Linden Hills

A storybook lakeside village in southwest Minneapolis: Lake Harriet's bandshell and walking paths, an antique streetcar ride, Sebastian Joe's ice cream, and the Wild Rumpus bookstore with live animals roaming the aisles. This is where locals take visiting parents. It's residential and low-key — come for a slow afternoon, not nightlife.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Linden Hills good for kids?

One of the best neighborhoods in the city for them: Wild Rumpus's live animals, the streetcar, the lake beaches and playgrounds, and ice cream within a block. You can fill a whole afternoon without spending much.

Are the Lake Harriet bandshell concerts really free?

Yes — the Minneapolis Park Board runs a free music series at the bandshell most summer evenings, plus movie nights. Bring a blanket, grab popcorn at the pavilion, and watch the sailboats. It's peak Minneapolis.

How do I get to Linden Hills without a car?

The new E Line bus rapid transit (opened December 2025) runs through Linden Hills on its way between downtown and Southdale — $2, frequent service. Cycling the Chain of Lakes trails is honestly the nicest way in summer.

What's the difference between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska?

They're neighboring lakes on the Chain of Lakes. Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) is bigger and busier, bordering Uptown; Lake Harriet is quieter with the bandshell and rose garden. The streetcar and trails connect them.

Where should I eat in Linden Hills?

The village core has solid neighborhood restaurants and cafes — think brunch spots, a bakery, and Sebastian Joe's for ice cream (the Pavarotti flavor, caramel-banana-chocolate, is the local order). It's neighborhood dining, not a food destination per se.

What is there to do in Linden Hills?

Walk or bike the Lake Harriet loop (about 3 miles), catch a free summer concert at the bandshell, get a cone at Sebastian Joe's, and browse the little village core at 43rd & Upton — including Wild Rumpus, a kids' bookstore famous for its resident cats, birds, and other critters.

What is the Lake Harriet streetcar?

The Minnesota Streetcar Museum runs restored early-1900s trolleys on a short heritage line between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska, typically weekends and summer evenings, May through fall. It's a cheap, charming 15-minute ride — check trolleyride.org for the current schedule before you go.

When is the best time to visit Linden Hills?

June through September, when the bandshell concerts, streetcar, and lake life are all running. Winter has its own charm — locals ski and walk the frozen lake — but the village is a much shorter visit then.

Nearby in Ask Minneapolis

• MartinaRestaurant0.27 km · 3 min walk
• Lake Harriet & BandshellPark0.65 km · 8 min walk
• Lake Harriet North BeachBeach1 km · 13 min walk
• Thomas Beach at Bde Maka SkaBeach1.32 km · 17 min walk
• Bakken MuseumMuseum1.38 km · 17 min walk