10 Best Family Beaches in Minnesota [for 2023]
Nestled between Canada and Lake Superior, Minnesota is a picturesque state famous for its alluring beaches. Living up to its apt nickname, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota boasts an impressive number of more than 11,000 lakes, each offering breathtaking beaches that cater to the whole family.
These remarkable Minnesota beaches offer a wide range of activities to indulge in, including canoeing, kayaking, beach volleyball, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and paddle boating, among many others.
Whether you are planning a thrilling adventure or a relaxing getaway, the best family beaches in Minnesota will surely create lasting memories that will fill your loved ones with boundless excitement. So mark your calendars, pack your bags, and prepare for an unforgettable experience amid the splendor of Minnesota’s Beach Parade!
1. Park Point Beach, Duluth
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Park Point Beach in Minnesota has a spectacular shoreline stretching for almost 6 miles. It boasts a soft sandy beach and crystal-clear water, making it an ideal destination for families. With its expansive shoreline and breathtaking views of Lake Superior, Park Point Beach is an idyllic choice for an oceanfront setting.
The beach boasts a variety of amenities to enhance your experience. You can indulge in a spirited game of beach volleyball on the dedicated court or enjoy a scrumptious family barbeque using the available grills and picnic tables.
Playgrounds will keep youngsters entertained while attentive lifeguards ensure everyone’s safety. When it comes to accommodations, Park Point Beach is conveniently located 16 minutes drive from the famous Edgewater Waterpark, one of Minnesota’s best family hotels situated at.
This proximity allows you to easily access the beach and enjoy a comfortable stay. For those seeking a more intimate setting for special occasions such as family gatherings, birthdays, or anniversaries, pavilions can be rented near the beach area.
2. Bayport – Lakeside Park Beach, Bayport
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Bayport – Lakeside Park Beach is undoubtedly one of the best family beaches in Minnesota, offering a wide range of recreational activities for all ages. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this beach provides the perfect place to create lasting memories.
It’s a safe and enjoyable experience for kids, and they can enjoy a great time as they splash and play in the calm waves You can check them out if you have one. Nearby volleyball and horseshoe courts, as well as softball fields, provide opportunities for friendly competitions and games.
You can gather everyone together for some fun and laughter under the sun. When hunger strikes, you can take advantage of the charcoal grills available on the beach. Enjoy a delicious barbeque with your loved ones in beautiful surroundings. If you prefer to have your meal in a shaded area, picnic shelters provide the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your meal away from the scorching heat.
For the little ones, the beach offers playgrounds and play areas. is where they can unleash their energy and have a blast. You can supervise them as they climb, swing and slide, ensuring their safety as they have the time of their lives.
3. Lake Harriet South Beach, Minneapolis
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Lake Harriet South Beach is a top recommendation for families visiting Minnesota because of its kid-friendly atmosphere. The beach offers a variety of amenities that make it perfect for a family outing. The soft and ne sand provides an ideal surface for building sand sculptures, allowing children to unleash their creativity. The gentle water near shore is shallow, ensuring a safe swimming experience for youngsters.
To increase the safety of children, the water is divided by ropes and monitored by vigilant lifeguards. This allows parents to relax while their kids enjoy splashing around. Meanwhile, teens can engage in a variety of thrilling activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, and paddleboarding.
These options cater to a variety of interests and provide teens with the opportunity to have their own exciting experiences at the beach. It is important to note that Lake Harriet South Beach attracts large crowds due to its popularity.
To fully enjoy the beach without feeling overwhelmed by the number of people, it is advised to plan a visit on any day of the week and reach early in the morning. By following this expert tip, families can secure a comfortable spot on the beach and make the most of their time in this delightful family-friendly destination.
4. Itasca State Park Beach, Park Rapids
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When it comes to family-friendly beaches in Minnesota, Itasca State Park Beach is a top recommendation. Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River and being Minnesota’s oldest state park, this beach is a great beach for babies and young children.
One of the prime reasons to visit this beach is the shallow water, which only reaches up to your knees, and presents a safe and enjoyable environment for young children to splash around in. Fine powdered sand is perfect for building sand castles and engaging in creative play.
Adjacent to the beach is a playground where kids can take a break from swimming and have some more fun. Itasca State Park Beach goes beyond just sand and water. Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the dock and try their luck at fishing. For those seeking more adventure, nearby bike trails provide scenic rides through the park’s scenic surroundings.
You also have the opportunity to rent boats, canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, and more, making the lake a fun experience for families. Explore and enjoy a variety of water activities. An expert tip is to take a Chester Charles II excursion boat tour. This tour allows you to cruise along Lake Itasca while enjoying a narrated tour, giving you insight into the park’s history and natural wonders.
5. Square Lake Park Beach, Stillwater
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Located in the heart of Minnesota, Square Lake Park Beach is a true gem that offers a remarkable family beach experience. Its serene and idyllic setting surrounded by lush greenery and spectacular views attracts tourists from all corners of the country. Whether you prefer sand castles and a sandy shoreline for sunbathing or a grassy area for a peaceful picnic, Square Lake Park Beach has fun for everyone.
Families can enjoy quality time together while breathing fresh air and immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. It is famous for having some of the clearest and clearest waters in the state of Minnesota, allowing you to swim with peace of mind. And allows to enjoy water activities.
