I'm looking for good beaches around the twin cities. We need a little family vacation and are headed up to the Northshore this weekend, which I love, but I was wondering about lakes less than an hour away. Maybe we wouldn't need to go so far if we knew of more places for day trips around here. Anything fairly clean & kid friendly? Thanks!
We live near Lake Nokomis and go there often--their lifeguards are considered "overly attentive," according to Metro Mag. Shady Oak Beach is a fun place as well. That's in Hopkins.
Have fun!
We live near Lake Johnanna in the Roseville/Shoreview area just North of Fairview Avenue and Cty D. on Lake Johanna Blvd. My kids are 2 and 3 and LOVE it. They have a nice playground, changing areas, beach with lifeguard, walking trails and lots of picnic and relaxing grounds on the beach itself and across the street from it. They also like to go sit on the dock by the boat landing and watch the boats go in and out.
We used to go to Independence Lake in Medina for our 4th of July celebrations. It's a fun lake!
We LOVE Elm Creek Park Reserve's "lake" in Maple Grove. It is a man-made lake (slightly chlorinated?) and has huge umbrellas and sand all around. The water stays pretty shallow in many areas and there are lots of lifeguards. It is really cheap ($1 per person or $10 for a family season pass, I think) It is part of the Three Rivers that someone else posted about.
We just got back from the Brainerd area - there's nothing like spending time at the lake! Have a fun weekend!
I also LOVE elm creek park!! The lake is sooo nice and clean! No seaweed, nice sand. My kids love it there! They have a huge park,lots of grilling areas, trails...the list could go on! You could easily have a fun packed day there!
Our favorite is Square Lake in Stillwater. A bit of a drive but less than an hour from St. Paul. Maybe not as many attractions and ameneties as I've heard in other posts but a quiet spring fed lake with a lovely beach and not too many houses or anything nearby. Have fun.
I like Lake Minnetonka Regional Park. You can see details on the Three Rivers site, but it is basically a man-made swimming pond = no weeds, no fish, tons of beach space. There's also a great concession/locker room area and a fishing dock with boat access to Lake Minnetonka and a huge playground/picnic area. Parking is free, but the swimming area is $2/person. My kids are 4 and 1 and always have a blast there :)
As someone else mentioned, the Three Rivers park in Minnetonka is awesome! Also, Fort Snelling State Park in Minneapolis is very nice and close to the city. You also have to pay to get into Fort Snelling unless you have a state park pass.
French Park is amazing. It's really close to Bass Lake Road and 494 in the Plymouth/Maple Grove area. They have a great beach and an amazing playground area. There are trails, a trolley, a visitor center, great beach, etc. You can also rent canoes. It feels like being at a state park. You forget your in the city. Here is a link to the website:
http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/parks/french.cfm
Have fun!
A., there are a LOT of beaches around here and my family has tried out many of them. Our favorite is Shady Oak Beach in Hopkins and is wonderful for small children. You have to pay a small fee to get in, but not much. The sand is clean (raked daily & free of seaweed and goose poop) the water is so clear you can stand deep and see your feet and there is an additional water play area away from the beach included. Lifeguards, nice bathrooms, the whole bit.
It is located in Hopkins, south of Hwy 7, north of Hwy 62 on Shady Oak Rd. You may be able to find a link to it if you search for Shady Oak Beach. Good Luck!
We have taken our kids to Elm Creek Park, Lake Independence, or Beebee lake in corcoran. All have great beaches with life guards and nice parks with bike paths.
We just went to Elm Creek Park and it was awesome! Man-made pond/lake, shallow, no weeds, big umbrellas for those that don't want to bake in the sun, nice sand, filtered water, lifeguards. One thing is you have to pay like $2 a person but I think it's worth it. There's also a lot to do other than the lake.
We also love lake Elmo especially the man made lake it is more like a pool with a lake feeling no seaweed or chiggers or fish to worry about... LOVE it!
We love Lake Elmo. There is a lake for fishing and boating and also a man made lake for swimming. Very family friendly. Also a wonderful campground if you are into that at all, and a huge playground!
