Casual swimmers can sample the world of a triathlete on select summer weeknights at Lake Nokomis. From June 14 to Aug. 28, Minneapolis will again open the lake from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sundays, for open-water swimming. It's not quite half a mile across, and swimmers can determine their own pace and distance. Check rules and register at minneapolisparks.org. A refreshing soak on a summer's eve should be followed with a Surly and a languid dinner at the beachside Sandcastle, 4955 W. Lake Nokomis Pkwy., mplssandcastle.com

Best of Minnesota 2016

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