Type: Paved Path, Loop
Difficulty: 2 / 10
Altitude: 870 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Running
The Chain of Lakes, both a part of the Grand Rounds and one of Minneapolis' most highly visited locations, is comprised of a number of parks along a chain of connecting lakes. A 13.3 mile biking/walking/jogging path encircles the entire Chain, providing a beautiful setting for activity.
Shorter loops are also available for those with lower ambitions or less time:
10 Miles - (Isles, Harriet, and Calhoun)
6.5 Miles - (Isles - Calhoun)
6.8 Miles - (Calhoun - Harriet)
3.2 Miles - Calhoun only
3.1 Miles - Harriet only
2.8 Miles - Cedar only (use unpaved trails on the N and E sides to link back to the pavement)
2.6 Miles - Isles only
At the top of the chain, Lake of the Isles is the smallest and quietest of the three. Lake Calhoun is the largest and great for people watching. Lake Harriet feels more residential and where you may need to dodge a baby stroller or two. At the bottom of the chain you can connect up to The Minnehaha Parkway.
The Lakes are the best winter paths to run as they are plowed and kept open.
Directions from Interstate 35W:
From Interstate 35W going north or south, exit at 35th Street. Turn on 35th Street, which is one-way, and follow 35th Street till you get to Nicollet or Blaisdell Avenue; turn left, go one block and turn right. You?re now on 36th Street, heading west. Follow this street until you are stopped by a T intersection at Lake Calhoun.
Directions from the western suburbs:
From the western suburbs, follow Excelsior, Wayzata, or Minnetonka Boulevard (Hwy. 3, 5, or 7) east into Minneapolis, and merge toward the right as these streets join with West Lake Street near Lake Calhoun.
Directions from Interstate 94:
From Interstate 94, exit onto southbound Hennepin Avenue. Follow Hennepin until you reach Lagoon Avenue. Turn right onto Lagoon; follow it as it joins with Lake Street at the northern edge of Lake Calhoun.
Posted by: tradkelly and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
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