Lake of the Isles. — This lake is controlled by the park board. It is the nearest to the center of the city of the group of lakes along the southwestern limits, and may be reached by the Kenwood Boul. or by Hennepin Av., turning west at Franklin, or any street beyond, to 28th St. The Lake of the Isles Boul. surrounds the lake which is irregular in form and contains a large island…
At its southernmost end, Kenwood Parkway connects with Lake of the Isles Boulevard which completely encircles the charming lake of that name. Next south and connected by a drive of a few hundred yards is Lake Calhoun. These lakes are also connected by a waterway opened in 1911. It is spanned by handsome stone arch bridges and between the lakes as a beautiful lagoon which serves as a harbor for water craft. A similar waterway connects Lake of the Isles with Cedar Lake and Brownie Lake, giving continuous passage for small craft through the four lakes — Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Cedar and Brownie Lake.
The Park Board maintains boats for hire on Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, while hundreds of private boats, canoes, launches and sail boats are kept on the lakes. The Park Board also operates public launches on Calhoun and Lake of the Isles and on Lake Harriet. Every 45 minutes after 2 :30 p. m. (every 1 1/2 hrs. 7 a. m. to 2:30 p. m.) the “Three Lakes” or the “Maid of the Isles” leaves Lake St. Landing for the tour of Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake. Fare between any two landings on any one of the lakes, 5 cents. Round trip of the three lakes, 11 miles — 90 minutes — 25 cents.
Hudson’s Dictionary of Minneapolis and Vicinity
A Handbook for Strangers and Residents
The Hudson Publishing Company, 1918