Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Minnesota

Park Point Beach, located at the end of Minnesota Avenue in Duluth, Minnesota, is a popular summer destination known for its pristine sandy beach and diverse recreational activities. The beach is part of a narrow sandbar sandwiched between Lake Superior and the Superior Bay, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor fun. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sand volleyball, hiking trails, and bird watching, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. The area also features historic sites like the ruins of the Minnesota Point Light, adding to its charm.
The beach is well-equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, BBQ grills, and public restrooms, making it an ideal place for family outings and group gatherings. Lifeguards are present during the summer months to ensure safety. Additionally, the beach offers an accessible boat launch, allowing visitors to explore Lake Superior by water.
Park Point's scenic beauty and rich history make it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists, providing a serene escape from urban life while still being close to the city of Duluth.

Theodore Wirth Lake Beach is nestled within the expansive Theodore Wirth Regional Park, located in Golden Valley, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis. This beautiful beach offers a serene escape from the city, with amenities like a floating swim dock, fishing pier, sand volleyball court, picnic area, playground, and accessible restrooms. The beach is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, making it an ideal spot for both daytime relaxation and evening strolls. The surrounding park boasts over 759 acres of natural beauty, including hiking trails, a wildflower garden, and a quaking bog, providing endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, and picnicking during the warmer months. In winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing available. The park's proximity to Minneapolis and its diverse recreational options make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The beach and its surroundings are well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors. With its natural beauty and array of activities, Theodore Wirth Lake Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with nature in the Twin Cities area.

Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area is a unique and picturesque destination located 16 miles north of Two Harbors in Minnesota. This beach is renowned for its stunning pink rhyolite stones that line the shores of Lake Superior, creating a breathtaking visual experience. The beach is part of a protected area, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beach walks, fishing, and photography opportunities, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking serene landscapes.
The area is named after Iona Lind, who once owned the Twin Points Resort, which formerly occupied the parking area. The beach is accessible via a short hike from the Twin Points Protected Access boat launch. The pink rhyolite stones, polished by waves into flat pebbles or 'shingles,' add to the beach's charm.
Iona's Beach offers a tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking solitude and connection with nature. However, visitors should be mindful of their footing due to the rocky terrain.

Square Lake Park, located in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, is a picturesque destination known for its pristine waters and diverse recreational activities. The park features a 950-foot sand beach, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months. It also offers a fishing pier and a motorized boat launch, catering to both casual and serious anglers. The park's clear waters attract scuba divers from across the region, adding to its allure. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for family outings and nature enthusiasts alike.
Square Lake Park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, providing ample time for visitors to explore its natural beauty. The park's commitment to eco-friendly practices ensures that its natural resources are preserved for future generations.
The park's proximity to Stillwater and other local attractions makes it a convenient day-trip destination for those exploring the St. Croix River Valley.

Lake Phalen Beach is a scenic spot located within Phalen Regional Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The park offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake Phalen, which is part of a chain of lakes. The beach area is complemented by amenities like picnic tables, barbecue grills, and sports facilities such as a golf course and volleyball courts. The park's natural setting and diverse recreational options make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

The surrounding area provides a mix of urban and natural environments, with nearby neighborhoods offering a range of dining and shopping experiences. The park's accessibility and diverse activities ensure it remains a vibrant community hub.

Phalen Regional Park is also known for hosting various events throughout the year, including cultural festivals and sports competitions, which add to its appeal as a community gathering place.

Lake Nokomis Main Beach is a vibrant and popular destination in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offering a serene blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Located in the southern part of the city, it is part of the Chain of Lakes and features a long stretch of fine white sand, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. The beach is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, enhancing safety for families. The surrounding park offers additional attractions such as hiking trails and a playground, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.
The lake itself is historically significant, having been transformed from marshland into a navigable lake through extensive dredging. It is named after Nokomis, the grandmother of Hiawatha, reflecting its cultural and historical importance. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, kayaking, and sailing, thanks to its well-developed infrastructure. The nearby Minnehaha Falls and several hiking trails add to the allure of this scenic area.
Lake Nokomis Main Beach is also known for its environmental efforts, with native vegetation restoration projects along its shores. This blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance makes it a must-visit destination in Minneapolis.

Hayes Lake State Park, located in Roseau County, Minnesota, offers a serene and secluded getaway amidst the transition from farmland to wilderness. The park is centered around Hayes Lake, a 190-acre lake with a maximum depth of 28 feet, and the north fork of the Roseau River. It provides a habitat for diverse wildlife such as loons, moose, beavers, and black bears. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and canoeing, with over 200 bird species to spot for birdwatchers. The park's scenic trails connect with the Beltrami Island State Forest, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

The park's history dates back to the early 1900s when the first homestead was established. It officially became a state park in 1967, named after A.F. Hayes, an early settler who advocated for the creation of the lake. Today, Hayes Lake State Park is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor recreation and tranquility.

