“Lake of the Spirit.” That’s what the Wahpeton Sioux called Medicine Lake. This beautiful lake lies just eight miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis. Medicine Lake covers 902 acres. That makes it Hennepin County’s second-largest lake after Lake Minnetonka.
Locals and visitors adore Medicine Lake. Boaters, sailors, and fishers all flock here. Three public parks grace its shores. They are French Regional Park, West Medicine Lake Park, and East Medicine Lake Park.
Medicine Lake teems with fish. Anglers can find black bullhead and black crappie. Bluegill, brown bullhead, and green sunfish also swim here. Hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike thrive. You might even catch pumpkinseed, walleye, or white crappie. Other species include yellow bullhead, yellow perch, and bowfin. Common carp, goldeye, and smallmouth buffalo also live in Medicine Lake. White sucker, banded killifish, and blacknose shiner swim here. Don’t be surprised to see bluntnose minnow or brook silverside. Central mudminnow, golden shiner, and Johnny darter add to the mix. Even spottail shiner can be found.
Medicine Lake’s story is entwined with Native American history. Legend says a warrior in his canoe was overturned. A sudden storm caused it. His body was never found. The Indians believed a great spirit resided in the lake. They called it MDE-WAKAN, meaning lake of the spirit. Settlers later shortened it to Medicine Lake.
Mde Wakan was also the Dakota name for Mille Lacs. Mille Lacs is a large, spiritual lake. The Shakopee Sioux saw a resemblance. They had been expelled from Mille Lacs by the Chippewa. The Sioux believed the spirit had followed them to Medicine Lake. Anything spiritual was considered “medicine” by the Sioux. They shared this word with the white settlers.
Since 1972, the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission has kept an eye on Medicine Lake’s water quality. They monitor water chemistry and clarity. They study aquatic plants and animals. Unfortunately, the lake doesn’t always meet water quality standards. Chlorophyll levels have increased over the years.
Sadly, Medicine Lake faces environmental challenges. Invasive species like curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian milfoil are present. Zebra mussels were confirmed in 2017. Starry stonewort appeared in 2018.
The Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens works hard. This volunteer group addresses issues facing the lake. They even inspect docks for zebra mussels. In 2018, they called for closing a boat launch due to starry stonewort.
Medicine Lake has hosted some interesting events. The Twin Cities’ Art Shanty Project once took place here. Also, the Holes 4 Heroes ice-fishing tournament honors military members.
So, as you gaze upon Medicine Lake, remember its rich history. Think of the Sioux who saw a spirit in its waters. Consider the ongoing efforts to protect its health. Medicine Lake is more than just a beautiful body of water. It’s a place of history, spirit, and community.