Lake Harriet - adjacent to fragrant Lyndale Rose Garden, as well as a "peace" rock garden and bird sanctuary - is arguably the most beautiful city lake in North America. Its natural wonder, together with the serene sight of sailboats, the clang of a nearby streetcar, and the silloute of the storied bandshell as the sun sets has no rival that I've come across.

No doubt that its next-door neighbor - Lake Calhoun - could win title to "Fountain of Youth,"
with its beach volleyball, wind surfers and more than its share of middle-aged teenagers. And next in the chain of lakes - Lake of the Isles - does have Kenwood and a fine character of its own.