Lake Harriet

Lake Harriet MN

If you happen to find yourself heading to or through Minnesota then you are going to want to take a close look at Lake Harriet. In the southwest part of Minneapolis, you will find this 335-acre lake that is just waiting for you to come and enjoy it. Lake Harriet was named after Harriet Lovejoy. Lovejoy resided with her husband, Colonel Henry Leavenworth, at Fort Snelling after they came to that area in 1819. Colonel William S. King last owned the land around the lake and the lake itself. King decided to donate the land in 1885 to the city of Minneapolis so that the public would be able to cherish the beautiful scenery and lake. For many years, it was enjoyed and maintained by King. Of course, it was not until after it became property of Minneapolis that a lot of the improvements were made for all visitors to enjoy.

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For many years, this lake has been used as a favorite recreation spot and it will continue to be that way for many years to come. Since the lake is surrounded by a lot of parkland, and is a part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, you will be sure to find enough space to do all of the activities that you love to do whether you are alone or with friends and family. Fishing is a favorite pastime of many people at Lake Harriet. The most popular fish to catch from the lake is that of the Muskies. If you are in the mood for a little shopping or dinner out after a long day at the lake, you will be able to walk over just two blocks to the west to the quaint shopping area of Linden Hills that has quickly become known as “a small town in the city”.

Sailing and biking are two of the most popular sports that are taken advantage of on this location. There are also two beaches and a whole system of trails for pedestrians. Those who have a lake Harriet home are able to enjoy the pleasures that come with making use of the lake and the entire park that surrounds it. Those who have to travel to go there for vacation always find that it was worth the trip. Lake Minneapolis is surely something that needs to be on everyone’s to do list.

The parkway and the trail system, which happen to be a part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, are connected with Lake Calhoun on the north end. You will also find that the north end also offers a bandshell that is always used for concerts in the summer and as a refreshment stand. There is a preserved section of the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, which will run from Lake Calhoun to Lake Harriet’s west side.

Many people also find it interesting to know that the lake is directly in a straight line with two main runways for the MSP Airport. The planes from the MSP airport are frequently spotted flying overhead. The “elf house” is another famous feature of Lake Harriet. If you walk the path by Queen Avenue, you will come to a “T” where you will find an ash tree with an “elf house” carved into its base. Tradition was that you could leave a small letter there for the elf who would reply in the following few days. The elf is apparently only in during the spring and summer months as his door shuts during the winter with a sign that states he went to his east castle. The door opens again during the spring for more letters for the elf to be left.

There is also a picnic area just outside of the lake, a little north of the bandshell. The Thomas Sadler Roberts bird sanctuary can also be found along the northeast corner of Harriet Lake. Next to the Thomas Sadler Roberts bird sanctuary is the Peace Garden. If you take a gander across the street, you will find a big garden full of an amazing variety of roses. If you are looking for Lakewood Cemetery then you will want to look between the north shoreline of Lake Harriet and the southeast corner of Lake Calhoun.

Now that it is easy to see all the many things that Lake Harriet has to offer, you will probably be hard pressed to find reasons not to go to the lake this summer. Check it out for yourself or bring your friends and family along for the weekend or a weeklong trip. Enjoy the nature and all of the sightseeing that Lake Harriet has to offer.

Take a stroll along with pedestrian trails or a bike ride on the biking trail. Enjoy the sectioned off beaches and check out the bird reserves. There truly is a little something for everyone so families who are full of people who each enjoy something different will find Lake Harriet the ideal place to be. After you go to Lake Harriet for the first time, you will easily find yourself wanting to return year after year.

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