The Minneapolis
Sailboat Pond

PART OF THE MINNEAPOLIS AQUATENNIAL · JULY 2026

For six summer days, the fountains at People's Plaza become Minnesota’s 10,000+1st lake. Pick a boat, catch the wind, and race it across the water, right between City Hall and the Government Center.

Reserve a time

Your little harbor in the heart of the city

SET SAIL DOWNTOWN

The Minneapolis Model Sailboat Pond will transform the fountains at People's Plaza into a living, moving public attraction. Inspired by the beloved sailboats of Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, this charming family activity is sure to become a new Minneapolis summer tradition. Water, wind, and more than 20 colorful sailboats will bring Minnesota's "10,000 lakes and one more" to life between City Hall and the Hennepin County Government Center.

Whether you're racing a boat, cheering from the fountain's edge, or simply enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon downtown, there's something magical about watching the wind do the work.

NO MOTORS. NO BATTERIES.

Three easy steps, and the breeze takes care of the rest.

STEP 01

Choose your boat

Pick up a numbered sailboat from our crew at the fountain's edge. It's yours for the next half hour.

Choose. Launch. Chase the wind.

STEP 02

Launch it

Set it on the water and hand it over to the wind. No remotes, no engines, just sails and a good gust.

STEP 03

Chase the wind

Walk the rim, give it a nudge with a pole, and guide your boat home before the next captain takes the helm.

Reserve a time

JOIN US

$5 for
30 minutes

Boats are provided, just bring yourself. Perfect for kids, families, grandparents, lunch-breakers, and anyone after a uniquely Minneapolis summer afternoon.

People’s Plaza (between Minneapolis City Hall and the Hennepin County Government Center)

352 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415