Lake Nokomis Loop

The Lake Nokomis Loop Trail is one of many woofderful urban trails in Minneapolis. Almost completely flat, this nearly three-mile trail circles its namesake lake and features many amenities that make it a great place to walk or jog with your dog. This trail route is a little less traveled than similar paths around Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. While it can still be busy on the weekends, the Lake Nokomis Trail is often a better option for people with shy dogs or who are looking for a little more room.

Lake Nokomis has many of the same amenities as other Minneapolis city lakes, including a beach, a boat launch, fishing piers, and a playground for two-legged kids just off of the lakeside trail. Four-legged kids will love the little stretches of grass where they can take a bathroom break and relax with their humans. For people who need to go, there are multiple bathrooms around the lake, including full-service bathrooms near the main beach and port-a-potties on the other side of the lake. There are also trash cans and water fountains at different points around the lake, so you'll just need to bring your own waste bags and water.

Dogs are not allowed on the sand of the Lake Nokomis beaches, but leashed dogs are allowed on the surrounding paved and grassy areas, including the outdoor dining area at the Sandcastle restaurant. Sandwiches, simple meals, and comfort foods like cheese curds are among the menu items you can enjoy with your pup after completing one or more laps around the lake.

For people who love the water, a walk with constant lake views is a scenic delight. Yet at Lake Nokomis, there's even more to see. In some of the green spaces and lawns around the lake, the City of Minneapolis has planted wildflowers and other native plants to help improve the water quality of the lake and the atmosphere of its trails.