East Isles

People are drawn to the East Isles neighborhood for its historic charm and urban vibrancy. The area features an impressive mix of architectural styles, including Victorian, Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Italianate, English Tudor, and Prairie-style homes. Among its architectural treasures is the Purcell-Cutts House, a masterpiece of Prairie School design by William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie. Many homes in the neighborhood were built at the turn of the 20th century, giving the area its timeless character.

Residents enjoy the best of both worlds with proximity to bustling commercial corridors and the peaceful setting of Lake of the Isles. With more than 50 shops, restaurants, and cafés nearby, local favorites include The Red Cow, Nico’s Taco, and Isles Bun & Coffee, known for its famous caramel rolls. Grocery options are plentiful, with Lunds & Byerly’s on Lake Street, Kowalski’s Market on Hennepin, and The Wedge Co-op on Lyndale.

Lake of the Isles, which connects to Bde Mka Ska and the Chain of Lakes, offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the warmer months, residents enjoy sailing, running, walking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. In winter, the lakes come alive with ice skating, windsurfing, and the popular Luminary Loppet, a magical candlelit night on the frozen lake. The Midtown Greenway, a converted railroad line with biking and walking paths, runs along the neighborhood’s southern edge, linking East Isles to the Mississippi River on the east and the city limits on the west.

The neighborhood’s name comes from the small isles within the lake. East Isles sits on the east side of Lake of the Isles, bordered by West 22nd Street to the north, West Lake Street to the south, Hennepin Avenue to the east, and the lake’s shoreline and Knox Avenue South to the west.

With its tree lined streets, excellent public transportation, ample bike paths, and abundance of nearby shops and restaurants, East Isles remains one of Minneapolis’s most desirable neighborhoods, offering a vibrant urban lifestyle rooted in historic beauty.