Discovering Lake of the Isles is a journey into the heart of Minneapolis’ rich past and vibrant present. Nestled between bustling Uptown and the elegant Kenwood neighborhood, Lake of the Isles boasts winding boulevards, stately homes, and a shoreline that has been a gathering place for generations. The neighborhood’s story is woven with history, culture, and a sense of community pride that endures to this day.
Origins: From Wetlands to Urban Retreat
Long before grand houses lined the shores, the area now known as Lake of the Isles was wetlands connected to Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) by marshy channels. The Dakota people used the land seasonally, cherishing it as a place of natural bounty. As European-American settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, much of the landscape remained undeveloped and boggy.
The transformation began in earnest in the 1880s as Minneapolis sought to create a network of urban parks and lakes. Landscape architect Horace Cleveland envisioned connecting city residents to nature through a chain of lakes, and Lake of the Isles was crucial to this vision. By the early 20th century, the city undertook ambitious dredging operations, sculpting the irregular outline of Lake of the Isles and stabilizing its waterside with imported soil from Lyndale Farmstead. The new shape—known for its curves and two wooded islands—gave the lake its distinctive character.
What’s in a Name?
Lake of the Isles earned its poetic name from its twin wooded islets—Mike’s Island and Raspberry Island—visible just off the eastern and northern shores. Early maps referred to it as “Witta Tanka” (large lake) and “Lake of the Islands.” Over time, “Lake of the Isles” stuck, conjuring images of tranquil waters and tree-shaded retreats just minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
Key Historical Milestones
Lake of the Isles has been at the center of many Minneapolis milestones:
- Park Board Acquisitions (1886-1893): As part of its “Grand Rounds” vision, the Minneapolis Park Board acquired land around the lake, setting the stage for scenic parkways and public access.
- Dredging and Landscaping (1907-1915): Engineers reshaped the shoreline, carving out paths for what would become East and West Lake of the Isles Parkways. This gave the neighborhood its signature sweeping vistas and elegant curves.
- Arrival of Streetcars: In the early 20th century, streetcar lines made the neighborhood more accessible to city dwellers, spurring residential development along Kenwood Parkway, West 28th Street, and around nearby parks.
- Notable Residents: The neighborhood quickly became home to Minneapolis’ most prominent families—business leaders, artists, and politicians drawn to the charm of lakeside living.
Notable Landmarks and Architectural Treasures
The Lake of the Isles neighborhood is a living architectural gallery. Walking the shore, one finds a striking panorama of styles:
- Kenwood Parkway Mansions: This historic boulevard, running from Hennepin Avenue to Lake of the Isles, features some of Minneapolis’ grandest homes. The F. Scott Fitzgerald House, a Tudor Revival at 626 Goodrich Avenue, is a nod to the city’s literary and cultural legacy.
- The Minneapolis Woman’s Club: Standing at 410 Oak Grove Street, this 1928 building remains a hub for civic and social events.
- Mary Tyler Moore House: At 2104 Kenwood Parkway, fans pause for photos in front of the Queen Anne-style house made famous by “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”—a testament to the neighborhood’s pop culture cachet.
- St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral: Overlooking Loring Park and Lake of the Isles, this impressive Gothic Revival structure is an anchor of faith and architecture since its completion in 1911.
Beyond these classics, charming Craftsman bungalows, elegant Georgian Revivals, and modern infill homes dot the parkways and surrounding streets.
The Parks and Green Spaces
Lake of the Isles is inseparable from its parks and natural beauty:
- Lake of the Isles Park: Circling the lake, the park’s winding path is a favorite of joggers and cyclists year-round. Benches and wooded nooks invite peaceful reflection, while the frozen winter lake becomes a canvas for ice skating and hockey.
- Kenwood Park: Just northwest of the lake, this 33-acre neighborhood gem boasts tennis courts, playfields, and community gathering space.
- The Isles Off-Leash Dog Park: Popular with four-legged residents, this fenced park sits north of West Lake of the Isles Parkway.
Evolution Over the Decades
Change has always come gently to Lake of the Isles. Though many of the largest homes date to the early 1900s, the area has maintained its quiet charm. The postwar era brought moderate modernization, but residents and city officials have remained fiercely protective of the lake’s vistas and historic character.
Today, the community is an eclectic mix of families, professionals, and longtime residents who cherish the blend of history and neighborhood intimacy. Community events like the annual New Year’s Eve candlelight walk and neighborhood lake cleanups bring neighbors together.
Institutions and Community Spirit
A hallmark of the Lake of the Isles neighborhood is its tradition of civic engagement:
- Kenwood Elementary School: At 2013 Penn Ave S, Kenwood School has anchored the community since 1908, fostering generations of learners.
- Neighborhood Associations: The Isles and Kenwood neighborhood organizations advocate for preservation, safety, and quality of life.
Why We Love It
Ask any longtime resident what makes Lake of the Isles special, and you’ll hear a chorus of answers: It’s the reflective water, the canopy of century-old trees, the quiet elegance of the homes, and the sense of belonging that spans generations.
Walking the Lake of the Isles Parkway, you feel the pulse of history beneath your feet—in the soft crunch of autumn leaves, the laughter of children sledding in the park, and the stillness as the last rays of sunset reflect off the water.
Lake of the Isles isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s a living, evolving story—one that connects past and present, neighbors old and new. And in Minneapolis, there’s simply nothing else quite like it.