With 10,000 lakes in our great state, Minnesotans have some work to do when it comes to picking new ones to visit. Where do you start? How do you choose? The task gets even more difficult when you’re looking for something off the beaten track. Go too far into the woods, and you’ll be muddy and mosquito-bitten in no time. So where are the best hidden beaches in Minnesota?

To help you find the best, quietest secret beaches in Minnesota, we’ve come up with this handy hidden beaches road trip. These six beaches are incredible. Visit them all on one road trip, and it’ll be an experience you never forget.

This hidden beaches route winds through northern Minnesota. It clocks in at just over 500 miles long.
Google Maps
The drive itself is about 9.5 hours, so this is definitely a road trip to take over a few days. But there is plenty to do in the area besides lake hopping. Use this interactive map to look at the full route with driving directions.
1. McCarthy Beach - McCarthy Beach State Park
7622 McCarthy Beach Rd, Side Lake, MN 55781, USA
Im Lost/Flickr
Despite its beach along Sturgeon Lake being ranked among the best in the country, McCarthy Beach State Park is not in the running for the most popular park in Minnesota. But it is certainly worth visiting. Tucked in among thick trees, the calm waters and soft sands of this beach make it a real treat on a summer day. The shallow water extends far into the lake, making McCarthy Beach in Minnesota a great beach for young swimmers.

Address: 7622 McCarthy Beach Road, Side Lake, MN, 55781
2. Black Beach - Silver Bay
Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Will H/TripAdvisor
Next up, Black Beach is a well-known but seldom visited beach on Lake Superior. As far as Minnesota beaches to visit go, this one is one of the most unique. The soft black sand gives way to chilly lake water, but on a hot day, it's not a bad spot for a swim. If you still can't take the cold, Black Beach is still worth visiting for the phenomenal natural scenery.

Address: Silver Bay, MN, 55614

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3. Iona's Beach - Two Harbors
3548 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Next, travel just a few miles south on Highway 61 to Iona's Beach. In contrast with Silver Bay's Black Beach, this little spot is covered in millions of pink pebbles. In the silence of the secluded beach, you should be able to hear them tinkle together as the waves wash the shore. It's one of the most magical hidden beaches in Minnesota that is not to be missed.

Address: 3548 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN, 55616
4. Pelican Lake Beach - Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
307 3rd St, Ironton, MN 56455, USA
Dilated Time/Flickr
The next stop on our road trip is a bit of a hike from Iona's Beach, but it's well worth it. Located in a resort country near Nisswa, Pelican Lake Beach is one of the only public beaches in the area, managed by the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Because most visitors to the Nisswa area stay at resorts, you'll find that this spot is truly hidden. Pop in for a long swim and a great view at one of the most secluded Minnesota beaches to visit.

Address: 307 3rd Streete, Ironton, MN, 56455
5. Lake Bemidji - Lake Bemidji State Park
3401 State Park Rd NE, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA
Sam/Flickr
Next, we travel north again, this time to Lake Bemidji. Located in the expansive Lake Bemidji State Park, a visit to this beach would be a great way to cool off after a long car drive. You could even pitch a tent and stay the night - and you'll probably want to. The quiet beach has soft sand and calm waters. It's a great hidden spot for some fun in the sun and just might be one of the best secret beaches in Minnesota.

Address: 3401 State Park Road NE, Bemidji, MN, 56601
6. Lake of the Woods - Zippel Bay State Park
3684 54th Ave NW, Williams, MN 56686, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Are you looking for something really hidden? Any beach on Lake of the Woods would probably make the cut, and the one at Zippel Bay State Park is especially one of the best although the entire park gets just over 36,000 visitors per year, making it one of Minnesota's least-visited state parks. Zippel Bay's beach is long and sandy, perfect for spreading out a towel to catch some rays. And when you're all done, take a dip into one of the northernmost lakes in the United States.

Address: 3684 54th Avenue NW, Williams, MN, 56686

Did we leave off any of your favorite hidden beaches in Minnesota? Feel free to join the discussion! For another road trip that’s perfect for spring, summer, and fall, check out the Ultimate Waterfalls Road Trip In Minnesota!

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More to Explore

Best Beaches In Minnesota

Robin Jarvis | July 28, 2019

What are the prettiest beaches in Minnesota?

McCarthy Beach at McCarthy State Park in Side Lake (7622 McCarthy Beach Road, Side Lake, MN, 55781) has been named one of the best beaches in the country. Located on Sturgeon Lake and boasting a sandy beach that stretches for half a mile, McCarthy Beach is a favorite among locals and those out-of-town visitors who've already discovered this hidden oasis. Perfect for families with small children, the beach offers shallow waters for hundreds of feet from the shoreline. Pack a bag and enjoy a day in the sun at McCarthy Beach.

What are the best beach towns in Minnesota?

You can imagine in the Land of a Thousand Lakes there are scores of beaches and beach towns. From towns filled with tourist attractions and restaurants to understated towns that offer a more secluded experience, Minnesota has a beach town for everyone. Among the favorites is the unspoiled paradise found in the town of Spicer, located in south-central Minnesota. In addition to the lovely beach setting found along Green Lake, the town offers a quiet escape from the pressures of everyday life. From accommodations to shopping and dining, Spicer has everything you'll need for a perfect getaway. Find out more in our previous article.

What beaches have the clearest water in Minnesota?

The beach at Crystal Bay at Minnesota's Tettegouche State Park is known for pristine and crystal clear water. This red pebble beach is stunning in every way and is found off of Shovel Point on Lake Superior. When in need of a break from all of the R&R you'll find on the beach, head a short distance to the south for stunning views from the rocks high above the lake. The rocky bays are absolutely stunning! Tetetegouche State Park can be found at 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN, 55614.

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