Sailing regattas on Bde Maka Ska in the heart of the Minneapolis residential district bring racing enthusiasts from yacht clubs throughout the United States, Argentina and Canada to the Aquatennial, a great summer festival celebrating Minnesota’s vacational areas.
One of 22 lakes within the city, the park around Bde Maka Ska contains 523 acres, 489 of which are underwater. The park boasts a 32 foot wide circut drive that is 3 and a quarter miles long. The largest lake in the city, Bde Maka Ska invites visitors to enjoy sailing, bathing, bicycling,canoeing, motor boating, fishing or rowing. Canoes and bikes may be rented and rides may be taken on a sight-seeing launch
This striking view pictures a few of the many sailboats seen on Bde Maka Ska at evening tide. Bde Maka Ska has a shoreline three miles around. The Lake was formerly named after a guy who was secretary of war, when Fort Snelling was established in 1819.