Lake Harriet – Bde Maka Ska loop from Minneapolis Institute of Art
Lake Harriet – Bde Maka Ska loop from Minneapolis Institute of Art
4.8
(8491)
8,492
riders
Lake Harriet – Bde Maka Ska loop from Minneapolis Institute of Art
00:51
14.5km
50m
Cycling
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 1.87 km for 106 m
After 6.49 km for 61 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.47 km
Lake Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and Boat Rental
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
1.93 km
Bde Maka Ska Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
5.18 km
Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
6.52 km
Lake Harriet South Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
8.68 km
Lake Harriet
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
9.86 km
Bde Maka Ska
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
10.4 km
Thomas Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
14.5 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
12.5 km
650 m
597 m
526 m
126 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
13.5 km
368 m
264 m
236 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 27 June
27°C
17°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an accessible and scenic urban cycling experience, the Lake Harriet – Bde Maka Ska loop from Minneapolis Institute of Art is a fantastic choice. This easy 9.0-mile (14.5 km) touring bicycle route, with a gentle 149 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 51 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing or a quick spin. It's one of the most popular bike trails around the Minneapolis lakes, offering a high-payoff ride for all skill levels.
What to expect on Lake Harriet – Bde Maka Ska loop from Minneapolis Institute of Art
This route offers a delightful journey through Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes, starting with a connection from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Once you reach the lakes, you'll find predominantly flat, paved surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride. The scenery shifts beautifully as you cycle; Lake Harriet is bordered by shady, wooded hills, giving it a secluded feel, while Bde Maka Ska opens up with sunnier vistas and offers continuous views of the Minneapolis skyline across the water. You'll pass by beaches, the historic Lake Harriet bandshell, and even rose and Japanese gardens, making for plenty of scenic stops. The easy terrain means it suits everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists looking for a leisurely ride.
Planning your visit
While there isn't a direct, named bike path from the Minneapolis Institute of Art to the lakes, the museum is cycling-friendly with bike racks available. You'll navigate urban streets to connect with Minneapolis's robust network of bike lanes and off-street bikeways, likely utilizing the Midtown Greenway Regional Trail to reach the Chain of Lakes. Public transport to the Minneapolis Institute of Art is also an option, facilitating bike-friendly travel. The trails around the lakes are well-maintained and even plowed in winter, suggesting year-round accessibility, though summer and fall offer the most vibrant scenery.
Trail details
- Distance: 9.0 miles (14.5 km)
- Elevation gain: 149 feet (45 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 51 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free