Bde Maka Ska Park (f/k/a Lake Calhoun Park) is the largest of the Chain of Lakes. It has three beaches, an archery range and three miles of biking and walking trails. The park may be the home of a future skate park if funding can be secured. Other family-friendly amenities include, docks and piers, space to picnic, and sports fields and courts.
Beaches & Recreation at Bde Maka Ska
Lifeguards are employed at Thomas Beach and 32nd Street Beach. Find up-to-date beach information here. On days when the temperature is 85 degrees or warmer at 6 p.m., lifeguard hours will be extended until 8 p.m. Bde Maka Ska North Beach has no lifeguard on duty.
Wheel Fun Rentals rents out watercraft to get out on the lake. A roughly 3-mile path for walking or biking circles the lake.
For this and other swimming options, explore our guide: Splash Happy: Twin Cities Guide to Beaches, Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads.
Bde Maka Ska Archery Range
Bde Maka Ska's archery range is located at the SE corner of the park (3800 Richfield Rd). Ranges in Minneapolis Park are non-reservable and patrons bring their own equipment and targets. Hay bills are provided. Here is a list of other Twin Cities archery ranges.
Future Skate Park?
A future skate park has been approved but is currently unfunded. Read the Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet Regional Park Master Plan for more information.
Public Art and History
In 2019, MPRB dedicated a new gathering space and public artwork to commemorate the Dakota village led by Chief Cloud Man that was located there from 1829 to 1839. Cloud Man invited Samuel and Gideon Pond to build a cabin near his village and teach them Euro-American farming methods, starting in 1834. This began a life-long friendship between the Pond brothers, Chief Cloud Man and members of his village.