Minnesota’s lakes definitely offer plenty of amazing swimming opportunities, but if you’re looking for something different, we found some other epic Minnesota swimming holes for you to try. From rivers to mines and even spring-fed pools, these places are some of the most beautiful and refreshing in the state. Here are some of the best swimming holes in Minnesota to visit this summer:

1. The Mouth of the Temperance River, Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota 61, Silver Bay, MN, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources




This calm pool at the mouth of the Temperance River where it heads into Lake Superior is not only an epic swimming spot with plenty of rocky ledges to perch on, but has spectacular North Shore views!
2. Sand Bar, Afton State Park
Afton State Park Trail, Minnesota, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This swimming spot on the St. Croix has amazing 360 degree views of Afton and the river. It's calm and catches the perfect breeze on summer days.
3. Kettle River, Banning State Park
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources




The Kettle River is absolutely stunning and the calm patch at Banning State Park off the Quarry Loop Trail is perfect for a quick dip between rapids.

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4. Camden State Park
Camden State Park Trail, Minnesota 56157, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This spring fed pool is phenomenal and clear. It's a wonderful place to cool off in the summer, and has a beautiful beach as well.
5. Alstead Mine Lake, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, 3rd Street, Ironton, MN, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This mine lake is a whopping 140 feet deep, and perfect for swimming and even scuba diving. Neighboring Mahnomen Mine Lake is 525 feet deep for those who need something more adventurous.
6. Beaver Bay, Minnesota Lake Superior, Agate Beach
Agate Bay Beach, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Superior Trails
This stunning bay on Superior has some of the best swimming around. It's usually fairly calm, and the water is crystal clear - perfect for enjoying a North Shore day.
7. Pine Springs Swimming Pool, Blooming Prairie
Blooming Prairie, MN 55917, USA
City of Blooming Prairie
This beautiful and clear pool is treated with chlorine but fed from a nearby natural spring. It has diving platforms and sandboxes, and is one of the largest in the area!

What are your favorite places for swimming in Minnesota?  Do you prefer lakes, or are these more your style?

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Best Swimming Holes in Minnesota

Tori Jane | May 29, 2022

What are some fun things to do at Afton state park in Minnesota?  

Afton state park, nestled in Hastings, is one of our favorite state parks in Minnesota. It’s filled to the brim with all kinds of stuff to do, and it’s nearly impossible to ever get bored in this place. Some fun things to do at  Afton state park in Minnesota include:

  • Swimming (after all, it’s home to one of the best places to go swimming in Minnesota)
  • Camping
  • Hiking the 31 miles of awe-inspiring hiking trails weaving all over the park.
  • Admire the beauty of the St. Croix River from one of the wonderful picnic sites.
  • Visit the sand bar when the water level is low to get your feet wet.

Within this Minnesota state park are fascinating bridges to explore, beautiful flora and fauna to admire, and so much more. Afton state park in Minnesota is a hidden gem for sure.  

What is there to do at Banning state park in Minnesota? 

A state park in Minnesota just as worthy of a visit as the above-mentioned Afton state park, Banning state park is a wonderful respite from the bustle of everyday life. Much like with Afton state park, visitors can hike and dip their toes in the water, as there are many places along the Kettle River that are perfect for doing exactly that. Banning state park is a popular destination for kayaking in Minnesota, and various parts of the river consist of challenging rapids. The park is home to a gorgeous waterfall or two, and the trails here reveal fascinating secrets of the region’s geological history.  

What are some of the best Minnesota swimming holes?  

Minnesota isn’t called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for no reason, and plenty of those pristine lakes in Minnesota are perfect for taking a dip. Visit:

  • Lake Minnetonka swimming pond, which is filtered and chlorinated, if you’re not a big fan of chancing it in natural water sources.
  • Little Caribou Lake, which is known for its beautiful, clear water.
  • McCarthy Beach State Park is home to Sturgeon Lake, which has ocean-esque sandy beaches and is perfect for your new favorite Minnesota swimming hole.  

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