very flat and shallow, about 4 or 5 feet deep at the outer ropes boundaries. All ages at both beaches, north more singles but all ages, south more families and kids. Porta potty bathrooms and drinking water at both beaches and along lakeside trails. No swim changing rooms, except for the couple of big building's bathrooms near the bandshell on northwestern side of Lake. No showers available, can just rinse off under ice cold hand well pump at south beach, but clean waters here. Well worth your time to see and enjoy. One of the best in the twin cities.
Written June 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim H
19 contributions
Sep 2013 • Family
I'm a frequent visitor to Lake Harriet, and find that it has a good balance of business and space compared to the other lakes in the Minneapolis chain of lakes. It's far enough from Uptown that it has less busy feel, yet has lots to offer. Check out a concert at its bandshell most summer evenings, stroll through the neighboring rose gardens, throw a Frisbee or fly a kite in the open area between the lake and the rose gardens, run/walk the ~3 mile circle around the lake, ride the historic trolley, grab a snack or meal at the concession stand, or visit the Linden Hills retail/restaurant only a block or two off the lake on the West side.
If being in the water is for you, there are two beaches (one on the North end and one on the Southeast side).
If being on the water is for you, there's a bike, canoe, kayak, etc. rental shack (weather permitting). If there's a breeze you'll find several sailboats out on the water. There is also a public boat ramp to launch your own sail or non-motorized boat.
The North end of the lake connects to Lake Calhoun via bike or walking trails neat the bandshell. The South end connects with Minnehaha creek walking and biking trials near the SE beach. Both are part of the grand rounds trail system.
Parking on the parkway is free (the lots now have meters but are usually open except during peak times).
Bring a picnic basket and stay for the afternoon!
If being in the water is for you, there are two beaches (one on the North end and one on the Southeast side).
If being on the water is for you, there's a bike, canoe, kayak, etc. rental shack (weather permitting). If there's a breeze you'll find several sailboats out on the water. There is also a public boat ramp to launch your own sail or non-motorized boat.
The North end of the lake connects to Lake Calhoun via bike or walking trails neat the bandshell. The South end connects with Minnehaha creek walking and biking trials near the SE beach. Both are part of the grand rounds trail system.
Parking on the parkway is free (the lots now have meters but are usually open except during peak times).
Bring a picnic basket and stay for the afternoon!
Written September 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johngary76
Minnetonka2 contributions
I may be prejudice, I onced lived on the West shore and walked around the lake every day. It doesn't matter how cold it gets, there are people walking or jogging. Summer concerts at the bandshell are a great place to meet a very friendly crowd and enjoy a variety of music. The seasonal street car rides are fun for young and old. A great way to catch a breeze on a hot summer day. Be sure to visit the shops of Linden Hills just a few blocks West of the lake. On the East side of the lake visit the beautiful Rose Gardens and the serene Rock Garden.
Written July 24, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alana D
Winnipeg, Canada124 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We both walked and rented bikes to go around this lake. Beautiful views and amazing walking/biking paths. If you are wanting more than the Mall of America, you must take a jaunt around these lakes.
Written May 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davecm329
Cleveland, OH60 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
Beautiful park in a beautiful neighborhood. We visited the rose garden at the height of the season. If you enjoy flowers this is a must see.
Written August 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann06
Baltimore, MD53 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
The trails for biking and walking around Lake Harriet (and Calhoun) were just phenomenal for enjoying the scenery and the city. What a fabulous addition to the city - really ups the quality of life. We rented some super bikes from a great little rental place on Lake St. (not the rental bikes that are found and can be rented electronically throughout the city) Just outstanding.
Written August 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes but electric motors only - can have gasoline motor attached but must be out of the water. See info at park board website /activities__events/water_activities/boat_launches__rentals/
Written March 12, 2020
Hello - can someone tell me how many miles it is to walk or bike around any of these lakes? Harriett, Calhoun, or others?
Realistic driving time to the airport on a Sunday afternoon would also be great :)
Thank you!
Written October 8, 2015
I just found some answers to my own question -
Lake Harriet Park - Pedestrian (2.75 miles), Bike (2.99 miles)
Lake Calhoun Park - Pedestrian (3.1 miles), Bike (3.19 miles)
Lake of the Isles Park - Pedestrian (2.63 miles), Bike (2.76 miles)
Cedar Lake Park - Pedestrian (1.68 miles), Bike (1.68 miles)
Total for Chain of Lakes - not sure what is included - Pedestrian (14.81 miles), Bike (15.27 miles)
Written October 8, 2015
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