Minneapolis, MN · lake · best for beginners
Bde Maka Ska
Minneapolis's biggest lake and the heart of the Chain of Lakes. Calm urban flatwater with skyline views, rentals on site, and connections to Lake of the Isles through the channels.
Weather comparison · not a safety rating
Mostly favorable
Weather score out of 100
Weather only. River flow, dam releases, water temperature and local hazards are not included in this number. Check the local guidance below.
Weather observation: Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:30:00 GMT.
Page checked: Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:41:08 GMT. Readings older than one hour are not used for the current score.
Wind
4 mph
gusting to 6 mph
Air temp
42°F
0% chance of rain
Weather outlook
Monday · 100
Mon
100
65°
Best
Tue
89
67°
Wed
88
72°
Thu
94
74°
Fri
54
73°
Sat
57
69°
Sun
52
59°
Compares forecast wind, air temperature and rain. Does not assess river flow, swell, currents, water temperature or launch access. All times are local to this location.
Wind, next 12 hours
mph| Hour | Wind (mph) | Gusts (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| 5a | 4 | 4 |
| 6a | 4 | 8 |
| 7a | 4 | 8 |
| 8a | 4 | 6 |
| 9a | 3 | 6 |
| 10a | 3 | 6 |
| 11a | 4 | 6 |
| 12p | 4 | 5 |
| 1p | 5 | 6 |
| 2p | 5 | 7 |
| 3p | 6 | 9 |
| 4p | 7 | 10 |
Why this score
- Wind — 4 mph — light wind at the forecast location±0
- Cold — 42°F air temperature — very cold weather-27
Launch notes
Launch from the northeast beach by the pavilion. Busy on summer weekends — arrive before 10am for easy parking.
Do your own homework
We show you live conditions. For local knowledge — where to put in, what the hazards are, whether it's worth the drive — here's where paddlers actually talk about this water. We don't vet these sources; check the dates and judge for yourself.
- Paddler discussion on Reddit
Trip reports and local warnings, straight from the source
- Search American Whitewater
Rapid classifications and gauge-linked run descriptions
- Satellite view and access roads
Check parking, put-ins, and what the banks actually look like
- Video from this water
The fastest way to see the character of a run before you drive