By Claire Noack

We love our parks here in the Twin Cities, and with more than 67 of them around the state, the opportunities to see natural beauty and participate in outdoor recreation are endless. From kayaking, canoeing and biking to sledding and ice skating, we utilize our parks and lakes to get the most out of every season.

For locals and visitors who don’t have recreation equipment on hand, Wheel Fun Rentals offers select bike and water vehicles at six parks around the Twin Cities. And with included safety gear, including helmets, bike locks, baskets, paddles and life jackets, you’ll have everything you need to keep the fun going. Stop by the Wheel Fun Rentals stands at these parks and pay an hourly fee (price varies per item) for your preferred mode of exploration.

Lake Calhoun

This popular lake in Uptown Minneapolis offers the largest selection of Wheel Fun Rentals recreation equipment in the area. Peddle around the lake with cruiser, mountain, tandem and kids bikes, or take to the water with pedal boats, double pedal boats, kayaks, double kayaks, stand up paddleboards and canoes. Make a pit stop at The Tin Fish on the shore of Lake Calhoun to grab some fresh, fish tacos or crab cakes before heading back out into the summer sun.

Lake Como

A free zoo and conservatory isn’t all this St. Paul park has to offer. An expansive park and lake offer the perfect place for family-friendly recreation. Race between the numerous gardens scattered throughout the park on a Wheel Fun Rentals surrey or double surrey, or head down to the water with a pedal boat, double pedal boat, kayak, double kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard. Lake Como even offers Duffy boat excursions, where up to six people can sit back and relax on a guided lake cruise.

Lake Harriet

At Lake Calhoun’s sister lake, Lake Harriet, visitors can swim, bike, sail, relax in hammocks and much more. Wheel Fun Rentals offers pedal boats, double pedal boats, kayaks, double kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, cruiser bikes, mountain bikes and tandem bikes for lasting family entertainment. Walk through the Lyndale Rose Garden or Japanese Peace Garden, or listen to live music during the summer months at the Lake Harriet bandshell. A large playground and snacks from Bread & Pickle keep kids playing all day long.

Lake Nokomis

Southeast from the Chain of Lakes lies the serene Lake Nokomis. Although not as well known, its wide array of amenities and sandy beaches make Lake Nokomis one of the hidden gems of the Twin Cities. Rent out a variety of unique rides, including surreys, double surreys, deuce coupes, choppers and quad sports, or paddle around the lake in pedal boats, double pedal boats, kayaks, double kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards. Getting hungry from all the exercise? Sandcastle Minneapolis serves up American eats and ice cream shore-side.

Minnehaha Falls

The crown jewel of Minneapolis parks resides at Minnehaha Falls. Sandstone bluffs give way to the iconic 53-foot waterfall. Take a hike to see where the creek meets the Mighty Mississippi, or ride around the sizable park and take in picturesque river views on one of the Wheel Fun Rentals bikes. This location offers surreys, double surreys, choppers and quad sports. Listen to live entertainment in the park while chowing down on seasonal dishes from Sea Salt Eatery.

Veteran’s Park

In the southern suburb of Richfield, Veteran’s Park offers fun for the whole family. Between the ice arena, outdoor pool and 18-hole mini-golf course, you’ll want to come back again and again. Pick up treats, including grilled cheese sandwiches and malts, at Malt-T-Melt and take Wheel Fun Rentals surrey or double surrey out for a spin around the park.

By Kyle Smelter

Summertime in the Twin Cities may not last very long, but for Minnesotans it is all about quality over quantity, and making sure we take advantage of the small window we have. This usually equates to getting out and enjoying all the outdoor activities the state has to offer combined with the warm and sunny weather. But not all outdoor endeavors were created equal, and there’s one that’s truly the cream of the crop—spending time on the treasured lakes and rivers. When it comes to bodies of water in Minnesota, the options are pretty much endless (we are the Land of 10,000 Lakes after all). And what better way to experience them than by getting out and voyaging across their waves on a public cruise?

Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen

Owner of the only luxury charter yacht in the Twin Cities—the Paradise Lady—this charter cruise company sets sail on not one but two of the metro’s most cherished bodies of water, Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River.

Lake Minnetonka
Depart from The Port of Excelsior and glide through the waters of one of Minnesota’s largest lakes (more than 125 miles of shoreline) for an abundance of cruises, including Sightseeing, Happy Hour & Cocktail, Margarita Monday and their Sunday Brunch Cruise. Relax and dine while you take in the views of the lake’s many islands and extravagant homes dotting the shoreline.

Mississippi River
As the starting point for the largest river in the country, Minnesotans love to take pride in this blue gem and show it off to friends and visitors alike. And what better way to do that than by cruising its waters? Come aboard and see what all the fuss is about as you skim by iconic Minneapolis landmarks such as the 35W Bridge, St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge and more.

Padelford Packet Boat Co.

Docked at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul, this small fleet of river boats has accommodated more than four million passengers since the company was christened in 1969—a testament to the quality of service and adventure they provide. Riders can partake in a variety of cruises, including Sunset Dinner, Lunch and Lock, and their wildly popular Beer and Bacon Cruise while enjoying the sights of the St. Paul skyline, Pig’s Eye’s Cave, the St. Paul High Bridge and more.

St. Croix Boat & Packet Co.

The north shore equivalent for the central and southern part of the state, the St. Croix River Valley is one of the most visited spots in Minnesota year-after-year. For anyone who’s ever been there, it’s easy to see why—the craggy cliffs, lush forests and blazes of colors in the fall are can’t-miss natural beauty. And the town of Stillwater has been voted one of America’s “Most Picturesque Small Towns.” Hop aboard any of their public cruises that depart from this charming river town to get up close and personal with the area’s beautiful natural features.

