Go, See, Explore: Lake of the Isles + Kenwood
Tucked between Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles, Kenwood is a neighborhood with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and some of the best lake views in the city. It was platted just outside Minneapolis city limits in 1887, and Lake of the Isles itself didn’t become the lake we know today until 1899, when the city dredged what had been a large swamp into the charming shoreline and islands that anchor the neighborhood now. Sitcom fans may recognize it from the opening credits of the Mary Tyler Moore Show. It’s also where Louise Erdrich opened her bookshop, where a giant carved pencil lives on the parkway, and where a wooden giraffe stands watch across from the park. Here’s everything you need for a full family day out.
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EXPLORING LAKE OF THE ISLES + KENWOOD
Chain of Lakes Bike Path
Access from E. Lake of the Isles Parkway
The Chain of Lakes Regional Park is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway and features 15 miles of lakeside pedestrian and bike trails. The paths are paved and separated between cyclists and pedestrians, so the whole family can ride without fighting foot traffic. The chain connects Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Brownie Lake, and Cedar Lake across more than 1,500 acres of public land. You can do a quick loop around Lake of the Isles or keep going and make a longer day of it. Bring your own bikes if you want to ride, or the path is just as enjoyable on foot. Everything listed below is easily accessed from this bike path!
The Lake of the Isles Pencil
2217 E. Lake of the Isles Parkway, Minneapolis
Artist Curtis Ingvoldstad carved this 20-foot No. 2 pencil from a 180-year-old bur oak tree that had been knocked down in a storm on a Lake of the Isles lawn. Every first Saturday in June, the community gathers to watch it get sharpened, but it’s worth a stop any time of year.
Birchbark Books + Native Arts
2115 W. 21st Street, Minneapolis
Birchbark Books + Native Arts is the independent bookshop owned by Louise Erdrich, the Ojibwe author and Pulitzer Prize winner. The store reflects that identity deeply, with a strong Indigenous literature section, Indigenous-owned gift items, and a staff that genuinely knows the shelves. The kids’ section is so good. There is a play area with a small crawl space and stairs that kids can’t get enough of. This shop has lots of nooks and corners, so go in curious and plan to linger.
The Kenwood Giraffe
Oliver Ave. S. and Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis
A large carved wooden giraffe stands across from Kenwood Park and is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Kids spot it immediately.
Kenwood Park
2101 W Franklin Ave, Minneapolis
Kenwood Park is one of those neighborhood parks that feels like a well-kept secret. It has a good playground with an adjacent toddler playground (complete with a climb-on train!), open green space, a little free library, and tennis courts, and it sits right in the heart of one of Minneapolis’s most beautiful and walkable neighborhoods. Bring a blanket, relax under the tall shade trees, and stay for the afternoon.
Sebastian Joe’s
1007 W Franklin Ave, Minneapolis
While technically just outside of the Kenwood neighborhood, it’s still worth the stop! Sebastian Joe’s has been a Minneapolis institution since 1984. They make their ice cream in small batches using local ingredients, and the flavors rotate with the seasons. The Pavarotti, a blend of caramel, banana, and chocolate, is super well-known and is said to have soothed the vocals of the famous Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti during a stop in the Twin Cities. The Franklin Avenue location is their flagship spot, and it has the warm neighborhood-shop feel to match. Plan to get in line on a sunny afternoon. And plan to order two scoops.
BONUS!
When exploring the neighborhood, keep an eye out for Peavy Fountain. Located at Kenwood Parkway and Lake of the Isles Parkway, Peavy Fountain was a gift to the people of Minneapolis. The inscription reads: “Given to the people of Minneapolis in 1891 by F.H. Peavey as a drinking fountain for horses. This monument was rededicated as a memorial to the horses of the 151st Field Artillery Minnesota National Guard killed in action in the First World War.”
At the very south end of the lake, there is a beautiful bridge over the canal leading from Bde Maka Ska to Lake of the Isles. If you’re feeling up for it, rent a kayak or paddleboard from Wheel Fun Rentals on Bde Maka Ska and make your way to Lake of the Isles and maybe even paddle around Raspberry Island! This is a protected bird refuge, and docking is prohibited, so just see what you can see! 🙂
