13 Best Beaches in Minneapolis, Minnesota (+ Options Nearby)
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
If you love going to clean, sandy beaches and haven’t been to Minneapolis for some reason, this post is a must-read. Minneapolis makes up one-half of the twin cities and is the largest city in Minnesota.
The city is spread on a relatively leveled plain, with the Mississippi River flowing through downtown. Its 22+ lakes, lagoons, and some of the best Minneapolis beaches make it one of the most exciting places to visit in Minnesota.
Living in the City of Lakes means almost unlimited beach options and several ways to explore each. Take a dip in the tranquil waters or enjoy the shore’s beauty, and feel free to explore the beautiful waterways the way you like.
Minnesota, known chiefly for its fierce winters, is best explored in the spring when the weather is mild and breezy, and in the summer, when it can get extremely hot.
During these months, Minneapolis parks and beaches are the best places to visit. These beaches offer numerous great outdoor activities to visitors and residents of Minneapolis, including kayaking, fishing, canoeing, and paddle boating.
There are so many ways to enjoy the rivers and lakes in Minneapolis! But don’t worry. We’ve narrowed down a list of the best beaches in Minneapolis, so you don’t have to do too much research!
Best Beaches in Minneapolis
1. East Cedar Lake Beach
Away from the crowds, tucked between lush green trees, lies Cedar Lake East Beach, one of the best beaches in Minnesota. This small sandy beach is located in the lush, peaceful Cedar Lake Park, which connects with several trails extending to the western suburbs.
Also known as the “Hidden Beach” due to its secluded location and winding pathways, it was once a getaway for people who wanted a quieter alternative to the city’s more popular beach destinations.
The gorgeous Cedar Lake swimming beach offers good fishing locations, so you can always plan a fishing trip with your family or friends. If East Beach feels too crowded at any hour, you can walk to Cedar Lake South Beach, which is one of the best places to swim in Minneapolis, to relax and watch the sunset.
Although Cedar Lake East Beach has undergone many changes in the past years, it continues to be among the best lake beaches in Minneapolis. It welcomes canny visitors looking for a discrete beach experience. This beach is perfect for kids and also has a dog park.
See Related: Things to Do in Excelsior, Minnesota
2. White Sands Beach
White Sands Beach lies along the West River Parkway. It is one of the best river beaches in the Twin Cities, known for its perfectly white sands. The sand is so brilliantly white that it looks like a streak of white paint along the riverbanks from afar. The sands look even whiter just after dawn, so it’s best to go there in the morning to see this.
White Sands Beach is another secluded beach, so you don’t have to worry much about the crowds. It has a steep incline, so the trail leading down to it makes for a nice hike.
You can have a bonfire on the beach or admire the water from the shore. You can also hike five miles on the nearby Winchell Trail between Franklin Avenue South and East 44th Street. It’s an easy hike with a few climbs and slopes and a fence on the riverside to keep the trail safe.
See Related: Minneapolis is safe for travelers.
3. Cedar Lake South Beach
Cedar Lake South Beach is next on our list of the best beaches to swim in Minneapolis. It is a small, secluded area, ideal for biking, jogging, and walking pets.
It is also another one of the quietest Minneapolis beaches, and that’s why it’s one of the best places to relax in the city. During spring or summer, you can easily find a spot under the sun, admire the gorgeous lake, or rent a paddleboat to explore the waters.
The beach is family—and pet-friendly. It is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city but close enough to be easily accessible. The best time to visit is in the evening when the sun is about to set and the sky changes colors.
See Related: Best Walking Tours in Minneapolis
4. Cedar Lake Point Beach
As you can see, we love Cedar Lake! Point Beach is one of the three beaches along Cedar Lake and one of the twelve beaches in the Minneapolis park system. It’s situated on the west shore and allows you to experience the lake on a paddle boat or a kayak.
It’s refreshing to stroll along the walking path of the beach, and you can always take breaks on the lakeside benches while enjoying the scenic views. You will often find fishermen reeling in bass and crappie from this stretch of Cedar Lake.
If you feel energetic, hike on the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail, a 4.3-mile paved path connecting with other trails around Cedar Lake.
See Related: Day Trips from Minneapolis
5. Lake Harriet South Beach
Lake Harriet South Beach is one of the two beaches along Lake Harriet. It has soft, fine sand and a shallow, child-friendly coastline, perfect for children.
The waters are also calm and not too deep, which puts the beach among the best beaches in Minneapolis for swimming. In addition to that, the beach is family-friendly and perfect for enjoying water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating with your family.
Since this beach is famous throughout the city, it fills up fast on weekends. Therefore, if you are not a fan of crowds, it is better to visit on weekdays or early in the morning.
See Related: Things to Do in Saint Paul, Minnesota
6. Lake Nokomis Main Beach
Due to its location, Lake Nokomis Beach is one of the best lake beaches in Minneapolis. It is also one of the most accessible swimming lakes in Minneapolis, with clean blue water and exciting activities for the whole family.
Spending a day at Nokomis Beach is always great fun. The beach offers plenty of amenities, such as a paid parking area, a picnic area, and restrooms. You can enjoy swimming in the clean and fresh water while your kids play in the nearby playgrounds with slides and swings along the coastline.
After a long day at the beach, you can head to the nearby Sandcastle restaurant for delicious food, a great view of Lake Nokomis, and shade from the hot summer sun.
See Related: Things to Do in Wayzata, Minnesota
8. Bde Maka Ska
Bde Maka Ska (formerly known as Lake Calhoun) is one of Minneapolis’s largest lakes and part of the city’s Chain of Lakes. The lake has three swimming beaches: Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach, North Beach, and Thomas Beach.
