Here Are 8 Minnesota Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer
By Jo Magliocco|Updated on May 28, 2023(Originally published May 27, 2023)
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Jo Magliocco
Author
Minnesota staff writer for Only in Your State and owner of Minnesota blog NorthGuide.co, I'm a Minneapolis transplant who loves my cats, camera, and local coffee. On the weekends I'm usually exploring the North Shore or making my way through the list of Minnesota's State Parks. Want to talk about MN or ask me a question? Tweet me @sotafiedjo!
If you’re looking to enjoy the summer with some amazing swimming opportunities, check out some of the best swimming holes in Minnesota. Take a break from the crowded metro beaches and head to these fun, secret swimming holes in Minnesota. We don’t have anything too fancy here. Just some beautiful places in nature to cool off from the hot sun. From rivers to mine pits, these aren’t just any old Minnesota lakes. Instead, they’re some of the best swimming holes in Minnesota. Don’t forget to add them to your summer bucket list!
1. Lester Park has multiple swimming holes that are fan favorites, and they are all spectacular! The river is located in Lester Park, and it's a popular swimming area for families, especially the big pool off of Superior Street.
This swimming hole features porta-potties, parking spots, picnic tables, and play equipment in the park.
2. Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake, which is one of the best swimming lakes in Minnesota, has a great beach and you can scuba dive, but any of the lakes in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area will do. At over 450 feet, this lake is also the deepest, completely sitting inside of Minnesota. This former iron mining pit is an artificial lake in the Cuyuna Range.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, 3rd Street, Ironton, MN, USA
Here is a view from the west shore near a campground. The lake is within Crosby city limits.
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3. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
in Waite Park is great for jumping and swimming alike. You can also scuba dive here. Two quarries are designated for swimming: Quarry #2, a 116-foot-deep space with high rock formations; Quarry #11 is 40 feet deep, offering a sandy beach.
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, 1802 Co Rd 137, Waite Park, MN 56387, USA
The vast Quarry Park and Nature Preserve holds 683 acres, the largest in the Stearns County Parks system.
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4. The Gooseberry River is the perfect place to cool off, whether you're below the falls or further down. The waterfalls cascade near its mouth in Gooseberry Falls State Park.
This recreational space offers a picnic area along the river, which sits about a half-mile walk from the parking area, offering a shelter, grills, and fire rings. It is also popular for fishing.
6. Lake Minnetonka Swim Pond is a 1.75-acre swimming pond with a 6-feet maximum depth. And for your convenience, it's completely surrounded by sand.
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, 4610 County Rd 44, Minnetrista, MN 55364, USA
This pond is located in the Minnetonka Regional Park. It features filtered and chlorinated water, a changing shelter, concessions, and large beach umbrellas for shade.
7. Another classic Duluth spot is Lake Twin Ponds off Skyline. Located just east of Enger Park, the ponds have a history. They were created in the 1890s by damming Buckingham Creek.
Originally called "Gem Lakes," this was a popular picnic spot for spectators to enjoy horse and carriage rides along Duluth’s Rogers Boulevard, which is now Skyline Parkway.
8. Chester Woods Park, which is located east of Rochester, is an awesome spot to catch some rays and go swimming.
Chester Woods Park, 8378 14 Highway Southeast, Eyota, MN 55934, USA
The Swimming Beach offers a beach house with showers.
While there are many Minnesota swimming holes, as one can see, these are some of the best swimming holes in Minnesota. They are definitely worth a visit, or even two. After all, where else do you love to swim in Minnesota? And when you are in the North Star State, don’t miss out on these Minnesota summer destinations. You’re going to love them!
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