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Home >  United States  >  Minnesota  >  Chanhassen  >  

Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area

Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area

United States, Minnesota, Chanhassen 

Sandee

Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area

United States, Minnesota, Chanhassen 

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Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area is located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, offering a serene escape with its picturesque lake views and lush surroundings. The area is part of the larger Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, which spans 340 acres and provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the designated beach, explore the extensive trails for walking or skiing, and engage in various water sports on the lake. The park also features a large playground, picnic shelters, and a dog park, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers alike.

The name 'Minnewashta' originates from the Dakota language, meaning 'good water,' reflecting the lake's excellent water quality. The area is close to other attractions like the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, which offers beautiful gardens and scenic walks.

Overall, Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area combines natural beauty with recreational activities, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

For dining options near Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area, visitors can explore a variety of restaurants in the surrounding area. Tequila Butcher offers a trendy atmosphere with a focus on cocktails and comfort food. Maynards is a lakeside American eatery known for its beer selection and casual dining experience. Houlihan's provides a cozy setting with a wide range of American dishes and a great selection of drinks. For a more upscale experience, Hazelwood Food and Drink offers a mix of breakfast, brunch, and American grill fare in a comfortable setting. Lastly, Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge is a large venue featuring multiple eateries and live music, perfect for those looking for a lively atmosphere.

For accommodations near Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area, there are several convenient options. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chanhassen offers a relaxed stay with free breakfast and Wi-Fi, along with an indoor pool. Another choice is the AmericInn by Wyndham Chanhassen, which provides a low-key atmosphere with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast. Both hotels are well-suited for families and business travelers alike.

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park offers a range of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park includes a swimming beach, a bathhouse, reservable picnic shelters, volleyball courts, and a large playground. Additionally, there is a concession stand available for snacks and refreshments. Visitors can also rent equipment for various activities or explore the paved bike trails and turf trails suitable for walking and skiing. The park's facilities are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable visit for all.

For those interested in water activities, the park provides a paved boat access point, allowing easy entry into the lake for fishing or boating. The picnic shelters are perfect for family gatherings or group events, offering scenic views of the lake.

Overall, the park's amenities cater to a wide range of interests, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Swimming is a popular pastime during the warmer months, with a designated beach area perfect for sunbathing and cooling off. The park also features volleyball courts and a large playground, making it a great spot for families and groups looking for recreational fun. For those interested in water sports, the lake provides opportunities for boating and fishing, with a paved boat access point available.

In addition to water activities, the park has extensive trails for walking and skiing, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area year-round. The off-leash dog area is another highlight, providing a spacious space for pet owners to let their dogs run freely.

Overall, the park's diverse activities ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park strives to provide accessible facilities for all visitors. The park includes wheelchair-accessible paths, restrooms, and picnic areas, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational activities available. The swimming beach and other amenities are designed to be accessible, allowing visitors with disabilities to participate fully in park activities. Additionally, the nearby restaurants and hotels offer wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities, making the entire area more inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

Parking at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is convenient and accessible. Visitors must purchase a daily or annual parking permit to access the park, which helps maintain the facilities and ensure a smooth experience for all. The parking areas are located close to the beach and other amenities, making it easy to transport gear or simply enjoy a short walk to the lake. The proximity of parking to the beach and other facilities ensures that visitors can quickly transition between activities without hassle.

The park's parking policy supports the upkeep of the area, ensuring that it remains a beautiful and well-maintained destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Minnewashta has several interesting facts that contribute to its charm. The name 'Minnewashta' comes from the Dakota language, meaning 'good water,' which reflects the lake's excellent water quality. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike, making it a popular spot for anglers. However, it also faces challenges from invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil.

The lake is part of the larger Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, which hosts events like the Tonka Mud Run, adding to the area's recreational appeal. The park's unique blend of natural beauty and community activities makes it a beloved destination in Minnesota.

Additionally, the area's proximity to Lake Minnetonka, a much larger and well-known lake, provides additional opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.

Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. One of the most notable nearby attractions is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, which is ranked as a top botanical garden. It offers beautiful gardens, tree collections, and trails for walking and cross-country skiing, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. The arboretum is open year-round and provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Another attraction is the Lake Minnewashta Regional Park itself, which offers a dog park, picnic shelters, and volleyball courts. The park's diverse amenities and activities make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Additionally, the nearby city of Chanhassen hosts various events throughout the year, including fireworks displays and festivals, adding to the area's vibrant atmosphere.

Basic Details

INRestroom Available

INLake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area, Excelsior, MN 55331

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesLifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesPlayground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Showers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Surfing

  • Tours

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesVolleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Bikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Restaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Car Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesDisabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Parking - Free

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Paid

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    No, this Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.

    Does Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area have lifeguards?

    Yes, this Beach ensures safety with professional lifeguards on duty throughout the day, offering peace of mind for beachgoers.

    Is Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area good for swimming?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area?

    No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Fishing, Hiking, Paddleboarding, Volleyball.

    Does Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

    Is Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area a dog-friendly beach?

    Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!

    Is Lake Minnewashta Beach & Picnic Area good for surfing?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

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