Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, Minnesota — Online Webcam
Lake Nokomis is one of the lakes in the Minneapolis lake system, located in the southern part of the city. This online camera broadcasts a view of the water surface and the adjacent shoreline in real time. The lake is surrounded by parkland and residential neighborhoods, making it a popular recreation spot for locals.
Name History
This body of water was originally named Lake Amelia — after the daughter of Captain George Gooding, one of the first settlers to arrive in the area in 1819. However, in 1910, city authorities decided to rename it. The new name — Nokomis — was taken from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Song of Hiawatha." In the work, Nokomis is Hiawatha's grandmother, a mythological figure from Ojibwe tradition. This name stuck and is still in use today.
Geography and Lake Parameters
Lake Nokomis is part of the Minneapolis lake system and sits at an elevation of 248 meters above sea level. The water surface area is 0.83 km² (204 acres), and the maximum depth reaches 10 meters (33 feet). The lake has a rounded shape and is surrounded by developed infrastructure — walking trails, beaches, and park areas. The shores are gently sloping, in places marshy, with thickets of reeds and cattails.
Fishing and Underwater Life
The lake is well known among fishing enthusiasts. The waters of Lake Nokomis are home to largemouth bass, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and northern pike. Special fishing platforms are set up along the shoreline, and the pier visible on the broadcast is also used as a fishing spot. In winter, ice fishing is popular here — tents are set up on the ice and holes are drilled.
Nature and Shoreline
Lake Nokomis is home to numerous species of waterfowl. Ducks, geese, great egrets, and turtles inhabit the area. In the warm season, flocks of birds can be seen on the water surface, and nests can be spotted in the shoreline vegetation. Deciduous trees — maples, oaks, willows — grow along the banks, turning vibrant colors in autumn. The green lawns along the shore are used for picnics and relaxation.
Recreation and Activities
In the summer season, a swimming beach operates on the lake. Bicycle and pedestrian paths run along the shoreline, forming part of the city's trail network. In winter, the frozen surface turns into an ice rink, and cross-country ski trails surround the lake. The park area around Nokomis is equipped with pavilions, benches, and playgrounds, making it a year-round destination for Minneapolis residents.
What the Camera Shows
This online webcam broadcasts a view of Lake Nokomis from a T-shaped wooden pier extending into the water. In the foreground are green grass and shoreline vegetation. On both sides of the pier, deciduous trees framing the shore are visible. On the far shore is a strip of land with dense vegetation. The water in the lake is calm, with a light ripple, reflecting the sky and clouds. The pier is equipped with fenders and mooring rings. The real-time broadcast allows viewers to observe changes in weather, water levels, and bird activity along the shore.