The presence of attentive and vigilant lifeguards on duty ensures an added layer of safety, providing a worry-free environment for families. It boasts a smooth sandy bottom, free from small rocks and pebbles that could cause discomfort or injury. can be the reason.
This feature is especially beneficial for families with young children, as they can play and explore freely without worry. For those seeking a little adventure, Square Lake Park Beach is one of the few beaches in Minnesota to visit. One that offers opportunities for scuba diving. Square Lake Park Beach is undeniably one of the best family beaches in Minnesota.
6. Lake Nokomis Main Beach, Minneapolis
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Lake Nokomis Main Beach in Minnesota is a top recommendation for a great family beach vacation. With its large sandy beach and picturesque blue waters, it provides an ideal setting for relaxation and recreation. The beach is easily accessible and equipped with a range of amenities to keep your family entertained during your stay.
From sunbathing and making sand sculptures with the little ones to swimming in the freshwater, there is something here for everyone. Convenient amenities such as restrooms, ample paid parking, an on-site restaurant, and picnic tables are available.
Additionally, the beach has several playgrounds with slides and swings, ensuring endless fun for the kids. If someone in your family wants to learn to swim, Lake Nokomis Main Beach offers swim lessons for a fee.
7. Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach, Minneapolis
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Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach, formerly known as Lake Calhoun Beach, is a great choice for family getaways in Minnesota. With its picturesque coastline and a wide range of activities, it offers something for everyone. Your family can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, and paddleboarding, providing exciting adventures on the water.
The beach also offers bike rentals, allowing families to explore the nearby biking paths and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. For families with young children, Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach has a playground and There is a trick. These areas provide a safe and enjoyable place for children to play and have fun when they need a break from swimming.
The beach is part of the larger Bde Maka Ska Park, which offers a range of activities for families to explore. does. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the lake, while those interested in archery can practice their skills. The park’s walking paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and there are also soccer and softball fields where families can engage in friendly games.
Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach is considered one of the best family beaches in Minnesota because of its wide variety of water activities, dedicated play areas for children, and additional attractions available at Bde Maka Ska Park.
8. Lake Phalen Beach, Saint Paul
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Lake Phalen Beach is nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Phalen. The beach’s allure lies in its relaxed and intimate atmosphere, perfect for beachgoers who desire a combination of natural beauty and convenient amenities The beach features powdery sand, which is an instant hit with young children, who will enjoy building sand castles, and the sensory pleasure of the soft grains.
Adding to the excitement, a splash pad nearby ensures endless fun for the youngsters to have a blast during their visit. Adventurous souls can embark on the thrill of canoeing and kayaking, gliding through the calm waters, Immerse yourself in the calmness of the surroundings. These activities create unforgettable family bonding moments and opportunities to discover the wonders of nature.
Vigilant lifeguards patrol the area to ensure everyone’s well-being. Families can enjoy peace of mind knowing that trained professionals are keeping a watchful eye. Challek Phalen Beach provides grills for your use, allowing families to enjoy a wonderful barbecue picnic on the soft grass nearby.
This thoughtful facility fosters an atmosphere of togetherness and sharing, creating lasting memories for all. Lake Phalen Beach offers life jacket rentals. This service ensures families can fully enjoy their time in the water while keeping safety a priority. Lake Phalen Beach One of the best family beaches in Minnesota due to its idyllic setting, family-friendly amenities, and commitment to safety Is.
9. Fort Snelling State Park Beach, Saint Paul
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Fort Snelling State Park Beach, located in the heart of the Twin Cities, is a great outdoor getaway for families seeking a quiet beach experience. Unlike the crowded beaches, this destination offers a serene environment where you can relax, sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing swim while immersing yourself in the soothing sounds of nature.
For those interested in exploring the water, the beach offers canoe and kayak rentals, allowing your family to have a peaceful adventure on the water.
There are beautiful trails in the vicinity, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll and breathing in the fresh air. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit historic Fort Snelling, a charming former military base from the 1820s that adds an extra element of intrigue to your family outing.
10. Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), Two Harbors
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Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is a memorable beach in Minnesota. Its bed of brilliant pink pebbles replaces the traditional soft sand found on most beaches. The unique and beautiful landscape makes for a visual feast for you, one of the distinguishing features of Iona’s Beach SNA is the melodious sound made by the pebbles as they are gently rolled by the waves.
This soothing background music enhances the relaxing atmosphere and adds to the overall calmness of the beach. Children in particular will have a lot of fun playing with the smooth pebbles and experimenting with different activities. From stacking them to creating intricate patterns, their creativity and imagination can run wild. Playing with pebbles not only entertains young ones but also stimulates their sensory experiences and fine motor skills.
The calm and pristine waters of Lake Superior, which overlook Iona’s Beach SNA, are perfect for swimming and splashing around Absolutely right. Families can enjoy a refreshing dip while taking advantage of the inviting blue waters.
Fishing enthusiasts have the opportunity to engage in this beloved pastime. It is worth noting that pebbles can become uncomfortable after spending a lot of time in the water. To ensure a comfortable experience, it is recommended to wear Aqua Shoes or similar footwear to protect your feet from the textured surface.