The park's unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities makes it an ideal spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

Shady Oak Beach is a picturesque 85-acre recreational area located in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It features a 76-foot sandy beach shoreline along a clear spring-fed lake, making it an ideal spot for swimming and water activities. The beach offers a variety of amenities, including a high dive, sand volleyball court, and picnic shelters. It is operated by the Minnetonka Recreation Department and requires an entrance fee for access to its facilities. The surrounding area is rich with attractions like the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

The beach is well-suited for family outings, with options for canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours, ensuring safety for beachgoers. Additionally, the beach hosts birthday parties and offers special packages for events. While pets are not allowed on the beach itself, they can accompany families on nearby trails.

Shady Oak Beach is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy outdoor activities in a scenic setting.

Lake Nokomis Main Beach is a vibrant and popular destination in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offering a serene blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Located in the southern part of the city, it is part of the Chain of Lakes and features a long stretch of fine white sand, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. The beach is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, enhancing safety for families. The surrounding park offers additional attractions such as hiking trails and a playground, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.
The lake itself is historically significant, having been transformed from marshland into a navigable lake through extensive dredging. It is named after Nokomis, the grandmother of Hiawatha, reflecting its cultural and historical importance. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, kayaking, and sailing, thanks to its well-developed infrastructure. The nearby Minnehaha Falls and several hiking trails add to the allure of this scenic area.
Lake Nokomis Main Beach is also known for its environmental efforts, with native vegetation restoration projects along its shores. This blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance makes it a must-visit destination in Minneapolis.

Lake Harriet North Beach is a picturesque destination in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offering a serene escape amidst the city. The beach stretches for about 500 feet and features fine, golden sand, making it perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. It is part of Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes, providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. The surrounding parkland includes attractions such as the Lake Harriet Bandshell, which hosts concerts during the summer, and the Lake Harriet Rose Garden, a tranquil spot for picnics.
The beach is a popular spot for family outings, with amenities like picnic tables and grills available. However, it does not have lifeguards on duty, and dogs are not allowed. Visitors can enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks display here, adding to its festive charm.
The area also offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Lake Harriet Loop Trail, which connects to other lakes and parks, making it a great spot for nature lovers and those seeking active adventures.

Afton State Park, located in Minnesota, offers a serene and natural escape along the St. Croix River. The park features a swimming beach in a shallow, calm section of the river, marked with buoys during the summer. It is surrounded by rolling glacial moraines and blufflands, providing stunning views and diverse wildlife habitats. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing on its extensive trails. The park also includes a visitor center and offers camping options, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park's unique landscape supports a variety of flora and fauna, including remnant prairies and wooded river valleys. Its proximity to St. Paul makes it an accessible getaway for both locals and tourists. The swimming beach is a highlight, offering a peaceful spot for relaxation and water activities.
Afton State Park is named after the River Afton in Scotland, reflecting the area's historical and cultural ties. It is a place where nature lovers can connect with the outdoors while appreciating the region's rich history.

Zippel Bay State Park, located on the shores of Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. The park features three miles of white sand beach and ocean-like waves, creating an ideal setting for swimming and water sports. It is surrounded by a diverse ecosystem, including jack pine, birch, and quaking aspen trees, which attract a variety of wildlife such as western moose and eastern black bears. The park is open year-round, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of Lake of the Woods, which is one of the largest lakes in North America.

The park's facilities include a swimming beach, picnic areas, a marina, and a fishing pier. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with species like sandhill cranes and piping plovers being notable attractions. In the winter, the lake transforms into a bustling hub for ice fishing and snowmobiling, with numerous fish houses dotting the frozen landscape.

Zippel Bay State Park is a haven for those seeking a mix of adventure and tranquility amidst nature's splendor.

Bde Maka Ska, formerly known as Lake Calhoun, is the largest lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a key part of the city's Chain of Lakes. It is surrounded by city park land and offers a 3.4-mile bike trail and a 3.2-mile pedestrian trail, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like biking, walking, and kayaking. The lake features three beaches: North Beach, 32nd Beach, and Thomas Beach. It is also home to sailing clubs and hosts various local sailing teams. The area around the lake includes several parks, picnic areas, and volleyball courts, providing a vibrant recreational space for both locals and visitors.

The lake's history is rich, having been the site of a Dakota agricultural village and later a mission station where the first alphabet for the Dakota language was created. Today, it remains a beloved spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Visitors can enjoy the scenic views, watch the sunset, or participate in water sports like canoeing and windsurfing. The nearby Calhoun Beach Club Residences offer additional amenities and views of the lake.

Lake Hiawatha Beach is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, just north of Lake Nokomis. The area was once a swampy wetland known as Rice Lake but was transformed into a beautiful lake surrounded by a 241-acre park. The park offers numerous recreational activities, including a beach, fishing pier, golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, and walking paths. The lake itself is 53 acres with a maximum depth of 33 feet and is home to various fish species like largemouth bass and northern pike. The surrounding neighborhood, Ericsson, is a quiet residential area with single-family homes and plenty of green spaces.
The park's amenities make it an attractive spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year, from swimming in the summer to ice skating in the winter.
The transformation of Lake Hiawatha from a marsh to a lake was a significant project undertaken by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, reflecting the city's commitment to creating accessible recreational spaces for its residents.