THE LITTLE ELF APPROVED THIS MESSAGE!

If you’re looking for a real treasure in the heart of a city, Lake Harriet in Minneapolis is the perfect place to visit.  It’s my favorite lake in the Twin Cities and part of the Chain of Lakes, which includes Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake.  It’s downright magical-- a picturesque setting with wonderful old trees, nearly three miles of separate paths for bikers and runners and roller blade lovers, as well as walkers and families that just want to stroll.  It’s a great place to pull up a chair next to the lake and people watch or head for the beaches.  You can rent canoes and paddle boats, or go sailing or swimming.  And best of all, if you come in the evening, there’s a different concert at the castle-like band shell every night from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it’s all free.  That array of music includes big bands and orchestras, classical, jazz, folk, pop, Broadway, eclectic, patriotic, marches, country, bluegrass, and soul.  Add some singers and dancers and you’ll understand why Lake Harriet gets five stars in most reviews. It’s diverse in the people who visit and in the entertainment and natural beauty surrounding it.  And the houses nearby are magnificent!

I love the beautiful Japanese Rose Garden with its fabulous array of roses and wonderful scents. It's within close proximity to the lake and is definitely worth a trip in itself.

And then there’s the elf house—the ash tree with the elf door on the south side of the lake.  Kids can write a letter to the little elf and if lucky, discover an answer a few days later.  The door is closed in the winter—there’s a note that says the elf has moved his castle to the east, but plans to return in the spring.

One day about a year ago I was strolling around Lake Harriet and noticed something unusual—I nearly did a “double-take.”  Lake Harriet displayed its own “Nessie.” 

The castle-shaped band shell at Lake Harriet has an interesting history.  The first one was built in 1888.  Within a few years it was destroyed by fire, as was the second one that replaced it a few years later.  A third band shell was built, but was destroyed by a windstorm in 1925.  The next band shell lasted from 1927-1985 when a more modern one was built. That one has since been renovated, and the music plays on as it has for decades.

Even in the midst of winter, the band shell has its own charm 

Near Lake Harriet is a streetcar line which is operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum.  Families and kids of all ages love it, welcoming a ride back in time when street cars were an important transportation link in Minneapolis. I find myself still wishing they were.  They operated until 1954 and are now part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

I’ve lived in Minneapolis since 1970 and am constantly reminded that you don’t have to travel very far to experience the magic of the City of Lakes and its NUMBER ONE GEM—LAKE HARRIET.

*****THE LITTLE ELF ENTHUSIASTICALLY APPROVED THIS MESSAGE.*****