Minnesota is informally known as the land of 10,000 lakes. This route, located 2 miles southwest from Minneapolis downtown, is a great example, featuring a system of paths around the shorelines of five lakes in Chain of Lakes Regional Park in southwest Minneapolis. Overall, there are 15 miles of pedestrian paths, with lovely parks, some beautiful homes, and lakes views, with the downtown skyline serving as the backdrop. The three most popular are Lake Bde Make Sa (formerly called Lake Calhoun,) Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles (closest to downtown). The loop around each lake is 2.6-3.1 miles (shown in the map below), with good connectors between them. A great option for a longer run is to combine all three for a ~10-11 mile loop. Cedar Lake can be added. Brownie Lake doesn’t really have a perimeter path. Each lake has a bit of its own character; at the bottom of the chain, Lake Harriet is more residential, Lake Calhoun is the largest, Lake Harriet is the quietest and smallest. Notes: Generally lit and maintained in Winter. Water fountains and restrooms available, best facilities are at Bde Make Sa. There are good connectors between the lakes, and separate paths for running and cycling.
Three Lake Loop Description
Start at the parking lot at the northern end of Bde Make Sa. Run north, across the top of the lake, connecting through Lake of the Isles Park to Lake of the Isles. This is a scenic section, passing through a narrow channel. Lake of the Isles is known for its scenic city views. There’s a paved cycle path and a gravel pedestrian path, the latter being closest to the lake. The loop is 2.6 miles.
Next, use the ¼ mile path to connect back to Bde Maka Ska. This is the largest of the five lakes, and features three beaches. You’ll run along the eastern shore of the lake for 1.3 miles (completing the western side of the 3.1-mile loop later). There are separate, paved pedestrian and cycle paths around Bde Maka Ska, with open water views the whole way. At the southern end, use the path along William Berry Pkwy to connect the 0.5 miles to Lake Harriet.
Lake Harriet is a bit more wooded and hillier, though there are still good lake views along much of the way. It’s a 2.8-mile loop on mainly paved paths. The Lake Harriet Bandshell at the northwest end of the lake is popular in summer for picnics, outdoor music and movies, and the Lyndale Park Rose Garden at the northeast end is pleasant for a stroll.
Reconnect to Bde Maka Sa and conclude the run with 1.3 miles on the west shore.
Minnesota is informally known as the land of 10,000 lakes. This route, located 2 miles southwest from Minneapolis downtown, is a great example, featuring a system of paths around the shorelines of five lakes in Chain of Lakes Regional Park in southwest Minneapolis. Overall, there are 15 miles of pedestrian paths, with lovely parks, some beautiful homes, and lakes views, with the downtown skyline serving as the backdrop. The three most popular are Lake Bde Make Sa (formerly called Lake Calhoun,) Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles (closest to downtown). The loop around each lake is 2.6-3.1 miles (shown in the map below), with good connectors between them. A great option for a longer run is to combine all three for a ~10-11 mile loop. Cedar Lake can be added. Brownie Lake doesn’t really have a perimeter path. Each lake has a bit of its own character; at the bottom of the chain, Lake Harriet is more residential, Lake Calhoun is the largest, Lake Harriet is the quietest and smallest. Notes: Generally lit and maintained in Winter. Water fountains and restrooms available, best facilities are at Bde Make Sa. There are good connectors between the lakes, and separate paths for running and cycling.
Three Lake Loop Description
Start at the parking lot at the northern end of Bde Make Sa. Run north, across the top of the lake, connecting through Lake of the Isles Park to Lake of the Isles. This is a scenic section, passing through a narrow channel. Lake of the Isles is known for its scenic city views. There’s a paved cycle path and a gravel pedestrian path, the latter being closest to the lake. The loop is 2.6 miles.
Next, use the ¼ mile path to connect back to Bde Maka Ska. This is the largest of the five lakes, and features three beaches. You’ll run along the eastern shore of the lake for 1.3 miles (completing the western side of the 3.1-mile loop later). There are separate, paved pedestrian and cycle paths around Bde Maka Ska, with open water views the whole way. At the southern end, use the path along William Berry Pkwy to connect the 0.5 miles to Lake Harriet.
Lake Harriet is a bit more wooded and hillier, though there are still good lake views along much of the way. It’s a 2.8-mile loop on mainly paved paths. The Lake Harriet Bandshell at the northwest end of the lake is popular in summer for picnics, outdoor music and movies, and the Lyndale Park Rose Garden at the northeast end is pleasant for a stroll.
Reconnect to Bde Maka Sa and conclude the run with 1.3 miles on the west shore.
This scenic pathway stretches from Lake Harriet to Minnehaha Park from west to east. We recommend the 7.4 mile lake loop, including Lake Nokomis and the Minnehaha Parkway.
A scenic river run on paved along the mighty Mississippi from the Ford Bridge to the Washington Bridge. Full loop is ~9 miles, with shorter loop options. A highlight is St. Anthony Falls Stone Bridge!
A paved multi-use trail in Minneapolis that connects the Mississippi River Trails in the east to the Chain of Lakes paths in the west. It’s ~6 miles one-way through the heart of downtown, roughly paralleling Lake Street. Bonus: lit at night and cleared of snow!
Arguably the best choice for a lake run in St. Paul. The loop around the lake is 1.7 miles and for the longer run, connect to the trails in Como Park at south.
Summit Avenue stretches from the Mississippi River in the west towards St. Paul downtown. The tree-lined street and path passes the most prestigious homes in the city. Nice option to add on a jaunt to the State Capitol.
One can put together an interesting run in downtown St. Paul. Enjoy a jaunt along the Capitol mall and the pretty residential area to the east. Also several paths under the bridges: Upper Landing Park on the north side and Harriet Island Park on the south side.
A pleasant 3-mile paved path around the perimeter of this lake, located in northeastern St. Paul. There are water views for a good part of the loop. It is quite hilly in sections! Add another mile with a loop around Round Lake!
Beautiful park located near the airport. 18 miles of paved and gravel running trails including a great 3.6 mile route from historic Fort Snelling and around Pike Island.
Located in the heart of Bloomington, about 15 miles southwest from Minneapolis downtown. Offers great scenery of prairie landscapes and a major body of water. Various trails and options.
Paved multi-use trail that runs for 19 miles between St. Paul and Pine Point Regional Park. The trail becomes increasingly rural as you head north of the city, combining wooded sections with open parks and farmland.
63-mile 'rail trail' is a great way to access some of the beautiful countryside from near MSP. Combination of surfaces and terrain, from woodland to open fields. Runs from Plymouth to Cedar Mills, though there's access in Theodore Wirth State Park.
This 2,165-acre preserve, located 10 miles east of St. Paul, is a great spot for a destination run. 30 miles of trails over a gentle rolling hill landscape with a mix of lakes, woods, and prairie. Paved multi-use trails and more rugged, hilly trails.
Historic Stillwater is a worth-it spot for a destination run! Enjoy the 4.7-mile St. Croix Loop Trail, featuring two historic bridges, the 5.8-mile Brown's Creek State Trail, Millbrook Park, and pretty, historic streets in downtown Stillwater.
It's worth the 1/2 hour drive from MSP to enjoy rolling hill running in these two popular park reserves. Good options for running on paved paths & also trail running. Open & wooded terrain.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!