Minneapolis' nearest – and dearest – of lakes is perfect for pleasure on water or land, and it even has an electrifying thrill among its many attractions.
Lake Calhoun – part of Minneapolis' glittering necklace of natural lakes – is a perfectly formed circle of water lying just west of the city centre. As the largest – and closest – of the five lakes that make up the city's so-called Chain of Lakes, it's also the most popular. But with kilometres of trails dedicated to walkers and cyclists, it is still a great place to cut loose from the city centre's hustle and bustle. And with clear-cut views – back across its still waters – onto the Minneapolis skyline, it's also one of the best vantage points in the city.
The lake was once a place where the local Dakota Indians would come to hunt and fish. Today, that tradition continues, with lake fishing a major leisure-time pursuit of many a Minnesotan. They come here to fish for yellow perch, bluegill and black crappie – and not only in summer. When the winter freezes the lake solid, ice fishing takes over, with portable fish houses springing up on and around the frozen lake.
In the summer, it is water sports that are the big draw. Kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing are open to all, and when the wind picks up, sail boats take to the water from the Calhoun Yacht Club. There are also three swimming beaches, which are great places to go to cool down when Minneapolis gets all hot and sultry.
As well as providing a beautiful backdrop for all manner of outdoor activity, Lake Calhoun has a several points of interest for those looking for activities that are a little less exerting. Dining is one – freshly caught lake fish can be had at a scatter of restaurants on Calhoun's northern shore. And on the west shore is the unique Bakken Museum. It is dedicated to the history of electricity, its use in medicine and especially to its early folklore. Exhibits covering Frankenstein's Laboratory and Ben Franklin’s Electricity Party provide a hands-on way of getting a buzz from all things electrical.
