Water sports can be found at St. Paul’s Phalen Chain of Lakes. This chain includes Lake Phalen, Keller Lake, Round Lake, Lake Gervais, Spoon Lake, and Kohlman Lake. One of the highlights is the Phalen-Keller Regional Park, which is well-known for having many lakes and parks. The focal point is Lake Phalen, which spans 198 acres and offers a four-mile shoreline full of leisure activities. Similar recreational opportunities can be enjoyed at the 72-acre Keller Lake, a part of the 750-acre Keller Regional Park, north of Lake Phalen.
Pleasant canoe or kayak routes can be taken from Lake Phalen via Keller Creek, which passes by Round Lake, Keller Lake, Spoon Lake, Lake Gervais, and Kohlman Lake. Until 1913, Lake Phalen was St. Paul’s primary water source. Now, it is a hub for recreation, featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, a recreation center, sports fields, an ice skating rink, an 18-hole golf course, a swimming beach, concession stands, and nature trails. The St. Paul Sailing Program offers sailing lessons, while the Beach House hosts rowing and sculling classes. Motorized boats are prohibited, but electric trolling motors are allowed. Boat ramps and fishing piers are available.
Keller Lake’s eastern half is within Keller Regional Park, while the western shore is private. The park includes another golf course, playgrounds, picnic areas, and an island picnic spot. There’s an archery range and a boat ramp on Spoon Lake. Although Lake Gervais is mostly private, it has a small county park with a beach, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. Lake Gervais is popular for motorized boating and water sports. Kohlman Lake is accessible only from Lake Gervais and is a haven for wildlife viewing.
Fishing is a major draw, with fishing piers on all lakes except Kohlman Lake. The lakes are home to largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Lake Gervais also has walleye and tiger muskie. Ice fishing is popular in winter, and fishing piers are wheelchair accessible.
Exploring the Phalen Chain by canoe or kayak offers scenic views and wildlife sightings. The channels between lakes are picturesque, with opportunities to see bald eagles near Keller Lake. The area attracts songbirds, small mammals, and waterfowl. The channel to Keller Lake intersects with the Phalen Regional Park trails and the Gateway State Trail, with ample parking and boardwalks over creeks. Trails connect to the Bruce Vento Regional Trail at Lake Phalen’s south end.
The Phalen Chain of Lakes is a perfect escape in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The metroplex offers cultural venues, including theaters, Orchestra Hall, ballet at the Cowles Center, art at the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and over 60 museums. Minnesota’s best museums are the Science Museum and the Minnesota Children’s Museum.
Visitors have various lodging options, from elegant hotels to budget stays and private rentals. Dining options are diverse, with many ethnic restaurants and unique shops. The Mall of America, a major attraction, draws millions of visitors yearly. Real estate around the lakes is prime and scarce. For your next visit to the Twin Cities, consider paddling the Phalen Chain of Lakes for a unique experience.