Lake Harriet (Hennepin County, Minnesota)

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lake Harriet
image_lake =
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry = Minnesota DNR map
location = southwest part of Minneapolis
coords = coord|44|55|17|N|93|18|19|W|region:US_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type =
inflow =
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length =
width =
area = convert|335|acre|km2
depth =
max-depth = convert|85|ft|m|0
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities =

Lake Harriet is a lake in the southwest part of Minneapolis, just south of Lake Calhoun and north of Minnehaha Creek. The lake is surrounded by parkland as part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. The lake has an area of convert|335|acre|km2 and a maximum depth of convert|85|ft|m|0.

Lake Harriet is very popular for recreation. It offers sailing, two beaches, and a system of bike and pedestrian trails (about convert|3|mi|km for the bike trail and convert|2.75|mi|km for the pedestrian trail). The trail and parkway system, part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, connects with Lake Calhoun on the north end via William Berry Parkway and with the Minnehaha Creek trail system on the southeast corner. The north end of the lake also offers a bandshell, which is used in the summer months for concerts, and a refreshment stand. A preserved section of the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line runs between Lake Calhoun and the west side of Lake Harriet.

History

Lake Harriet is named for Harriet Lovejoy, who lived with her husband Colonel Henry Leavenworth at Fort Snelling. The two came to the area in 1819. The lake and surrounding land was last owned by Colonel William S. King who donated the land to Minneapolis in 1885.

The Bandshell

Every summer, Lake Harriet is host to many concerts in its castle-shaped Bandshell. Music has been a part of the lake since the first pavilion was built on the property of Thomas Lowry in 1888. The bandshell stood on the edge of Lake Harriet until 1891 when it was destroyed by fire. After the fire, Minneapolis hired Architect Harry Jones to design the next bandshell. The ‘Pagoda Pavilion’ overlooked the lake until 1903 when it was destroyed by fire. Another Bandshell, again designed by Harry Jones was built in 1904 but was destroyed on July 8, 1925 in a windstorm. A new bandshell was erected in 1927 and remained until 1985 when the modern bandshell was built.

The picture above at left shows the current bandshell in blue, but in 2004 a neighborhood group helped fund a restoration of the building. Through its efforts, the bandshell, refectory and sailing club have been repaired and repainted to a light brown color, shown above right. The renovation was presented to the public on September 19, 2004 by an event entitled "Lake Harriet Live."

During the fall of 2006, construction of a new patio and picnic shelter built to match the design of the original buildings was begun next to the concessions. Construction of the new building is expected to be completed in May 2007.

Other features

The lake is in a direct line with two of the main runways at the MSP Airport, and airplanes are frequently seen flying overhead.

On the walking path near where Queen Avenue T's into the perimeter drive around the lake, there is an "elf house" carved into the base of an ash tree. For several years, one could leave a letter for the elf supposedly living there and find a letter in reply sometime in the next few days. During the winter season, the elf door is shut and a plank appears stating he has "moved to his castle in the east." It reopens around springtime.

Other parkland near the lake includes a picnic ground just north of the bandshell, Lyndale Park, and a bird sanctuary on the northeast corner of the lake. Located adjacent to the bird sanctuary is the tranquil Peace Garden, and across the street is a large garden featuring many varieties of roses. Lakewood Cemetery is located between the southeast corner of Lake Calhoun and the north shoreline of Lake Harriet.

Lake Harriet is also known for its fishing, particularly for Muskies.

References

* [http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/showreport.html?downum=27001600 Minnesota DNR Lake Information Report]
* [http://www.minneapolisparks.org/?PageID=4&parkid=266 Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board on Lake Harriet]
* [http://www.lhycsailing.com/ Lake Harriet Yacht Club]
* [http://www.lhycsailing.com/history/history.html#historypavilionsandbandshells (Lake Harriet Bandshell History)]