Minnesota summers always feel much too short, especially since the winters in Minnesota are so long and harsh. No matter where you live, one of the most beloved ways to enjoy warm summer days is to splash in the water. While you may be quick to consider hopping in the pool come summer, we have also rounded up some of the best secret swimming holes near Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

1. Bde Maka Ska North Beach (Minneapolis)
Bde Maka Ska North Beach, 2707 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
Flickr/Joe Passe
This lake is the largest and deepest lake in all of Minneapolis, and North Beach is one of the most popular in the entire city, maybe only surpassed by Lake Harriet. The ​​Bde Maka Ska North Beach is clean and family-friendly, making it the perfect spot for fun in the sun.
2. Shady Oak Beach (Minnetonka)
Minnetonka, MN, USA
Yelp/Marybeth B.
Lake Minnetonka is easily the most high-profile lake in the entire state. Every summer, the lake is full of boats of visitors enjoying watersports and lake parties. The Shady Oak Beach features 76 feet of shoreline, with two sand play areas and a concession stand to make it the perfect swimming hole for all day fun.
3. Cedar Lake Beach (Minneapolis)
Cedar Lake South Beach, 3500 Cedar Lake Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
Flickr/jpellgen (@1179_jp)
The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes knows how to do swim-friendly beaches right. Cedar Lake has three beaches for you to choose from. Our favorite spot is Cedar Lake Beach, also known as the "Hidden Beach." It’s a bit more secluded, a perfect spot to swim, and is a huge component of Minneapolis’ counterculture history.
4. Elm Creek Swimming Beach (Maple Grove)
Elm Creek Swimming Pond, 12420 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369, USA
Yelp/Stephen C.
Some of the best swimming holes are man-made, as with the case with Elm Creek Park Reserve’s swim pond. The pond is well-maintained by the park and is a family-friendly spot that features large umbrellas to beat the heat, as well as a concession stand to keep you hydrated while you splash in this lake. This is also home to one of the best hikes in Minnesota.

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5. Hidden Falls (Saint Paul)
Hidden Falls, Schroeder Township, MN 55613, USA
Yelp/Chuck P.
Do you want to go chasing waterfalls in Minnesota? In Saint Paul, you can find Hidden Falls. Immerse yourself in the cool water of the falls... it’s a magical experience.
6. Lake Harriet (Minneapolis)
Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA
Flickr/mamichan
Lake Harriet has it all: a pristine beach, sailboats floating on the horizon, a bandshell for free outdoor movies and concerts, and an immensely popular concession stand called the "Bread and Pickle," which makes a beachside to-go meal tastier than you thought possible. If you haven't been there yet this summer, you need to pay a visit as soon as possible!
7. Lake Phalen (Saint Paul)
Lake Phalen, Minnesota, USA
Yelp/DJ H.
If you only go to one beach in Saint Paul, this is it. The lake is perfect for swimming and is also a cool spot for a variety of multicultural events throughout the entire summer. Lake Phalen belongs on your to-do list this season for sure.
8. Lake Nokomis Beach (Minneapolis)
Lake Nokomis Beach, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Yelp/Jacqui B.
It's safe to say that the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes has the absolute best beaches. The view from Nokomis' Beach is extraordinary. It's the perfect place to swim on your final days of summer. This is definitely one of our all-time favorite waterfront spots in Minnesota!

When we are in the dog days of summer, it’s hard to think that Minnesota winter will be upon us again before we know it. Soak up the sun and hit the water when you can! What are some of your favorite swimming holes near Minneapolis? Let us know in the comments section!

Do you love our lakes? Check out this article on 9 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Minneapolis-Saint Paul in Summer.

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More to Explore

Best Swimming Places in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Tori Jane | July 07, 2022

What are the best swimming holes near Minneapolis-Saint Paul?  

Minnesota is quite literally known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, but that’s a bit misleading: there are actually more than 10,000 lakes in our little state, but we digress. Some of those swimming holes near Minneapolis-Saint Paul are worth a dip sooner than later. Among our favorite swimming holes in Minnesota, some of these in the Minneapolis area are by far the best, including:

  • There's Quarry Park, just outside the city in Waite Park. It’s a 112-foot-deep quarry and it’s filled with more than just cool water: it’s also one of the most interesting, scenic places within an hour of the city, and we adore it.
  • Another excellent place to go swimming near Minneapolis-Saint Paul is the legendary Lake Nokomis, whose beaches are pristine and water temperatures are always perfect. Who says you need to be near an ocean for a beach day?  

 

Where can we swim near Minneapolis-Saint Paul?  

As we alluded to in the paragraph above, there are many amazing places to swim near Minneapolis-Saint Paul. We’re partial to some of the specifically branded swimming beaches in Minnesota, many of which happen to be quite close to the Twin Cities. The next time you're looking for places to swim, consider the following:

  • Head to Maple Grove and do the Elm Creek Swimming Beach, an amazing swim pond within the Elm Creek Park Reserve.
  • We also love heading out to some of the beautiful lakes near Minneapolis-Saint Paul for more swimming, like Lake Phalen and Lake Nokomis, both of which come equipped with wonderful swimming beaches.  

 

What are the best swimming places near Minneapolis-Saint Paul?  

The list definitely goes on, and the places mentioned here and above are nowhere near the only ones! Other amazing swimming places near Minneapolis-Saint Paul include:

  • Cedar Lake Beach, in Minneapolis, where you can take your pick from three gorgeous beaches, sink your toes in the sand, and forget about life for a while.
  • Another few favorite lakes in Minnesota perfect for swimming are gems like Cedar Lake, which has a very popular swim beach by the name of Hidden Beach to check out. Okay, it’s not overly hidden, or even a secret, but we absolutely love it and feel we can’t go without mentioning it!  

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