Long Meadow Lake

from flickr user radio.sputnik
Most people pass by Long Meadow Lake on Interstate 494 (southeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport) without even realizing that it is in fact a lake. It's one of those areas that blends in with the marshes and backwaters of the Minnesota River when, in fact, it is a standalone lake. And being that is designated as a National Wildlife Refuge, the surrounding park will remain open over the upcoming July 4th weekend while the Minnesota DNR closes all state parks due to the looming State of Minnesota government shutdown.