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Lake Calhoun, Minnesota, USA

Also known as:  Minneapolis Chain of Lakes

Thousands of people come to Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes every year. The five beautiful lakes (Lake Harriet, Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake, Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun) are connected by channels and a 12-mile system of recreational paths making it the place to be for anyone that loves all the activity of a major lake park set in the backdrop of a buzzing and dynamic city….
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake Calhoun! Article topics include:

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    • All About Lake Calhoun, MN

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Minnesota - Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Region, MN -

    Thousands of people come to Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes every year. The five beautiful lakes (Lake Harriet, Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake, Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun) are connected by channels and a 12-mile system of recreational paths making it the place to be for anyone that loves all the activity of a major lake park set in the backdrop of a buzzing and dynamic city. Lake Calhoun, the largest of the five, offers no shortage in play and amusement. On an average summer day you will see the sails of windsurfers and sailboats, fishers lounging on the waters waiting for a catch, and canoeists gracefully cutting the surface of the water. Around the lake, pathways accommodate walkers, runners, bicyclists, and skaters. Three guarded beaches provide swim areas, and in the surrounding park you will find archery, eateries, picnic areas, a soccer field, a volleyball court, a softball field, drinking fountains and wells.

    In this “city of lakes,” Lake Calhoun is the home of the Lake Calhoun Sailing School and is also the popular site of yacht racing and competitions. In 1817, it was named after John Caldwell Calhoun (1782-1850), who served as a United States Senator, Vice President, and Secretary of War and who was a controversial politician to say the least. As Secretary of War, Calhoun authorized the establishment of Fort Snelling, which brought settlement to the area. Before Calhoun’s surveyors came to the area however, the land and lakes were home to Dakota people, who called the lake “Medoza” or “Lake of the Loons.” Fishing the lake provided subsistence for the Dakotas, and they also harvested its wild rice, fruits and berries. Today, it is hard to imagine wild rice, fruits, berries or loons for that matter on the lake. Formed by Minnesota’s last glacial events thousands of years ago, the lake’s habitat has evolved to an urban oasis, surrounded by the pace, traffic and myriad amusements of a big city. But the lakes and their surrounding wetlands still support a variety of wildlife, especially birds. Even bald eagles are seen on Lake Calhoun.

    The water offers up a great fishery. Black crappie, bluegill, bowfin, common carp, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed sunfish, tiger muskellunge, walleye, white sucker and yellow perch are the range of species living in Lake Calhoun’s deep waters. Anglers will have a ball with reputable, large-sized largemouth with a view of the city skyline hugging the distant shores. Gas motors are not allowed on the lake, and electric motors are allowed only with a permit, but there are plenty of boat rentals available so you have options.

    The Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro region is vibrant with activity. Cutting edge museum exhibits, art, live performances, competitive shopping and dining and all kinds of events and nuances are the city’s norm. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway is a great way to get to know the area and encompasses all of the Chain of Lakes. The byway will take you through seven of Minneapolis’ most picturesque and historically momentous districts. From Lake Calhoun as a starting point, you can visit the bird sanctuary near Lake Harriet, a stopover for migratory birds. Visit the 53 foot Minnehaha Falls, the Mississippi River Gorge, the cosmopolitan downtown area and the Theodore Wirth Park, the largest regional park in Minneapolis.

    Your real estate options are truly limitless on and around Lake Calhoun. Minneapolis boasts a range of apartments, condominiums, and duplexes suitable for the typical urban dweller. Family homes and expensive lakeshore residences, more suitable for the relaxed-pace person, offer more privacy, space, comfort and luxury. Vacation rentals run the gamut from studios to condos to cabins.

    Lake Calhoun is a little bit of peace in a lot of bit of action. If this defines what you’re looking for then the Chain of Lakes is where you should be.

    Things to Do at Lake Calhoun

    These are some activities in the Lake Calhoun, MN area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • Museum
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Calhoun?

    Lake Calhoun has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Black Crappie
    • Bluegill
    • Bowfin
    • Carp
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Muskellunge
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Pumpkinseed
    • Sucker
    • Sunfish
    • Tiger Muskellunge
    • Walleye
    • Yellow Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Calhoun

    If you’re considering a Lake Calhoun lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Calhoun Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Calhoun lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Calhoun Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Surface Area: 422 acres

    Average Depth: 35 feet

    Maximum Depth: 90 feet

    Water Volume: 14,593 acre-feet

    Water Residence Time: 4.2 years

    Drainage Area: 5 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Lake Calhoun Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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