For a full day of outdoor adventures, start at Lake Nokomis — the heart of the neighborhood — and branch out from there. As one of three sailing lakes in the Minneapolis parks system, the lake draws flocks of boaters who depart from the launch located just south of the Main Beach. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding are also popular activities here, and Wheel Fun Rentals can hook you up with the gear you need (they offer bike rentals, too).

On warm days, the lake’s two beaches are lined with families lounging and playing along the sandy shoreline. At the Main Beach is The Painted Turtle, which sells scratch-made fare, locally sourced ice cream, local beers, and picnic and beachside snacks out of the concessions building during the warmer months. The 50th Street Beach is smaller and a bit of a hidden gem, as it tends to be less crowded. Come winter, the lake becomes a frozen battleground during the annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. More than two dozen rinks host some of the country’s players for nonstop action on the ice.

Canoers can paddle their way through the neighborhood along Minnehaha Creek, which features a dramatic climax with the 53-foot-tall Minnehaha Falls (don’t worry; you’ll be out of the water before you get there). A stone’s throw from the falls, savor fresh seafood and apps at Sea Salt. A nearby 6-acre dog park allows Rover to roam leash-free along the Mississippi, while hikers love roaming the Minnehaha Creek Trail, a gorgeous, wooded 1.8-mile loop.

Hop across Hiawatha Avenue to explore Longfellow Gardens, teeming with a broad palette of perennials and annuals in addition to trees and shrubs. Photo tip: The arched white arbor provides a perfectly framed selfie op.

When cooler weather arrives, the adventures continue indoors. Retro ‘50s décor meets contemporary comforts at Town Hall Lanes, a ten-lane bowling alley, restaurant, and craft brewery. Their Super Strike Light Lager pairs beautifully with a friendly round of ten frames. The Parkway Theater, a newly renovated 90-year-old vintage movie theater in the heart of the neighborhood's business district showcases classic 35mm films, comedy, and live music.

A great playday around the lake starts with a fresh cup of Java at Nokomis Beach Coffee. Regulars rave about their mochas and almond croissants, and it’s totally acceptable to make a return trip in the afternoon for a scoop of ice cream. If you’re a coffee and doughnuts kind of person (and honestly, who isn’t?), take a walk through Hiawatha Park and grab a coffee at Northern Coffeeworks before grabbing donuts next door (or any of the sweet treats they whipped up that day) at Baker's Wife. Walk into Turtle Bread Company and take in the incredible smells of freshly baked goods. They have homemade soup and sandwich lunch options and an array of desserts. Across the street is Sovereign Grounds, a great place to grab a cup of coffee with the kids, because of their indoor play area in the back of the coffee shop.

For another Minneapolis classic, dive into the award-winning Juicy Lucy’s at the 5-8 Club. Around since 1928, the local hot spot has decades of practice mastering the art of the cheese-stuffed burger (try one with a side of deep-fried pickle chips). More classic comfort awaits at Hot Plate, serving carbo-licious breakfasts among eclectic décor—think vintage dolls and mannequin heads. Bull's Horn is a fantastic neighborhood dive, run by an award-winning chef—stop in for a burger or their famous dill pickle fried chicken buckets and stay for the pull tabs and weekly meat raffle. You won't believe how good the fried chicken is at Herbie Butcher's...because it's actually not chicken! The entire restaurants is vegan, but the flavors are just so good that you would never know the difference.

The Creekside Supper Club serves up classic Midwest supper club fare - think prime rib, shrimp cocktail and crab-stuffed walleye. After dinner, head next door for a nightcap at The Sidecar at the Tap—a cozy neighborhood cocktail lounge. Heather's is a favorite for locals in this neighborhood, serving serving sandwiches, burgers and brunch staples. They even have a covered patio area for dining outside in any weather.

Mexican specialties like handmade tamales, chiles relleno, and carne asada are the stars at Dominguez Family Restaurant in a colorful space with plenty of outdoor seating. Guavas Cuban Café serves up American Cuban cuisine - the Cuban and pan con lechon are not to be missed. More Italian favorites can be found at Fat Lorenzo's. Their pizza's are what they are most known for.

No matter where you head for a meal, save room for a massive scoop of ice cream from Pumphouse Creamery. They serve up delicious, hand-crafted ice cream using natural and organic locally-sourced ingredients. The lemon infused olive oil and sea salt ice cream is a local favorite. Another popular ice cream spot is just up the street from Lake Nokomis and the prefect place to stop after a day of fun at the lake. Grand Ole Creamery serves up a bunch of fun flavors. Make sure you try their freshly made waffle cones, you'll smell them being made before you even walk through the door.

Need a gluten-free dessert option? Sift Gluten Free is an entire bakery devoted to re-creating popular baked goods with gluten-free ingredients. We've got some dessert for the vegan friendly too. Vegan East caterers to those who have sweet tooth for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, muffins and more.

Cake Plus-Size Resale offers sweet deals on plus-size clothing. You can even book a one-on-one style session with owner Cat Polivoda, who’s known for giving thoughtful fashion advice and personal attention to anyone who walks through the door. The Irreverent Bookworm is a cozy and welcoming space to find new and used books. For a huge selection of music and movies in all formats and genres go hunting for a unique find at Know Name Records. Urban Cottage specializes in vintage, ​repurposed, home & garden decor, furniture, unique gifts, apparel & jewelry. Make sure to call beforehand or check out their Facebook page for times and days they are open.

If you're looking for a classic gift shop, you'll enjoy browsing through 14 Hill's random collection of cool stuff you never knew you needed. Candles, postcards, t-shirts, jewelry, soap...they've got it all.

One of the most fun stops in the neighborhood, Tom’s Popcorn Shop takes visitors on a tasting tour of freshly popped goodness. After 40 years in business, the cheese, caramel, and Krunch Corn (made with sugar and butter in a copper kettle), remain tried-and-true favorites.

(Starting point of Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet)

Most streets around the neighborhood offer free parking. You’ll find both pay lots and free lots scattered around Lake Nokomis.

The eastern end of Nokomis can be easily reached from downtown via the Metro Transit Light Rail Blue Line, with stops at the 46th and 50th Street stations. It takes about 15 minutes to reach these stops.

The 14 and 22 buses also travel south from downtown through the neighborhood, reaching Nokomis in 20 to 30 minutes.

Public Transit Routes:
The Blue Line
Route 14
Route 22