Minneapolis Beaches

Going to a beach in Minneapolis, MN can result in a fun-filled day and has many perks for you and your those you bring with you. Regardless of the activity – splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, throwing the frisbee, flying a kite, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun, beaches are a home to many different fun activities.

Finding the perfect swimming beach in Minneapolis with lots of area for activities on the beach isn’t hard. The following is a list to help you find a beach near Minneapolis. Enter a beach, a city, or a zip code to find beaches.

Beaches Near Minneapolis

Always check the Minneapolis weather forecast for today before you head off to the beach. Checking the weather helps make sure that you bring the right layers for the beach and you will also known when it’s time to leave.

Before going to a beach in Minneapolis, MN or the surrounding location, check on Google to be sure that the beach is open to the general public. Fairly often, beaches will only stay open for specific times of the year or for specific times throughout the day.

Minneapolis, MN Beach Rules

While each beach in Minneapolis will use conflicting rules for using their beach, be prepared to follow these common guidelines for any beach in Minneapolis that you visit.

  • Never disobey an order from the lifeguard on duty. If they tell you to do something, then you must follow through.
  • Drinking at the beach is not allowed.
  • Check online for guidance on fires on the beach as they may be not permitted or you have to adhere to strict fire rules.
  • Don’t forget, if you take an object with you, you are expected to not leave anything behind.
  • All glass containers cannot be brought to beaches.
  • Do not go outside of the swimming region.

Minneapolis Beach Tips

  1. Get a shady spot. If you know that finding a shady spot may be difficult, or if you know that there probably won’t be too many shady areas at the beach, pack your own shade! Use a beach umbrella, pop up beach tent, or some sort of equipment that provides shade. It’s best to bring equipment that provides great air-flow.
  2. Bring plenty of sunscreen. Even if the weather forecast does not call for sun you should always bring sunscreen – it’s possible to get a bad sunburn even on cloudy days.
  3. Get there early. Beaches in Minneapolis can be busy, particularly during weekends in the summer. Be sure to get there before the crowds arrive if you can.
  4. Where are the public bathrooms. Restroom details are likely the last thing on your mind before you plan out your beach trip. But no one wants to be stuck in a spot when you must go to the bathroom immediately but you can’t find one nearby. If you’re unable to find bathroom information on the beach’s website, you should plan on the fact that a public restroom or facility isn’t open. Make sure you use the restroom before driving to the beach.
  5. Store items in a mesh bag. It may be convenient to find a backpack, tote bag, or water-resistant duffle bag to store beach items such as pillows, shovels, tents, and PFDs. But these types of bags keep water from escaping, leading to mold growth and keeping beach items from drying out.
  6. Will there be a lifeguard? Most frequently visited Minneapolis beaches staff a lifeguard on duty, however you should never count on a lifeguard being there. If you have yourself, young children or others that you are swimming with, it’s a smart idea to pack correctly sized life jackets for those that need them, and also know that you are swimming at your own risk.
  7. Don’t forget the towels. Remember to pack quite a few dry towels prior to going to the beach. when visiting beach on the ocean or a large body of water which has frequent rip tides. Pay attention to the warning signs and learn what to do if you are caught in one.
  8. Always stay in the roped off swim area. If there’s a designated swimming space it is probably not safe to swim outside of the region. There could be hazardous objects under the water, be assigned to watercraft, or is not supervised by a lifeguard.