Come play with us.

West Maka Ska has it all.

Nowhere in the Twin Cities can you find such diversity of experiences, all within walking distance. From kayaking to windsurfing. From seafood to street food. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks. Shops. Restaurants. People-watching. Lake-walking. Trail-hopping. Holes-in-one and fun in the sun. An urban retreat in the middle of it all. And to top it all off, you get to live here.

This is West Maka Ska. If you live (or work) within the red boundaries, you’re automatically a “member.” You are invited to participate in meetings, join committees, attend events, and get involved.

Explore the best of West Maka Ska.

Canoeing Minnehaha Creek

Did you know there are many canoe and kayak launches along Minnehaha Creek’s 22 mile route? The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) has a map that is full of good information about paddling the creek, what the watershed district is doing to improve the creek, and how you can help keep it clean.
In addition to checking the discharge rate at the creek’s headwaters at Gray’s Bay Dam, they recommend also checking the flow at Hiawatha Avenue in south Minneapolis where the U.S. Geological Survey operates a gauge. Because the creek receives runoff from stormwater pipes along the route, the rate of flow often increases the further you get downstream of the dam.
In some stretches, the creek is narrow and winding so it’s important to know how to navigate a canoe. But if you are a less experienced paddler or if you are paddling with kids, we recommend trying out the section from Gray’s Bay Dam to St. Albans Mill in Minnetonka or the section from Lynnhurst Park to Longfellow Lagoon in Minneapolis. These sections tend to have slower flowing water and fewer rapids.
For links to submit photos, view the new Minnehaha Creek map and see real-time creek flow information visit www.minnehahacreek.org/explore.
Happy paddling!
The Bakken Museum

The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. The museum offers exhibits, education programs, and an artifact collection all about invention, technology, and science.
Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Admission:
Adults: $11
Seniors (62+): $9
Students (with ID): $8
Children (4-17): $6
Children (3 and under): Free
Members: Free
Limited Income Admission: $1
Additional information and tickets can be found at thebakken.org.
Bde Maka Ska

Whether you enjoy kayaking, volleyball, paddleboarding or even just a fun day at the park, Bde Maka Ska (known as Lake Calhoun before restoration of the Lakota name) is a fantastic summer hangout spot for all ages.
The lake also features a 3.1 mile pedestrian and bike trail that intersect with Lake Harriet and Lake of The Isles trails, as well as Uptown.
Movies & Music in the Park

Every summer, Minneapolis celebrates in the great outdoors with a series of free concerts and movies in locations all around the city. It’s a great way to meet people and enjoy a night of entertainment under the stars.