Independent neighborhood guide, not affiliated with any homeowners association, property manager, city or official board.
Updated October 23, 2026
Lake of the Isles is the quiet, tree-lined lake in the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, ringed by some of the city’s most admired historic homes.
If you’re thinking about selling or buying near the lake, here’s what daily life looks like and what to know about the homes around it.
Here’s an honest look, whether you’re selling or buying.
Life around Lake of the Isles
The lake covers about 109 acres with close to three miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of around 31 feet. Its two wooded islands are protected as wildlife habitat.
The Dakota called it Wita Tomna, Four Islands Lake. In the early 1900s the park board dredged the shallow marsh to shape the lake and parkland you see today, and two of the original islands became part of the shore.
Paved paths for walking and biking circle the lake and connect to Bde Maka Ska and Cedar Lake. In winter the lake hosts skating and pond hockey. See more Minneapolis parks and trails.
Three neighborhoods meet the shore: Kenwood, Lowry Hill and East Isles. Kenwood is known for large Mediterranean, Colonial and Arts and Crafts homes. Lowry Hill and East Isles mix early-1900s houses with apartment and condo buildings close to Uptown.
Lakefront homes here rarely come up, and each one is priced on its own merits. If you’re selling a home a block or two off the lake, I’ll show you how buyers weigh that distance.
What buyers check before they tour
- Schools: Lake of the Isles is served by Minneapolis Public Schools, and with some addresses assigned to southwest Minneapolis schools; see southwest Minneapolis schools. Assignments and boundaries can change, so confirm the assigned schools for any address with the district.
- Older homes: Much of the housing here is a century old or more. Look closely at the foundation, electrical, plumbing, roof and any past updates, and plan a thorough inspection.
- Duplexes and fourplexes: If you’re looking at a multi-unit building to live in, ask about city rental licensing, inspections and existing leases before you write an offer.
A simple plan for your Lake of the Isles move
I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes across the Twin Cities for about two decades, and I started in the trades. I look at an older home the way a builder would, and I’ll tell you plainly what I see.
Getting the house ready, or making it yours
If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. Learn more about Minneapolis, its history and community life, or see nearby Bde Maka Ska.
Super Crew Contractors, Ivy Lane Homes and Intrinsic Insurance are owned by David Olson; you are free to use any contractor, builder or insurer.
Your next step in Lake of the Isles
Whether you’re buying your first place in the city or selling a home you’ve loved for years, I’ll help you make a plan that fits.
Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with sellers and buyers, and that’s where I can help you most in Lake of the Isles.
Stay close to the market, without the noise.
Every so often I send a short, practical note: what Minneapolis homes did, prep tips that are worth the money, and neighborhoods worth a look.
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I’m glad you’re here. A quick confirmation is on its way to your inbox. Whenever you want to talk about your own home or a move, I’m a call or text away.
