Lake Nokomis Shoreline and Walking Path
Phase 2 of long-term plan to naturalize shoreline and improve habitat scheduled to begin late summer/early fall
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is planning a second phase of shoreline improvements around Lake Nokomis this year! Learn more about this at an Open House on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm at Lake Nokomis Community Center, 2401 E Minnehaha Parkway.
In 2017 Phase 1 shoreline improvements converted approximately one-third of the shoreline from mowed turf to naturalized landscape. Work is expected to begin on Phase 2 of the restoration in late summer/early fall 2026.
Phase 2 shoreline work will expand on that by adding another section of restored shoreline, further improving habitat for both aquatic and upland animal species by stabilizing erosion, removing invasive plants, and creating a functional continuum of shoreline zones. This phase of improvements will be constructed primarily along the western and southwestern shoreline of the lake, from the ordinary high-water elevation to the edge of the walking path.
Completion of this second phase would ensure naturalization of a total of approximately 65% of this urban lakeshore. Another project goal will be to incorporate protected sandy nesting areas that appeal to softshell species, and basking amenities for turtles.
Open House #1
March 18, 5:30-7:30 pm
Lake Nokomis Community Center
2401 E Minnehaha Parkway
The first Open House will introduce the public to the project, which expands on the work done in Phase 1. The project area is along the west side of the lake, with project goals seeking to restore native and naturalized vegetation to Lake Nokomis as well as create turtle nesting habitats, increase pollinator species and create dedicated water access points.
Project Background and Funding
In 2015 the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park Plan was developed. The purpose of that plan was to provide a long-term vision for improvements to park facilities, recreation, landscape, trails, and shorelines within the regional park. The plan studied the existing conditions of the park, assessed community needs in relation to park use, and proposed specific improvement projects related to natural resources, recreation and connectivity.
Natural Resources within Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park include all aspects of implementing and maintaining the landscape, vegetation, habitat, and water body improvements within the park. The needs assessment process conducted as part of the 2015 Park Plan identified a vision for improving the natural setting and quality of the park. A landscape design methodology characterized as “Naturalized Style” was the preferred option, maintaining the park primarily as a native/naturalized landscape in the form of savanna, meadow, prairie, woodland, and wetlands, with designated areas of managed turf inserted within it. In 2017 Phase One shoreline improvements along the northern and northeastern portions of the lake converted approximately 4,000 linear feet of mowed turf to a naturalized landscape, reducing erosion, removing invasive plant species and improving water quality.
The MPRB received a Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council grant in the amount of $755,000 to continue naturalized shoreline improvements around the lake to further improve water quality and increase wildlife habitat and diversity.
Project Manager
Jon Duesman
612-230-6471| jduesman@minneapolisparks.org