Beard's Plaisance

A Touch of History

Tucked away in Minneapolis's Linden Hills neighborhood, Beard's Plaisance is located along the shores of Lake Harriet. It's a lovely piece of the larger Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park puzzle.

The park has roots going back to 1884 when three generous fellows - Henry Beard, James Merritt, and Charles Reeve - decided to donate their lakeside land for everyone to enjoy. They named it "Plaisance," a fancy French word for "pleasure ground," which honestly couldn't be more fitting.

What You'll Find

Beard's Plaisance makes up part of the 126.2 acres surrounding Lake Harriet owned by the park board. The land gently slopes down to the water, offering some pretty spectacular views of the lake.

One of the coolest features has to be the historic pavilion - a concrete gazebo built by the Works Progress Administration back in the 1940s. This spacious covered structure is excellent for reserving if you're planning a gathering with friends or family.

The park has seen its fair share of improvements over the years. The first picnic shelter appeared in 1904, and they added a stone walkway along Upton Avenue. More recently, the playground got a complete makeover in 2011-2012, so the kids have modern equipment to climb and play on.

Things to Do

With its prime location next to Lake Harriet, the park makes an ideal spot for picnicking, unwinding, or simply soaking in the natural beauty all around.

If you're feeling active, check out the tennis courts at the bottom of the hill. The grassy slope itself has become something of an unofficial training ground - you'll often spot locals using it for sprint workouts. And there's nothing better than having the lake right there when you need to cool off after exercise.

Handy Amenities

You'll discover all the essentials at Beard's Plaisance. Restrooms are conveniently located near the playground, and there are plenty of picnic tables scattered throughout - both under the pavilion's cover and out in the open.

Planning a cookout? The park has several grilling areas ready for your burgers and hot dogs. There's a parking lot on site, and when that fills up (as it sometimes does on gorgeous days), additional street parking is available on Upton Avenue.

Natural Surroundings

Tall trees spread within the park provide welcome shade during Minnesota's sunny months. The pine trees add their distinctive scent to the air, and thanks to the park's elevated position, you'll catch refreshing breezes drifting up from the lake.

The mix of open grassy spaces and leafy tree cover creates a peaceful retreat that somehow feels removed from city life, despite being right in Minneapolis. From the hillside, the views of Lake Harriet provide a peaceful backdrop for a moment of calm in your day.