Al and Alma’s

A grocery store turned supper club, Al and Alma’s has been entertaining guests on the waters of Lake Minnetonka since 1973 when they launched their first cruise as a way to entertain guests before they sat down for their meal. The maiden voyage went so well, that Al and Alma’s now boast the largest and most modern fleet on the waters of Lake Minnetonka today. And as their popularity grew, so did their cruise offerings. Guests can enjoy one of the greatest sunset views the state has to offer on the Genuine Lake Minnetonka Sunset Cruise (touted as the original Lake Minnetonka dinner cruise), partake in libations of the adult variety on the Sips and Sights Cruise, and chow down on breakfast food staples during the Signature Sunday Brunch Cruise. With their award-winning crew and fleet, your venture is sure to be as iconic as the lake itself.

Afton*Hudson Cruise Lines

This St. Croix River fleet of boats explores all the splendor found between us and our neighbor Wisconsin to the east. Hop on board to explore the densely forested area’s explosion of color during their Fall Colors Cruise, laugh all night long during their Comedy Dinner Cruise, where nationally touring comedians take the stage, or treat yourself to a taste of Italy on the Italian Dinner Cruise.

By Claire Noack

Perhaps best known for hosting the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships each year, Lake Nokomis Park also has a wide array of offerings during the warmer months. Referred to by locals as the “unknown Calhoun,” this lake draws smaller crowds than its popular sister, but has all of the fun and amenities you could want.

Lake Nokomis Water Activities

Lake Nokomis is one of three sailing lakes (along with Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun) in the Minneapolis park system. Water sport enthusiasts can rent canoes, kayaks, boats and paddle boards at Wheel Fun Rentals. For those looking for a bit more adventure, nearby community gym Paddlesculpt offers stand up paddle board (SUP) yoga classes on the lake.

Both the park’s main beach and the smaller 50th Street beach tout sandy shores and swimming areas with select lifeguard hours throughout the summer. Fishing piers are located on the north side of the lake at East Minnehaha Parkway and Lake Nokomis Parkway, and on the southeast side of lake at East Lake Nokomis Parkway between East 54th and 55th Streets. There’s also a canoe and boat launch area south of the main beach on the west side.

Lake Nokomis Park Recreation

After a long day on the lake, visitors can also take advantage of the park’s many amenities on land. The perfect place for a family picnic, Lake Nokomis Park has plenty of green space to set up a blanket in the shade and throw some grub on the coal grills around the park. Separate biking, walking and rollerblading paths make for a nice (and safe) stroll around the lake. A playground and restroom facilities also ensure that kids will have fun playing at the park all day long.

The 4-acre Lake Nokomis Naturescape Garden is home to many native flowers and plants. The garden is kept up by volunteers from the community and is a certified monarch butterfly waystation. The park hosts the annual Minneapolis Monarch Festival here every September.

The park is a sports lovers’ haven with a variety of spaces designated to specific games. Grab your racket or your soccer ball and head to Lake Nokomis’ sports areas that are open to the public, including baseball, football, soccer and softball fields, tennis court and pickleball court, as well as a pond hockey rink during the winter.

 Neighborhood Eats

Combining good food, community and sustainability, Sandcastle serves up grub right on the shore of Lake Nokomis. Their dog friendly patio makes a great place to enjoy your American eats, beer and wine, and ice cream treats.

There are also several neighborhood joints within walking distance of the park that feature some local favorites. In the northwest corner of the lake, you’ll find Italian fare at two restaurants. Italian Eatery dishes up modern Italian food and pergola bar with a seasonal patio. Cabone’s Pizza & Pub is a local pizza chain with tons of pizza toppings.

On the south side of the lake, Fat Lorenzo’s offers casual Italian eats, including pizza, pasta, hoagies and gelato, and features colorful murals as decor. A short walk away from Lake Nokomis’ southern shore, there’s also 5-8 Club, home to the original cheese-stuffed Juicy Lucy burger, along with pub staples like cheese curds and fried pickles.

If you get to the park early and are looking for some hot food and coffee to wake you up, head to Hot Plate on the west side of the lake for a family-friendly breakfast spot. On the east side, stop by Nokomis Beach Coffee for your morning cup-o-joe, or check out Mel-O-Glaze Bakery for donuts and other sweet treats.

This lake is located right off the southern part of French Regional Park in Plymouth. There is a public water access point on the northern shore of the lake in the park, making it easy to put your boat in and explore the lake.

Rent a boat for the day at Harty’s Boatworks. They have been renting vessels on Medicine Lake since the 1960s at their two locations, one on the north shore and one on the south.

As the second largest lake in the area, it may come as a surprise that this lake is quiet and serene. In other words, it’s the perfect place to launch a kayak or canoe and enjoy some peaceful paddle time. Located west of the Cities, Lake Waconia is just a short, scenic drive from Minneapolis.

Located in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka is the largest lake in the area, clocking in at a whopping 14,000 acres in size. Its vast network of smaller lakes and channels stretches from Wayzata in the east all the way to Mound in the west.

Lake Minnetonka is a popular destination for all kinds of boating, and there are plenty of boat rentals in the area to help you set sail. Rent a pontoon for the day at Rockvam Boat Yards, or stop at Your Boat Club to choose from a fleet of over 100 pontoon, fishing and runabout boats. Enjoy slowly floating past shorelines with impressive mansions, zip around in a speedboat, or spend the day skiing or tubing. Locals love docking at Big Island Nature Park, located at the juncture in the Lower Lake.

During your day on Lake Minnetonka, be sure to jet over to Excelsior (the West Arm of the lake) for a bite to eat at Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge. Dock your vessel and enjoy a meal and refreshing drinks on the expansive patio—no matter where you sit, there’s a beautiful view of the water.tr