Lake of the Isles

Lake of the Isles is a body of water spanning 109 acres in a Minneapolis residential neighborhood with two wooded islands and a north arm extending from the main water. The shoreline stretches for nearly 3 miles, encircling multiple parks with paths, open spaces, and recreational areas throughout.

The water was known to Dakota peoples as Wíta Tópa and held significance in their landscape for generations. In the 1880s, major dredging work reshaped the area and created additional parkland that exists today.

The lake serves as a gathering place for neighbors, especially during winter months when people come together for ice skating and hockey games. The annual New Year's Eve celebration along the shore, complete with roasted marshmallows and hot drinks, shows how much this spot brings the community together.

The area is easily accessible during daylight hours and offers biking and walking paths, fishing spots, and open fields for recreation. Winter transforms portions into ice skating areas for anyone interested in this activity.

Within the water sit Mike's Island and Raspberry Island, both covered with original forest and serving as protected wildlife refuges. These islands remain closed to the public, allowing them to function as havens for native animals.