A Local Guide to the Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles & Cedar Lake Area

This part of Minneapolis is defined by the Chain of Lakes, but the real estate varies significantly from one neighborhood and block to another. Buyers may be comparing a historic home near Lake of the Isles, a condo near Bde Maka Ska, a larger property near Cedar Lake, or a quieter residential street only a few blocks away from the parkway.

After more than 20 years working throughout Minneapolis, I have found that value in this area is often influenced by lake proximity, views, architecture, renovation quality, lot size, street traffic, garage configuration, and walkability.

Bde Maka Ska

Bde Maka Ska is one of the central anchors of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and is surrounded by trails, beaches, parkways, and several distinct residential neighborhoods.

The neighborhoods formerly known as West Calhoun and ECCO are now officially named West Maka Ska and East Bde Maka Ska. Buyers should expect a mix of condos, apartments, older homes, and newer development depending on the exact location.

Lake of the Isles

Lake of the Isles is surrounded by some of Minneapolis's most distinctive historic housing, mature trees, parkways, and walking paths. Properties near the lake can vary significantly in architecture, lot size, renovation quality, views, and street orientation.

Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake offers a quieter and more natural feel than some of the busier portions of the Chain of Lakes. Nearby residential areas include a mix of larger historic homes, established neighborhoods, and convenient access to trails connecting toward downtown, Theodore Wirth Park, and the western suburbs.

Cedar-Isles-Dean

Cedar-Isles-Dean sits between Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, and Bde Maka Ska and has one of the strongest concentrations of direct lake and trail access in the city.

Housing includes condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, and exact location can have a significant impact on views, walkability, and value.

West Maka Ska

West Maka Ska sits along the western side of Bde Maka Ska and was officially renamed from West Calhoun in 2020.

The area includes condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, with convenient access to the lake, trails, Excelsior Boulevard, and nearby St. Louis Park.

East Bde Maka Ska

East Bde Maka Ska was officially renamed from ECCO in 2021 and sits directly east of the lake.

This area provides convenient access to Bde Maka Ska, Uptown, neighborhood restaurants, trails, and a mix of condos and older residential housing.

Homes and Architecture

The housing stock around the Chain of Lakes is highly varied and includes:

• Historic two-story homes
• Tudors and traditional architecture
• Craftsman and Arts and Crafts homes
• Bungalows
• Larger estate-style properties
• Condos and townhomes
• Extensively renovated homes
• Newer infill construction

Because of that variety, broad price-per-square-foot comparisons can be misleading. Architecture, views, renovation quality, lot size, garage space, and exact location all matter.

Lake Access and Trails

The Chain of Lakes trail system is one of the defining features of this area. Residents can walk, run, bike, paddle, and connect to broader Minneapolis trail networks without traveling far from home.

Proximity to the lake can be a major lifestyle factor, but buyers should also consider street traffic, parking, noise, privacy, and seasonal activity when evaluating a specific property.

Older Homes and Renovation Quality

Many homes in this area are older, so buyers should evaluate both the visible condition and the underlying systems.

• Electrical service and wiring
• Plumbing materials
• Sewer line condition
• Foundation and drainage
• Roof age and materials
• Windows and insulation
• Heating and cooling systems
• Additions and previous remodeling
• Permits and renovation quality
• Garage size and off-street parking

Chain of Lakes Real Estate FAQ

Is the area still called Calhoun-Isles?

The City still uses Calhoun-Isles as a broader community label in some contexts, but several individual neighborhood names have changed. West Calhoun is now West Maka Ska, and ECCO is now East Bde Maka Ska.

What neighborhoods are near Bde Maka Ska?

Neighborhoods around Bde Maka Ska include East Bde Maka Ska, West Maka Ska, Cedar-Isles-Dean, Uptown, Linden Hills, and nearby parts of Southwest Minneapolis.

What types of homes are common around the Chain of Lakes?

Buyers will find historic homes, Tudors, Craftsman properties, bungalows, larger estate-style homes, condos, townhomes, renovated properties, and newer infill construction.

How important is lake proximity?

Lake proximity can have a meaningful effect on value, especially when combined with views, walkability, trail access, architecture, and lot quality.

Is this area walkable?

Walkability varies by exact location, but many areas around Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles provide strong access to trails, parks, restaurants, shops, and neighborhood commercial districts.

What should buyers look for in older homes near the lakes?

Buyers should review electrical, plumbing, sewer, foundation, drainage, roof, windows, insulation, mechanical systems, additions, and renovation quality in addition to cosmetic finishes.

Buying or Selling Near the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes

Real estate around Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake is highly location-specific. Lake access, views, architecture, lot characteristics, renovation quality, and exact block can all have a meaningful effect on value.

If you are comparing homes in this part of Minneapolis, evaluating a property, or preparing a home for sale, Schedule a Consultation to talk through current inventory, pricing, neighborhood differences, and market conditions.