Bde Maka Ska Tours and Activities

A volleyball game with a city skyline in the background.
A man fishing in a body of water with a city skyline in the background.
A lake with windsurfing equipment and a city skyline in the background.
A sailboat on a body of water during sunset with a city skyline in the background.
A city skyline with modern skyscrapers, a calm lake, and a sailboat.


Grab the kids, pack a picnic and head to this perfect lakeside location, popular with energetic watersport enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike.

Located just Southwest of downtown Minneapolis, Lake Calhoun is the biggest of the five Chain of Lakes in the area. A multitude of activities on offer along with a choice of three beaches, make it popular destination among tourists. The expansive shady parklands and cultivated pathways are a great place for chin-wagging locals to escape the city bustle.

Lake Calhoun draws the biggest crowds of any of the five lakes and it caters for everyone's taste. Love the water? Take your pick from activities such as canoeing, wind surfing, sailing or just plain swimming. Wheel Fun Rentals offer an hourly rental service of various boats and kayaks, but if you've brought your own feel free to launch it from the ramp yourself.

If you’re more comfortable on dry land, why not bring along your skates and roller-blade around the 5.5-kilometre cycle track, rent a bike and cycle it or take it easy with a leisurely stroll on the separate pedestrianised pathway.

Lake Calhoun is great for fishing, both in the summertime and also in the winter, when the freezing temperatures aren’t enough to keep the ice fisherman at bay! If you're feeling adventurous why not try the exhilarating sport of snow kiting!

You won't want to leave the lake all day so make sure to bring a picnic but don't worry if you forget, the Tin Fish restaurant serves up some excellent cuisine if you fancy something special.

Towards the north of the lake there are some great playground facilities for kids, which is a popular spot for families as the boat ramp and restaurant are located here also. Lake Calhoun is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Private & custom tours

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Classes & workshops

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Stay near popular Bde Maka Ska attractions


Top Bde Maka Ska Hotel & Accommodation Deals

MOXY Minneapolis Uptown

MOXY Minneapolis Uptown

2.5 out of 5
1121 West Lake Street Minneapolis MN
MOXY Minneapolis Uptown
Charming Linden Hills Cottage 800 feet from Lake Harriet, also near Bde Maka Ska

Charming Linden Hills Cottage 800 feet from Lake Harriet, also near Bde Maka Ska

Minneapolis MN
Charming Linden Hills Cottage 800 feet from Lake Harriet, also near Bde Maka Ska
Just A Short Stroll to Lake Harriet & Restaurants!

Just A Short Stroll to Lake Harriet & Restaurants!

Minneapolis MN
Just A Short Stroll to Lake Harriet & Restaurants!
Cozy Lyn-Lake Escape • Walkable • 9 Beds • Uptown

Cozy Lyn-Lake Escape • Walkable • 9 Beds • Uptown

Minneapolis MN
Cozy Lyn-Lake Escape • Walkable • 9 Beds • Uptown
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
425 South 7th Street Minneapolis MN
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown
Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis

Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis

4.5 out of 5
615 Second Avenue S. Minneapolis MN
Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

4.5 out of 5
35 S 7th St Minneapolis MN
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
MINNeSTAY* Linden Hills Haven

MINNeSTAY* Linden Hills Haven

Minneapolis MN
MINNeSTAY* Linden Hills Haven
Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown

Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
1020 HAWTHORNE AVE Minneapolis MN
Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.