If you’ve ever stood on the edge of the water near West 22nd Street, looking out at the kayakers and the sprawling mansions, you’ve probably wondered about the Lake of the Isles distance. It’s the crown jewel of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. Honestly, it’s arguably the most beautiful spot in the city. But for runners and cyclists, that beauty takes a backseat to a very specific question: How far am I actually going?
People guess. They check their old Fitbits. They argue over whether the "official" numbers include the little lagoons or the bridges.
Here is the reality. The main paved pedestrian loop around Lake of the Isles is almost exactly 2.6 miles.
If you’re on wheels—bike or blades—the dedicated one-way bike path is slightly longer, clocking in at approximately 2.76 miles. It doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but when you’re pushing for a personal best or trying to calculate a marathon training split, those tenths of a mile matter.
Why the Distance Isn't Always What You Think
Most people get confused because Lake of the Isles isn't a simple circle. It’s a jagged, irregular shape filled with inlets and those two famous islands—Raspberry Island and Mike's Island. Because of this, your GPS might lie to you.
Dense tree cover on the eastern side, especially near the residential stretches of East Lake of the Isles Parkway, can occasionally cause "GPS drift." You think you’ve smashed a 7-minute mile, but really, your watch just lost signal under a canopy of oak trees and assumed you took a shortcut through someone's backyard.
Then there’s the "Kenilworth Canal" factor.
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If you decide to wander off the main loop and head toward Cedar Lake via the channel, your Lake of the Isles distance metrics go out the window. That narrow strip of water connects the two lakes, and many locals treat them as one giant figure-eight. If you do the full perimeter of both Isles and Cedar, you’re looking at a total trek of about 6.3 miles.
The Terrain: It’s Not Just About the Mileage
Flat. Mostly.
If you are looking for hill sprints, you are in the wrong neighborhood. The elevation gain around the lake is negligible, maybe 15 to 20 feet of total change. This makes it the premier spot in the Twin Cities for "recovery runs."
However, the surface quality varies wildly. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) works hard, but Minnesota winters are brutal. Frost heaves are real. You’ve gotta watch for those cracks in the asphalt on the northern end near Franklin Avenue. One minute you’re admiring a $4 million Tudor-style home, the next you’re tripping over a section of path that the ice pushed up two inches.
A Bit of History (Because the Distance Changed)
Believe it or not, the Lake of the Isles distance used to be zero. Because the lake used to be a swamp.
Back in the late 1800s, it was a marshy mess that most people avoided. It wasn't until the early 20th century that the city dredged it. They took all that muck from the bottom and used it to create the shoreline we walk on today. This is why the ground is "peaty." If you’ve ever noticed that the paved paths seem to sink or ripple more here than at Lake Bde Maka Ska, that’s why. You’re walking on a man-made rim around a dredged-out marsh.
The islands themselves are actually protected. You can’t go to them. They are designated wildlife refuges. So, while they add to the visual distance of the lake, they don't add to your walking distance unless you’re a bird.
Breaking Down the Loops
Sometimes you don't want the full circuit. Maybe the wind is whipping off the water and you're freezing. Here is how the segments break down:
- The Northern Bend: From the bridge at 21st Street up around the top toward Franklin and back down. This is roughly 0.8 miles. It's the most scenic but also the most crowded.
- The Southern "Hook": This takes you down toward the canal that leads to Bde Maka Ska. Taking this turn is a popular way to extend a run. If you transition from Isles to Maka Ska, you add 3.1 miles to your trip.
- The Lagoon Stretch: Often overlooked, the paths near the lagoons offer a bit more shade and a slightly different perspective on the Lake of the Isles distance.
Seasonal Shifts in Distance
Okay, this sounds like a joke, but it isn't. The "perceived" distance changes in winter.
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When the lake freezes over and the MPRB clears the ice skating rinks and the hockey courts, the lake becomes a shortcut. Cross-country skiers often cut straight across the center. If you’re skiing the groomed tracks, your distance is going to be wildly different from the summer paved path.
Also, the Luminary Loppet. If you’ve never been, it’s a Minneapolis staple. Thousands of candles light up the lake in February. You aren't sticking to the paths then; you’re wandering the ice. It’s the only time of year where the "lake distance" is basically whatever you want it to be.
Comparing Isles to the Other Lakes
People always ask how Isles stacks up against the rest of the Chain of Lakes.
- Bde Maka Ska: The big brother. It’s roughly 3.1 miles (a perfect 5K) for the pedestrian path.
- Lake Harriet: Slightly longer than Isles at about 2.75 miles for walkers.
- Lake of the Isles: The "short" one at 2.6 miles.
This makes Isles the perfect "bridge" lake. If a 5K feels like too much, or if you want to do "one and a half" loops to hit a specific 4-mile target, Isles is your best bet.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Parking is a nightmare. There, I said it.
If you’re driving in to get your miles in, avoid the tiny lots near the play areas. Honestly, just park a few blocks east in the residential neighborhood and walk over. It adds maybe 0.2 miles to your total Lake of the Isles distance, which is a nice warm-up anyway.
Also, the "Rules of the Road" are strictly enforced by the locals’ glares. If you walk on the bike path, expect a bell ring and a side-eye. The paths are separate for a reason. The inner path (closest to the water) is for walkers and runners. The outer path is for bikes. Stay in your lane, and everyone stays happy.
Practical Tips for Measuring Your Progress
Don't just rely on your watch. Use the landmarks.
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The "Stone Bridge" is roughly the halfway point if you start at the southern tip. If you can make it from the bridge to the 26th Street opening in under 8 minutes, you’re moving at a very respectable clip.
If you’re training for a race, use the distance between the benches. There are roughly 40 benches scattered around the perimeter. Use them for interval training. Sprint for two benches, walk for one. It’s a great way to break up the 2.6-mile loop if you’re finding the scenery too distracting to focus on your pace.
Final Thoughts on the Loop
The Lake of the Isles distance is more than just a number on a Garmin. It’s the rhythm of the city. Whether you’re seeing the dog walkers in the morning or the sunset seekers in the evening, that 2.6-mile stretch is arguably the most restorative place in Minneapolis. It’s long enough to clear your head but short enough that you don't need to pack a protein bar.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify your Gear: Calibrate your fitness tracker specifically for "Open Water" or "Parkway" settings to avoid the GPS drift caused by the tree canopy on the east side.
- Plan Your Route: If you want exactly 5 miles, start at the 22nd Street parking area, do one full loop of Isles, and then take the channel path halfway into Cedar Lake and back.
- Check the Conditions: Visit the Minneapolis Park Board website before heading out in the spring or fall to check for path closures due to flooding or maintenance.
- Time Your Visit: To avoid the "clog" at the northern end, try to hit the loop before 7:00 AM or between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on weekdays.