Lake Nokomis

Lake Nokomis is one of three sailing lakes (along with Harriet and Calhoun) in the Minneapolis park system and offers an enjoyable recreational opportunity. Sailboat races are a weekend event throughout the warmer months

City residents can access sailbuoys and launch their boats. Watercraft rental is available through Wheel Fun Rentals.

There are two supervised beaches.

Nokomis has 210 acres of water and 195 acres of land that were aquired in 1907 for $65,000. When the MPRB acquired Lake Amelia, the lake was no more than 5 feet deep. The lake was dredged and turned into a fine lake.

The lake was originally named Lake Amelia in honor of Captain George Gooding’s daughter, Amelia, in 1819. Its current name was adopted in 1910 to honor Nokomis, grandmother of Hiawatha (legendary Indian hero of Longfellow’s poem, ''Song of Hiawatha'').

The Nokomis Bathhouse (12,000-sq. ft.) was built in 1919, demolished in 1966 and rebuilt in 1967. The old bathhouse served over 55,000 bathers in 1926 alone, although it is believed the actual number was much higher as many drove their cars to the beach already dressed for swimming. The community center was built in 1975. In 1995 a new totlot was built and the pathways were re-done.

Lake Nokomis is 407 acres and includes these amenities: lake, community center, sailboat and canoe racks, concessions, pathways and ball diamonds.

Amenities:

* Baseball Field
* Biking Path
* Boat Dock
* Broomball Rink
* Drinking Fountain
* Fishing Dock
* Football Field
* Ice Rink
* Parkway - Cars
* Pay Parking Lot
* Refectory/Concessions
* Restroom Facilities
* Soccer Field
* Softball Field
* Tennis Court
* Tot Lot/Playground
* Walking Path
* Wells