Bde Maka Ska

Name: Bde Maka Ska
Address: 3000 E Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA, Minneapolis, MN, US
Telephone: (612) 230-6400
Rating: 4.7

4.7(4,323) Minneapolis, MN

Directions Website

About Bde Maka Ska

Bde Maka Ska offers a multifaceted family experience centered around a large lake in Minneapolis, combining scenic beauty with diverse recreational activities. It's particularly notable for its well-maintained, separated walking and biking trails, multiple playgrounds, and opportunities for water activities like canoeing, all set against a backdrop of downtown Minneapolis views and vibrant sunsets.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Active families looking for a day out with options for walking, biking, and water sports.Families with young children seeking playgrounds and safe walking paths.Parents wanting to introduce kids to canoeing in a relatively easy-to-access environment.Dog owners who want to bring their pets along for walks and swims.Families looking for scenic views and photo opportunities.

Why families love it

Well-paved and separated walking and biking paths make it safe and enjoyable for families with strollers or young cyclists.
Multiple playgrounds situated around the lake provide dedicated play areas for children.
Canoe rentals are available at $25 for one hour, accommodating up to 3 people, offering an accessible water activity.
Helpful and easy boat rental process with staff assistance for launch and retrieval.
The lake offers opportunities to paddle under bridges into connecting lakes, enhancing the water adventure.
Highly dog-friendly environment, allowing pets to walk and swim.

Insider tips

Prepare for potential strong winds if planning water activities, especially with children.
Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for the most scenic views and photo opportunities.
If sensitive to crowds, be aware that playgrounds and parks can be busy.
Bring appropriate gear for biking or walking, as trails are well-suited for these activities.
Utilize the on-site restaurant for convenience or consider nearby walking-distance restaurants for dining options.

Good to know before you go

Windy days if planning water activities like canoeing, as strong winds can make it challenging.
If sensitive to smoke smell, be aware of occasional reports in the area.
Likely busy times (e.g., weekend afternoons) if seeking a very quiet experience, especially near playgrounds and parks.
Occasional reports of a strong smoke smell in the area, which can detract from the natural beauty.
Strong winds can be present on windy days, which may impact comfort and safety for water activities like canoeing or kayaking.

Crowds: Playgrounds and parks around the lake are 'often busy'.
Value: Canoe rental is specifically priced at $25 for one hour, accommodating up to 3 people, which appears to be a reasonable value for an hour of recreational water activity on a major city lake. No other specific pricing for other activities (like electric bikes) or amenities is provided, but the overall experience of trails, playgrounds, and views is free.
Food: An on-site restaurant is available for drinks and meals.
Accessibility: Well-paved walking and biking paths suggest good accessibility for strollers and potentially wheelchairs, though no specific ADA compliance is mentioned.
Safety: Well-paved, separated bike and walking trails enhance safety for different types of users.

What parents say

Olive Town

4.0

"One of the best places to walk and see sunsets. Great for dogs to walk and swim. However there is often a lot of smoke smell which ruins the natural beauty. There are many ducks throughout the lake too and there are some playgrounds around the lake. Many restaurants nearby in walking distance."

8 months ago

Andrea

3.0

"We rented a canoe for an hour and enjoyed paddling under the two bridges into two different lakes. The price wasn't too bad, 25$for one hour being, you can have 3 people in the canoe. The area seemed clean, and the boat rental place was easy, and the employee gave us a push off and pulled us back in on arrival. They have a restaurant there too and you can get drinks if you like."

6 months ago

Arnav Agarwal

5.0

"Huge lake in the middle of Minneapolis. There's a well-paved walking and biking path around the lake and they even have electric bicycles for rent. A lot of people get out on the water but be prepared for strong winds on a windy day. Overall, I would recommend it as a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon."

7 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.