Looking for a large lake with swimming beaches, sailing, water skiing, and fishing close to the city? Medicine Lake in Plymouth is a great option. It covers 936 acres, making it the second largest lake in the metropolitan area... and is only about 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
French Regional Park is the largest park on the lake and is part of the Three Rivers Park District. Located on the north side of the lake, it includes trails, swimming, fishing, boating, picnic areas, a huge creative play area and scheduled programs at the Visitor Center. It's a great family destination.
If you are looking for something a little smaller in scale, however, West Medicine Lake Park about 1/2 mile north of Highway 55 on the west side of the lake feels more like a neighborhood park.
A Plymouth city park, it also has swimming, boating, fishing, playground including a basketball court and picnic shelters.
On the west side of Medicine Lake Road are natural trails where you can let your dog run free and you can see more wildlife. The City of Plymouth has more than 100 miles of biking trails, including trails around the lake connecting from the park to miles of trails and the Luce Line to the west and into the city on the east.
The neighborhood in the rolling hills bordering the park has a north woods feel. Many of the homes are in this area are small, built back in the 1930's when this really was more of a 'cabin' destination. It's a great place to feel like you are living in 'lake country' close to the city.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Plymouth Realtor