The unique Dakota name translates to White Earth Lake, referring to the light sands around the lake’s three beaches. All three beaches are open for swimming and guarantee instant refreshment. The coastline also offers family-friendly activities, including canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boating.
The lake is circled by a park and several trails for walking tours and biking. You can rent beach bikes to enjoy a ride on the nearby biking path.
There are multiple beach volleyball courts where you can enjoy a quick game with your friends or family. You can also reel in various kinds of fish if you are into fishing, including black crappie, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, and largemouth bass.
See Related: Things to Do in Two Harbors, Minnesota
9. Lake Nokomis Park
Lake Nokomis Park (sometimes known as the “Unknown Calhoun” among older folk) attracts smaller crowds and offers a wide range of amenities and activities. The park has plenty of green space for picnics and barbecues. There are also separate paths for walking, biking, and roller skating around the Lake.
Specific areas in the park are designated for sports. If you are sporty, bring a racket, football, or baseball and mitt to the Lake Nokomis sports areas.
If you are a water sports enthusiast, head to Lake Nokomis to rent canoes, kayaks, and boats. There’s great fishing at any fishing piers around the lake. While you are at it, the playground will keep your young ones busy all day, and there are conveniently located restrooms, too.
You can also plan a trip with your family to the Nokomis Naturescape Garden, home to beautiful flowers and other plants native to Minnesota. Plus, the park hosts the enchanting Minneapolis Monarch Butterfly Festival every year in September.
See Related: Best Hotels in Minneapolis, Minnesota
10. Theodore Wirth Regional Park – Volleyball Courts
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is home to Wirth Lake Beach, just off Glenwood Avenue. The beach offers walking paths and seating around the swimming area.
Wirth Lake Beach is among the best places to swim in Minneapolis because it has many sand volleyball courts and hosts sand volleyball league games yearly!
You will find a fishing pier just north of the beach. If you’re out fishing in the lake, expect to catch some Black Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, White Crappie, and various other species.
The Theodore Wirth Regional Park boasts a full-size playground, two golf courses, and a disc golf area. The Luce Line trail runs near Wirth Lake, along with other biking trails. You can enjoy hiking in all four seasons on these trails.
One of the best locations in the park is the Quaking Bog. Walk along the floating boardwalk to explore the bog and admire the wildlife in the area. The bog is a great place to take memorable pictures of Minneapolis.
Best Beaches Near Minneapolis
If you live in Minneapolis or are staying nearby, check out these neighboring beaches, which are some of my favorites to visit.
11. East Bush Lake Beach
Bush Lake is a clear and shallow lake famous for fishing and picnicking. East Bush Lake Beach is about a mile from West Bush Lake Park, which is across the lake.
East Bush Lake offers several recreational activities and is a pleasant place for family picnics and swimming. You can also reel in various fish, including black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and that toothy northern pike.
Every year, the nearby city of Bloomington hosts a sandcastle-building contest at the beach and many other fun activities for visitors.
See Related: Things to Do in Hastings, Minnesota
12. Silver Lake Beach Park
Silver Lake Beach Park is spread over 260 acres and offers numerous attractions for visitors. The park’s natural trails stretch across the rolling landscape and offer some of the most splendid views of Silver Lake and the countryside.
Enjoy a picnic at the park under the open-air picnic tables. Go kayaking in the blue waters and admire the views and calm surroundings.
The park has a large playground, sand volleyball court, and tennis court. It also offers outdoor showers, foot wash areas, and restrooms to cool off the heat. Ideally, you can light up a charcoal grill to end your day or grab a bite at nearby restaurants.
See Related: Day Trips from Minneapolis & St. Paul (Twin Cities)
13. Hidden Falls Regional Park
The beautiful Hidden Falls Regional Park is hidden alongside the Mississippi River and lined with trees. The park features a spring-fed waterfall, trails, a sandy beach, and scenic picnic spots.
The place is great for bird watching, fishing, walking, or biking on a summer day. There’s an easy hiking trail to the charming waterfall, and the walk is child-friendly, so your young ones won’t struggle if they tag along with you.
Don’t forget to take some food with you as the park features several green spaces and barbeque grills to enjoy family picnics by the river and a quiet sandy beach.
See Related: Things to Do in Edina, Minnesota
Tips to enjoy your beach day
- Sunscreen and hats are a must! The sun can be intense in Minnesota, so protect yourself.
- Bring a picnic lunch or dinner and enjoy a meal on the beach. If you don’t like cooking, there are many great restaurants and cafes.
- If you want to stay cool, bring a beach umbrella or rent a cabana.
- Many beaches have volleyball courts, so bring a ball and some friends and have a game.
- Don’t forget your swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops!
FAQ
How do you have a good beach day?
You can do a few things to ensure your beach day is enjoyable. First, pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. You’ll also want to bring snacks, drinks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget a towel and swimsuit for swimming and playing in the water. Finally, it’s always a good idea to plan what you want to do at the beach to make the most of your time there!
What are the best beaches in Minnesota?
Minnesota has many great beaches, but some of our favorites include Lake Calhoun, Minnehaha Regional Park, Cedar Point Park, and Itasca State Park.
What is the best time of year to visit the beach in Minneapolis?
The best time of year to visit the beach in Minneapolis depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to swim, summer is the best time to go. However, if you want to enjoy the scenery and take a walk, the spring and fall months are also great times to visit.
What should I bring to the beach?
Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. You’ll also want to bring snacks, drinks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget a towel and swimsuit for swimming and playing in the water. Finally, it’s always a good idea to plan what you want to do at the beach to make the most of your time there!