Centennial Lakes is one of the frequently visited locations in Edina; from summer miniature golf to Homecoming pictures to winter skating, the area is loved for its versatility.

“It's a very beautiful area. There’s a lot of things you can do… It’s a good place to be when it’s nice outside in the summer, spring, winter, or fall,” senior and Clubhouse Attendant at Centennial Lakes Mia Kapoor said.

Every year, Centennial Lakes brings the community together through its captivating landscape and diverse assortment of activities. During the summer and spring seasons, they offer their miniature golf or paddle boating on the lake winding throughout the park, which are available for a fee. Their amphitheater offers several concerts a week in the summer and is one of their zero-cost events.

“At [the concerts], we hand out popcorn and other drinks and snacks like that,” Kapoor said.

While some students like Kapoor work at the park, Centennial Lakes can serve as a great outlet for students to hang out, take photos, or just clear their minds.

During Homecoming season and when students are looking to take senior photos, many turn towards Centennial Lakes. The design of the area and its lakes make for clean and pleasing photos for any occasion. The park has multiple locations with possible photo potential, which means many students can be taking photos there at once, which is helpful during a crowded time like Homecoming.

Centennial Lakes is also a place to be enjoyed during the winter. They offer ice skating for all ages and levels of skaters as well as rentable ice skates in their pavilion right next to the lakes.

Senior and Centennial Lakes Customer Service Representative Greta Boudjouk said that it’s a place in the winter where you can “actually skate outside and have it be more scenic as well… it just adds a nature aspect we don’t really see a lot.”

The fall season has fewer possibilities but still offers free year-round trails around the lakes and photography opportunities. Although there is less to participate in, the autumn beauty is still vibrant throughout the park, which makes for colorful and gorgeous scenery.

“It's really a beautiful park… part of what makes it special is hanging out with other people there and making memories,” sophomore James Brantman said.

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on Dec. 18, 2025