Think states as far north as Minnesota don’t have anything to offer in the way of beach days? Think again. Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a reason, after all — and given the state’s actual count of 11,842 lakes, there are nearly endless opportunities for days with sand, sun, and waves.
Top Beaches in Minnesota
Minnesota Beaches
Lake Itasca State Park
Lake Itasca State Park is a truly unique and special place. This green space preserves the headwaters of none other than the mighty Mississippi River, and is also the oldest state park in the entire state of Minnesota. Despite the ferocity of the river it becomes, Lake Itasca itself is actually one of the best beachsides for those traveling with small children and not-so-strong swimmers; its shallow waters and soft sands are friendly for little feet and only come up to an adult’s ankles. A nearby playground has been installed as well.
Things to do near Lake Itasca State Park
Lake Itasca is situated in the midst of a variety of worthy wildernesses, many of which feature their own lakeside beaches. High on our list of places to check out: Two Inlets State Forest, Paul Bunyan State Forest, and Long Lake Park & Campground.
Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area
Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is more than just a scenic Lake Superior waterside: it’s one of the least-disturbed beaches in the entire state of Minnesota. It is characterized by its unique shoreline of “singing” pebbles that make music as the water hits them. This beach may not have a tropical getaway feel, but it’s a one-of-a-kind and wholly Minnesota experience you and your family won’t want to miss!
Things to do near Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area
Tucked right between Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Gooseberry Falls State Park, Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area is truly surrounded by spots worth exploring — and it’s also only an hour away from Duluth. Here are some local campgrounds to take check out.
Park Point Beach
Park Point Beach offers both sandy beachfront and forested hiking trails, and at 6 miles long is one of the most ample shorelines in the state. The endless Great Lake views will make you feel like you’ve traveled to an oceanside, and you’ll be able to see both Minnesota and Wisconsin mainlands from the park, depending on exactly where you are. This area is also home to the Minnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific and Natural Area, this unique landscape is both beautiful to visit and ecologically fascinating.
Things to do near Park Point Beach
All of the must-sees in Duluth lie just minutes away, including the North Shore Scenic Railroad and the Great Lakes Aquarium. And the Wisconsin town of Superior has its own exciting things to explore, including the large and surprisingly wild Superior Municipal Forest. Here are some nearby campgrounds.
Father Hennepin State Park
One of the best beachesides on Mille Lacs Lake lies within Father Hennepin State Park, which is nestled onto its southeastern corner. The sandy shoreline is fairly small, but pristine and untouched, and although there are no lifeguards on duty, the water is clean and inviting. Vault toilets are available nearby, as are picnic areas, but generally, this park offers less in the way of developed amenities and more in the way of rugged, natural beauty.
Things to do near Father Hennepin State Park
Other wildernesses worth checking out in the area include Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, the Mille Lacs State Wildlife Management Area, and Snake Creek River — just to name a very few.
Square Lake Park Beach
Square Lake offers an incredible beachside at Square Lake Park, with soft, golden sands, a clean and well-maintained bathhouse, lush forests and well-manicured lawns backing up the shoreline, and more. This beach is another excellent option for those with small children along for the journey; its powdery sands are free of sharp pebbles and the clean, calm waters are patrolled by on-duty lifeguards just in case anything does go awry.
Things to do near Square Lake Park Beach
Just under an hour from Minneapolis and just over the St. Croix River from Wisconsin, Square Lake Park Beach is conveniently located near urban areas while still being surrounded by lots of wilderness greenery. Check out nearby Pine Point Regional Park for more lakeside views, and stay at these local campgrounds.
Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach
This sandy shoreline lies right under the towering skyline of Minneapolis, offering an urban beach adventure that feels like a getaway without requiring you to get very far away. Once known as Lake Calhoun Beach, this is one of three beachfront access points along what was once named Lake Calhoun. The name of the lake has since been changed back to its original Dakota name of Bde Maka Ska, which translates to White Earth Lake. Nearby outfitters rent bicycles to ride around the lake’s perimeter as well as pedal boats, paddle boards, and other vessels to take to its waves.
Things to do near Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach
Tucked into the southwestern quadrant of Minneapolis, this lake beach is close to must-see city cultural attractions like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the SooLOCAL Art Gallery. Here are some nearby campgrounds to consider for your stay!
Lake Harriet South Beach
Lake Harriet has two easily-accessible beachfronts to choose from — South Beach, and North Beach — we think the southerly choice stands out for its soft sands and its relative lack of development. While North Beach is backed up by a massive green space including a bird sanctuary, a cemetery, and more, South Beach is quieter, calmer, and offers a roped-off area for young children just getting used to the water. Lifeguards are also on duty to keep worried parents feeling extra well supported.
Things to do near Lake Harriet South Beach
Only 14 driving minutes from downtown Minneapolis, and only 30 from downtown St. Paul, Lake Harriet South Beach offerd easy access to a huge number of city attractions.
Lake Nokomis Beach
Lake Nokomis Beach is a comfortable and inviting shorefront, offering a wide swath of soft sand perfect for laying a towel down. There is also a nearby restaurant as well as restrooms with showers and changing areas. The larger Lake Nokomis Park is a popular option for Minneapolis residents looking to get in their daily steps or go for a quick scenic cycle.
Things to do near Lake Nokomis Beach
At the north end of the lake, the Lake Nokomis Community Center offers a playground and a variety of community activities to help draw people together, offering everything from arts and crafts to cooking to gentle exercise classes. Here are the best campgrounds to choose from for your vacation.
Fort Snelling State Park Beach
Fort Snelling State Park has a whole lot to offer, not the least of which is its sandy lake beachfront where you can lie back and watch the bellies of the planes as they take off and land. The Minnesota River also runs through the park, making it a great place for those looking to take a long, ambling riverside walk or bike ride. The beach, which is located along Snelling Lake, has nearby restrooms and also access to the aptly named Picnic Island, which would be a great place to spread out a blanket and a spread.
Things to do near Fort Snelling State Park
It’s not every city that can boast gorgeous greenways just a mile or so from an attraction as urban as the Mall of America — but that’s Minneapolis for you. Want to stay and explore a while? Check out these local campgrounds.
The Best Minnesota Campgrounds for RVers
Zippel Bay State Park
Zippel Bay State Park offers a one-of-a-kind Minnesota lake beachfront on which, if you squint especially hard, you can actually see Canada out across the water. The sandy shoreline is two miles long and scenically strewn with driftwood, with picnic tables available for those looking to enjoy their lunch or dinner with a view. Along with the beach, the park also offers hiking trails that double as cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
This state park offers onsite camping. This makes it easy to park your rig super close to all the fun in the sun.
Things to do near Zippel Bay State Park
Want to see this lake from a different perspective? If you’re brave enough to come in the wintertime, when it’s frozen over, nearby outfitters offer “ice-o-miniums” for ice fishing that double as comfortable sleeping quarters — at least, as comfortable as you can get while perched on a frozen lake.
Planning an RV Trip to Minnesota
While in Minnesota, be sure to visit the best state parks and campgrounds to see and stay in. Additionally, you’ll want to check out Minneapolis and St. Paul.
