Lake Nokomis Park — Attraction in Minneapolis

Nice facilities and layout but presumptuous park patrons compared to what is considered standard park etiquette in MN. Whether you're on a blanket having a picnic, taking a moment to stand on shoreline and take in the view, fishing from one of the docks, or ice fishing on the lake in the winter, if you're the type of person who arrives at a park or other public space and looks around carefully to survey where the best spot is to enjoy being outside with the lowest chances of others people disturbing you....you're probably going to have some issues at Nokomis.

While ice fishing the other day a young man that was being led by two small boys walked directly across the lake in a beeline to where I was set up by myself with no one even remotely nearby, which occurred due to a very deliberate effort on my part and not by chance. After the two boys picked up my tip-up that was around 30 yds away and started pulling up the line with the adult watching and doing nothing I exited my fish house and asked what the hell they were doing messing with my personal property without even asking let alone being given permission to do such a thing. He legitimately seemed confused why I would be taking the tone that I was with him. Once they stopped messing around with my gear, after they ruined the time and effort I spent trying to be successful in catching some fish, they then proceeded to walk directly at my portable ice house with me in it.

Word of the wise for those with small children: If you let them be the tail that wags the dog and be complicit in harassing other individuals that had arrived prior to yourselves and put in a considerable effort to enjoy their time there, you might get more than you and they bargained for. They were no laws broken in how uncourteous they were because it's a public park, making it totally legal for them to walk right up to where I was and interfere with what I was doing and my efforts for a little solitude and relaxation. Here's the deal though, if you think I'm going to then be courteous to you and your children you're in for a rude awakening. I wasn't breaking any laws either as I was thinking out loud and saying some of the most foul things imaginable as they slowly decided to walk a foot from the outside of the fabric that comprises the walls of my portable ice house. Nothing was even remotely directed at them, it was me pondering the merits of some extremely raunchy acts. Judging by their reactions they won't soon forget it, if they ever do.

There was easily a quarter mile on either side of me, maybe closer to a half mile since I was the only one in the middle of the lake. Moral of the story: if you don't want to expose your children to obscene language some guy sitting on a frozen lake in a tent is describing to himself then don't deliberately walk up to where you can hear him when there's absolutely no reason why you'd need to. It's that simple.

People at Nokomis seem as if they're making an effort to come in contact with as many people as possible instead of making a conscience effort to give others as much space as possible. The only time anyone should be making contact with others like they did is due to it being crowded and having no other way to avoid it.

I frequent this park routinely and what I described was by no means an isolated incident. The contrary is true and it is a rare outing at Nokomis when some random stranger(s) doesn't approach you without any possible and logical explanation for why there was any...

Lake Harriet: A Minneapolis Gem for Recreation and Relaxation Lake Harriet is truly one of Minneapolis's crown jewels, offering a fantastic array of activities and a beautiful natural setting right within the city. Our recent visit only reinforced its reputation as a wonderful place to spend time outdoors. We had a fantastic time fishing off the public fishing pier, which proved to be a convenient and accessible spot for anglers of all ages. It's always great when a lake provides dedicated facilities like this, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the sport. The excitement was palpable when one person in our group managed to catch a sunfish! Even a smaller catch like that adds to the fun and creates a memorable experience, especially for those new to fishing or just enjoying a leisurely afternoon. Beyond the excellent fishing opportunities, Lake Harriet boasts so much more. The paved paths around the lake are perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, offering picturesque views at every turn. In the warmer months, you'll find people enjoying the beaches, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The iconic Lake Harriet Bandshell hosts free concerts and events throughout the summer, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're looking to cast a line, take a leisurely stroll, enjoy some live music, or simply relax by the water, Lake Harriet delivers a quintessential Minneapolis experience. It's a truly great place to connect with nature and enjoy some recreational fun right in the heart...

I love going for rides around Lake Nokomis—it’s one of my favorite spots in the city. The pathways are always well-kept and easy to navigate, and I really appreciate the thoughtful design of having one path for walkers and another for bikers and scooters. It makes the whole experience more enjoyable and safe for everyone, whether you’re moving at a fast pace or just out for a stroll.

The scenery around the lake is beautiful, and depending on the season, you get to enjoy so many different views—lush greenery in the summer, colorful trees in the fall, and even a peaceful, quiet setting in the winter. It’s also a great place for families, since there are open spaces, beaches, and plenty of areas to just relax.

We especially enjoy coming here to watch our son play ultimate frisbee on the fields next to the lake. There’s always such great energy with people gathering to play or cheer each other on, and it makes the whole area feel lively and welcoming. Between the trails, the fields, and the natural beauty, Lake Nokomis really has something...