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Lake Harriet, Day Trip in Minneapolis

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Kirby Fine Homes
If you are looking for a great place to enjoy this summer there is no need to look past Minneapolis' own backyard. Stop by Lake Harriet where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, walking, music, and much more. The Lake has 344 acres of water and 67 acres of land. With almost three miles of trails available, the park could be crowded but you would never know it.

Check out the Streetcar that travels from Linden Hills to Lake Harriet. The restored line takes you back in history and is another fun adventure for your day trip. The rides are seasonal so be sure to check out their schedule before you go. The #1300 I photographed below is on the National Registry of Historic Places.




According to the Minneapolis Park and Rec website, "Music has been part of the scene at Lake Harriet for over 100 years. The current band shell is the fifth music facility since 1888 and its design echoes the history of the area. The first music pavilion, built in 1888, was destroyed by fire in 1891. A new one was built, but in 1903 it, too, was destroyed by fire. The next pavilion, built in 1904, featured a classical rooftop. It was destroyed by a windstorm in 1925. In 1927, a temporary bandstand was erected and remained until 1985 when the current band shell was constructed." See photo in filmstrip for current bandstand Pavilion.


You might wonder why I took a photo of the restroom. Well, this women's restroom, as well a separate male restroom building, are actually quite historic. In 2002 they were restored to their original appearance and are the oldest two building in the Minneapolis park system.


If you have time, walk around some of the neighborhood streets that surround the lake. There are some beautiful examples of French Provincial, Colonial Revival, Tudor, Prairie, and Craftsman home design.


View some turn of the century photos of life on the lake: Swimmers and Row Boats, the second pavilion in 1895 and the third in 1904, the path around the lake in 1910
Linda Sanderson
Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific - Benicia, CA
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos of your area.  I've never been to Minneapolis but after seeing your photos I would love to go there.
May 16, 2007 02:58 PM
Jennifer Kirby
Kirby Fine Homes - Minneapolis, MN
The Luxury Agent
Linda - If you ever are in the area, give me a call!
May 20, 2007 08:31 AM
Linda Sanderson
Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific - Benicia, CA
Thank you Jennifer, I appreciate that!  I have a feeling it won't be for awhile, but as soon as my husband retires we plan to travel, and this will definitely be on the list.  Lucky you to be there.  We have a lot of beautiful areas in CA too.  One of my favorites is the Napa Valley.
May 21, 2007 03:44 AM
Jennifer Kirby
Kirby Fine Homes - Minneapolis, MN
The Luxury Agent
Linda- I lived in San Diego for 4 years and loved taking weekend trips to Napa Valley. Our favorite place though is Cambria. It is such a small town, right on the Pacific, and it too has local vinyards near San Louis Obispo. I miss the wine!
May 22, 2007 07:21 AM
Linda Sanderson
Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific - Benicia, CA
Jennifer you're not the only one who loves Cambria.  A good friend of mine rants about the place.  I guess I'm just going to have to check this place out, I've never been thereeither.  This one will be a lot easier to get to though.  Thanks for reminding me.  I'll bet you enjoyed San Diego.  We have been there a number of times, and it's always a treat.
May 22, 2007 03:20 PM
Jennifer Kirby
Kirby Fine Homes - Minneapolis, MN
The Luxury Agent
Linda - I loved San Diego. We had a place that overlooked downtown, the bay, and Coronado Island. My husband was a pilot in the navy at that time so I got great access to the naval station to watch planes come and go, and tours of the aircraft carriers. When we visit Cambria, is is alwasy a bright green. With the rolling hills, we joke that it looks like where the California Happy Cows come from. One thing I REALLY miss is the "real" mexican food. Haven't found anything close to it here in Minnesota. :(
May 25, 2007 02:46 AM
Linda Sanderson
Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific - Benicia, CA

Jennifer, I'm so glad you let me know where all those happy CA cows have been hangin out at.  I've been  wondering where they hang out.......:-)

     Funny you should mention Mexican food, I just returned from lunch with some friends, and we ate at Randy's a local eatery, having real fresh Mex.  It is so good, I would miss it too.  How exciting for you to have enjoyed San Diego the way you did.  Sounds like you were enjoying a little piece of paradise.  I love the Coronado Hotel, what a beautiful place that is.  One of the times we visited San Diego,  we got a chance to go upstairs in the antique elevators they have at the Coronado; I felt just like I had beemed back about 50 years or so.  It truly is a grand hotel.  You'll just have to come back and visit sometime.  I think I hear those cows calling for you............LOL

May 25, 2007 09:08 AM