Lake Nokomis is one of three sailing lakes (along with Harriet and Calhoun) in the Minneapolis park system that offers many enjoyable recreational opportunities.
The park includes two supervised beaches, a community center, sailboat and canoe racks, concessions, pathways and ball diamonds.
The Evos playground system offers kids ages 5-12 a unique play experience as they navigate arches and bridges that connect in a spherical layout. The equipment features an intersecting tangle of half-circles, nets, hoops, balance bobbers and slides.
The equipment is designed to help children develop balance, coordination, upper-body strength and agility. In addition children practice planning skills since the play is undirected and unconstructed.
Water recreation is popular in the warmer months. Sailboat races are a weekend event as city residents can access sailbuoys and launch their boats. Watercraft rental is available through Wheel Fun Rentals.
Named winner of 2008 Best Place to Get Away from it All Without Leaving Town – Canoeing on Lake Nokomis in City Pages' ''Best of the Twin Cities''.
Nokomis has 210 acres of water and 195 acres of land that were acquired in 1907 for $65,000. When the MPRB acquired Lake Amelia, the lake was no more than 5 feet deep. The lake was dredged and turned into a fine lake.
Historical Profile: More information about this and other parks is included in Parks, Lakes, Trails and So Much More, a richly detailed account of the histories of Minneapolis’ renown recreational system.
