Lake Harriet — Attraction in Minneapolis

Not very many people know the secret underwater stronghold that exists under the surface about a third of the way out from the bandshell. There is a cement culvert that you can see if you look for it, and if you follow that line and have the right diving gear, you might be able to locate the dome that covers the whole bunker. It's not visible from the surface, it's probably 70 feet down and the lake floor has covered a lot of it, but it's big, maybe 50 feet in diameter and made of concrete. Back when it was created, it was kept all hush-hush and was overshadowed by the construction of the waterfront as a whole. The culvert that leads to it was intended to provide air and electricity, though I suspect that it's abandonment after the 1925 windstorm has left it become a relic lost to time and fading memory. It's still down there, buried and likely full of water and rusted out equipment. I haven't been able to find the entry, and suspect it has long ago been lost to new construction, but it always helps me to know that there is a secret down there that very few people know.

These days, most people are there for access to the lake, sometimes concerts in the bandshell, the snack shack, and just having a cool place to be around others and bring the dogs and just relax for a bit. The streetcar ride is pretty cool if you're interested in history, and the Halloween ride is well worth a try.

There is a swimming beach on the north side that tends to be popular, and sometimes has a lifeguard. There are sailboat moorings, not sure if there are rentals available or if they're privately owned. No speedboats or water-skiing or jet ski activities that I've seen. South side has a small secret dog beach that is entirely unofficial, and tends to have happy dogs around.

The trails around the lake are always active, with separate paved bike and walking trails that are pretty well maintained.

It's a good...

It's nice, but Medicine Lake is the home of a magical nested life long pair of Golden Eagles who have greeted us personally 😂 they do follow drivers and actually look at you, see if you're ok. they are very nice huge birds. Our encounters have always been amazing. we were driving and she was following right by our side looking inside, then dipping up and in front of our car while we were driving forward, she was hovering in mid air, on an updraft some how created while looking at both of us Mother and daughter. We were so humbled by her beauty grace and power. I have never experienced anything like it. It will stay with me for the rest...

We used to walk that lake just about every time we came up there, 2.9 miles I think, beautiful, rose garden park. Now we have a dog, a mini Aussie, now we walk her around the lake every time we come up. Beautiful homes all the way...