Chain of Lakes Loop: Minneapolis's Scenic 15-Mile Bike Ride

The Chain of Lakes Loop: Minneapolis's Crown Jewel

The Chain of Lakes is the ride every Minneapolis cyclist returns to again and again. This roughly 15-mile paved loop connects four lakes — Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), Lake of the Isles, Lake Harriet, and Cedar Lake — through one continuous waterfront trail system. It's flat, scenic, and universally beloved.

What to Expect

Expect lake views at every turn, shaded canopy sections, sandy swimming beaches, and frequent coffee and food stops. The trail is busy on summer weekends — the Minneapolis version of a friendly traffic jam — but the pace is social and the energy is contagious.

Route Notes

• Distance: ~15 miles for the full loop
• Surface: Fully paved, wide enough for two-way traffic
• Difficulty: Easy — completely flat
• Best time: Early morning for tranquility, golden hour for photos

Don't Miss

Stop at the Bandshell at Lake Harriet for a summer concert, grab a coffee at the Calhoun Beach pavilion, and take the detour through the Kenilworth Trail to Cedar Lake for a quieter, more wooded section.