Lake Nokomis
A vibrant Minneapolis lake offering swimming, boat rentals, scenic trails, and picnic spots for a perfect day outdoors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Lake Nokomis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Minneapolis lake offering swimming, boat rentals, scenic trails, and picnic spots for a perfect day outdoors.
"It's such a cool and beautiful spot, perfect for kayaking and swimming. The water is very clean, the scenery is peaceful, and the atmosphere is relaxing."
🚗 Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early, especially on warm days, as parking lots and street spots fill quickly.
🦢 Book Swan Boats Ahead
These popular swan boat rentals can get booked up, so consider reserving in advance for your desired time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swan Boat Rentals
Wheel Fun Rentals
Glide across the water in a whimsical swan boat for a unique and romantic experience. Perfect for date nights!
Swimming Beach
Main Beach Area
Enjoy a refreshing dip at the main beach, complete with lifeguards for added safety and a dedicated swim area.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Various access points
Explore the lake at your own pace with kayak and paddleboard rentals. A great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery.
+1
Picnic & Relax
Waterside Parks
Pack a picnic and find a scenic spot to relax by the water. Many areas offer shade and beautiful views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Prime Spots
Embrace the Water Activities
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early, especially on warm days, as parking lots and street spots fill quickly.
🦢 Book Swan Boats Ahead
These popular swan boat rentals can get booked up, so consider reserving in advance for your desired time.
☀️ Sunscreen & Hydration
The sun can be intense. Remember to reapply sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during lifeguard breaks.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a blanket and snacks for a delightful picnic by the lake. Many spots offer great views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early, especially on warm days, as parking lots and street spots fill quickly.
🦢 Book Swan Boats Ahead
These popular swan boat rentals can get booked up, so consider reserving in advance for your desired time.
☀️ Sunscreen & Hydration
The sun can be intense. Remember to reapply sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during lifeguard breaks.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a blanket and snacks for a delightful picnic by the lake. Many spots offer great views.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll likely be walking or biking, so wear comfortable shoes. Trails are well-maintained.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Nokomis for its beautiful scenery, clean water, and wide array of activities, from swimming and boating to picnicking and biking. It's highlighted as a family-friendly and romantic spot, offering a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of space to enjoy. Some mention parking can be challenging during peak times.
"I love coming here. It’s right off the greenway so you can bike there. There are so many points of entry, the main one being the beach that has multiple lifeguards and a dedicated swim area. It’s great for families with kids because there’s extra safety (lifeguards), a playground, food, restrooms, and they have rentals if you want to go out in a kayak or swan boat. The lifeguards take scheduled breaks and during this time no one is allowed in the swim area. This is a great reminder to hydrate, put on more sunscreen, and have a snack. Smaller children will need adult supervision. The lifeguards have rules in the swim area, but nothing that will greatly impact your time there. It’s all to make sure everyone has a safe time that is not bothered by anyone rough housing or taking up space with floating objects. There are other beaches along the shoreline if you’re looking for something less regulated. Highly recommend!"
Oliver Bastidas
"as you can see there's a lot of brown and sprinkles of other crayons, either way this is a friendly beach with all the activities one could ask for. life guards from open till 7pm lake shutdown at 10 pm. romantically nice, casual appropriate family fun all at the same time. this beach attracts people from all walks and amazing things is everyone gets along and keeps to their social."
Benard Simmons
"Lake Nokomis is one of my favorite places—I go there every week, sometimes once or twice. It’s such a cool and beautiful spot, perfect for kayaking and swimming. The water is very clean, the scenery is peaceful, and the atmosphere is relaxing. For me, it’s a 10 out of 10 every time."
Mahad Hussein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Nokomis is accessible by car, with street and parking lot options available, though they can fill up quickly. It's also conveniently located along the greenway, making it a great destination for biking.
Yes, there are street parking and dedicated parking lots. However, during peak times and warmer months, these can fill up fast. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Lake Nokomis is easily accessible via the greenway bike paths, making it a popular spot for cyclists.
Lake Nokomis is situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is surrounded by various neighborhoods. It's also near other popular lakes like Lake Harriet and Lake Hiawatha.
Yes, Lake Nokomis is a well-known landmark in Minneapolis. You can easily find it using GPS or by searching 'Lake Nokomis' on any map application.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Nokomis itself is a public park and lake, so there is no general entrance fee to access the grounds, beaches, or walking paths.
Yes, you will need to rent boats like swan boats, kayaks, or paddleboards. These rentals typically have an hourly or daily fee. It's advisable to check with the rental provider for pricing and availability.
The park and lake are generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific amenities like lifeguards and boat rentals will have their own operating hours, often closing around 7 PM or 10 PM.
Yes, the main swimming beach at Lake Nokomis has lifeguards on duty during designated hours, typically from opening until 7 PM.
Yes, swimming is permitted in the designated areas at the beach. The water quality is generally considered good, and it's safe as long as you follow basic water safety rules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, kayak, paddleboard, rent swan boats, picnic, bike on the trails, and relax by the water. There are also playgrounds for children. +2
While there might be some concessions at the beach area, many visitors bring their own food for picnics. There are also ice cream shops nearby, like the Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe.
Yes, Lake Nokomis is very family-friendly with a guarded beach, playground, and various water activities suitable for all ages.
The water quality is generally considered good and clean, making it suitable for swimming and water activities.
While not as prominent as other activities, fishing is possible at Lake Nokomis. Keywords like 'fishing lake nokomis' suggest interest, though specific fishing maps or walleye fishing information isn't widely highlighted in social media content. [^SEO]
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunset views over the water, the unique swan boats, families enjoying the beach, and the lush green surroundings. The reflections on the water can also be beautiful.
Yes, Lake Nokomis is known for its beautiful sunsets, offering a picturesque backdrop for photography.
Try capturing the whimsical swan boats, people kayaking or paddleboarding, and candid moments of families enjoying the beach.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of others' privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light. Midday can be good for capturing vibrant beach activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the beach, the walking and biking paths are great for a family stroll or ride. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their time. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of snacks to keep the little ones happy.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Pack a picnic to share by the lake, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views. The walking paths offer a lovely setting for a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand.Consider visiting during the summer evenings when the sunsets are spectacular and the atmosphere is more serene.
🚴♀️ Active Adventurers
+1 You can also rent paddle boats for a more relaxed, yet still active, water experience. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking or biking. The variety of outdoor activities makes Lake Nokomis an ideal spot for a day of fitness and fun in the sun.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Activities Galore
For those seeking a more active adventure, kayaking and paddleboarding are readily available, allowing you to explore the lake's expanse at your own pace. +1 The main swimming beach provides a safe and enjoyable spot to cool off, with lifeguards ensuring a secure environment for swimmers of all ages. Beyond rentals, the lake is a popular spot for casual swimming and enjoying the water. Redditors confirm the water is generally clean and safe for swimming, though always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Family Fun and Relaxation
The availability of various activities, from swimming to boat rentals, means kids can stay entertained for hours.For a more laid-back experience, the walking and biking paths around the lake offer a pleasant way to enjoy the scenery.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond these iconic elements, the lake offers diverse photographic potential. Capture the energy of people kayaking and paddleboarding, the joy of families at the beach, or the serene reflections on the water's surface.
+1 The surrounding greenery and open spaces also provide ample opportunities for landscape and lifestyle photography. Aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic and beautiful lighting. 
Social
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