A day at Bde Maka Ska

Zara Peterson (left) and Abby Fischer get a helping hand from Rita and Paul Hahn as they launch their canoe into Bde Maka Ska on June 6, 2025. Bde Maka Ska, a Dakota name that means ‘White Earth Lake,’ has 3.1 miles of pedestrian trails and 3.19 miles of bike trails. There are three official beaches (North, Thomas and 32nd), and a fishing pier at West 36th and Calhoun Parkway. It is popular for canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing. According to the latest numbers from the Metropolitan Council, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park that includes Bde Maka Ska is the most popular park in the seven county metro area with 7.6 million annual visitors. View more OUT & ABOUT images from a day at Bde Maka Ska on page 12. (Photo by Jeremy Peyer)