The thing that Minnesota kids get to brag more than any other kid in the country is access to 10,000 lakes for swimming, boating, fishing, and more. In the Twin Cities alone we are within reach of more than 1000 lakes! How does one choose? We aren’t sure. But we have rounded up our some of our favorites to give you a start. Here are our top 10 favorite beaches in the Twin Cities metro area.
10 Favorite Beaches in the Twin Cities
Lake Nokomis Main Beach
I know I’m biased because this is my neighborhood beach, but I think this has to be the best in the cities. The main beach is huge with plenty of sand to lay a blanket, build a sandcastle, or play some volleyball. Parking is pretty easy whether you use paid lot or free street parking. The swim area is huge and great for play as much as for lap swimming. You can bike or walk around the lake, rent those bike cars, or rent a kayak or paddle board and explore the deep parts of the water. Plus, a new restaurant is opening up this summer Painted Turtle with promises of great food and beer. What more could you want?
Address: 5001 Lake Nokomis Parkway W, Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Lifeguard Hours: 1–7 PM daily
Lake Harriet Southeast Beach
Maybe you know Lake Harriet for their bandshell and sailboats, but this tiny neighborhood beach is also worth a visit. Enjoy a dip in the pool before or after the other great features Lake Harriet has to offer.
Address: 4740 Lake Harriet Parkway E, Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Lifeguard Hours: No summer hours
Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach
There are many great beaches to choose around Bde Maka Ska, but this one is the best for location, view, and access to fun. Parking is tricky around this lake so it’s worth hanging out for awhile and enjoying all the features of the lake. Maybe rent a boat and travel under the bridge to Lake of the Isles!
Address: 3200 E Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Lifeguard Hours: No summer hours
Wirth Lake Beach
We can’t stop talking about all we love about Theodore Wirth Park, and on that list is their beach tucked in the middle of the park on Wirth Lake. The beach has a giant sand beach, sand volleyball courts, and a beautiful natural setting in the middle of the city.
Address: 3200 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Lifeguard Hours: 1pm-7pm, daily
Phalen Park Beach
St. Paul has fewer beaches than it’s twin city Minneapolis and the most popular is the Phalen Park Beach on Lake Phalen. The beach is far enough away from parking to feel cozy and also features a snack stand and splash pad.
Address: 1400 Phalen Drive, Saint Paul, MN
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM / Splash Pad 9 AM-9 PM
Lifeguard Hours: 12pm-8pm, daily
Snelling Lake Beach
Sure you’ve heard of Fort Snelling State Park for hiking but have you visited the beach? Come check out the wide sandy swimming beach that runs along the lake. Bring a picnic for your group and enjoy the great picnic areas large enough for a big gathering. Daily or annual park permit required.
Address: 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Lifeguard Hours: 1pm-7pm, daily
Elm Creek Park Reserve Swim Pond
If you love the vibe of a lake but don’t like the mess, check out Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The water here is filtered and chlorinated, but you still can enjoy the sandy beaches you love at a traditional lake beach.
Address: 12420 James Deane Parkway, Maple Grove MN
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 8 PM
Lifeguard Hours: No lifeguard on duty
Lake Elmo Park Reserve Swim Pond
Another great pool/pond hybrid swimming choice can be found at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The lake here goes out to 6 feet and is sure to entertain all ages in your family. $7 entrance fee for every vehicle.
Address: 1515 Keats Avenue N, Lake Elmo, MN
Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM, Thursday-Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lifeguard Hours: 12–8 PM, Thursday-Monday
Schulze Lake Beach
Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan is your destination for an entire day of summer fun. Start with a swim at the large sand beach of Schulze Lake, try out a kayak rental, and then finish the day drying off on a hike on one of the many trails.
Address: 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN
Hours: Daily, Sunrise – 8 PM
Lifeguard Hours: No lifeguard.
Square Lake Park
If you are looking for perfectly clean and clear water then look no further than Square Lake Park in Stillwater. It’s a lesser known beach and swim area but those in the know say it’s the best-kept secret.
Address: 15450 Square Lake Trail N., Stillwater, MN
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Lifeguard Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM, daily
