Lake Nokomis & Sandcastle Lunch | Summer in Mpls
Occasionally, I find myself getting ho-hum about staying in Minneapolis, having my sights set on other exciting destinations, day dreaming about where I could be. However, what is the point of always wishing I were somewhere else? (there really isn’t one) So, I have begun to make an effort change up my routine at home. I want to hone the skill of appreciating my home, appreciating the normal—a skill that can often grow dull.
One Saturday in late July, my family hopped on our bikes and rode to Lake Nokomis. It is not I ride I do often, but is on my list. The scenery was beautiful! We passed by Lake Harriet and Minnehaha creek, two other stables of Twin Cities summers.
The ride to Lake Nokomis is along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a system of bike paths and parkways leading through key natural features and recreation areas throughout the cities.
Thinking of spending some time in the area? Here are some things you can do while there!
1 - Have a late lunch at Sandcastle
Having worked up an appetite from our bike ride, we arrived at Nokomis excited for lunch. Warning fro visitors—the kitchen opens at 3pm, and before then they just sell drinks and to-go snacks. By the time 3pm rolled around, there was a sizable line, so it pays to arrive earlier!
I had a nice falafel wrap, but the real star was their fish tacos. The watermelon salad with tajin and queso fresco and pulled pork sandwich were also well received.
Surrounded by people walking the paths, swimming at the beach, milling about the area, and playing live music, lunch was in a bustling, energetic environment. Want an earlier lunch? The surrounding area is also a popular picnic spot.
2 - Play on the Beach & Playground
We didn’t linger in our visit, but Lake Nokomis is also a popular spot for families to go swimming or wade in the shallow waters. The beach has lifeguards on duty and a playground, and nearby bathrooms and a changing room. Due to this, however, the beach can get very crowded on hot days.
3 - Rent a Boat!
Lake Nokomis offers a myriad of water rentals like kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. The latest novelty are the Swan Boats—rent them in the evening and watch them light up! All rentals are provided through Wheel Fun Rentals, and a full list of offerings can be found on their website
4 - Rent a Bike or Surrey
Aside from water activities, Wheel Fun also offers bike and surrey rentals. The surreys are comically inefficient 4-seater pedal-powered trolleys that lurchingly make their way around the lake. They also have low-rider tricycles. Many of the rentals are unique and hard to find around other lakes!
5 - Take Lovely Little Stroll
Perhaps my favorite part of the lakes in Minneapolis are the waking paths. In the summer, the lakes are interesting enough to stroll around the perimeter, with little benches and offshoots to stop and take in the scenery. They are nice invitations slow down and enjoy the present.
