Our Neighborhood's Unofficial Holiday
If you've lived near Lake Nokomis for any amount of time, you already know: Memorial Day weekend isn't just a long weekend. It's an event.
The trails fill up. The beach comes alive. Neighbors you haven't seen since last October suddenly reappear with their dogs, their bikes, and their kids in tow. The grill smell drifts from every direction, and somewhere nearby, someone is flying a kite they definitely bought on impulse. It's chaotic and warm and completely ours — one of those weekends that reminds you exactly why you chose this neighborhood.
We love it here, and we want to help you make the most of it.
Getting Around the Lake
Memorial Day weekend brings out the whole neighborhood, which means a little planning goes a long way. A few things worth knowing:
Parking along the east side of the lake fills up fast on Saturday and Sunday — if you're driving, aim to arrive before 9am or plan to park a few blocks out and enjoy the walk in. Better yet, bike it. The Minnehaha Parkway Trail connects directly to the Nokomis loop, and arriving by bike on a holiday weekend is one of life's quiet victories.
The trail itself is at its best early — before 8am you'll get the lake nearly to yourself. By mid-morning it's buzzing, which is also great, just a different kind of great. If you're bringing little ones, the beach play area on the west side is the move.
What to Order at NBC This Weekend
Come see us before, after, or honestly in the middle of whatever your weekend looks like. We'll be here.
If you're heading out for an early trail lap, start with something warm — the Golden Rose Latte is our current Sips of Spring standout, and there's something about a floral latte at 9am near the lake that just works.
Post-swim or mid-afternoon, go cold. The Dragon Fruit Spritz and Berry Bliss Matcha were practically made for a holiday weekend in the sun. The Midnight Blossom Lemonade is the one to get if you want something that looks as good as it tastes — it shifts color as you stir it, and yes, everyone at your picnic blanket will ask what it is.
We also have seating on the patio for the long weekend, so come with a group (or your dog of cours), pull up a few chairs, and stay a while.
Memorial Day Weekend Hours: Mon–Fri 6:30am–4:00pm | Sat–Sun 7:00am–5:00pm, Standard Hours For Memorial Day*
Make It a Tradition
The best thing about this neighborhood is that it shows up for itself. Every Memorial Day weekend, people come back to the lake — some who have been doing it for decades, some doing it for the first time. Either way, they end up here.
We hope to see you this weekend. Grab a drink, take the long way around the lake, and enjoy one of the best unofficial holidays in Minneapolis.
