Minneapolis is home to 12 lakes, each of them beautiful in their own way. Lake Harriet and Calhoun are busy lakes and known to be great swimming spots, but are often crowded. The misfits of Minneapolis, the followers of counterculture have never quite felt comfortable at those beaches. They've made a spot of their own.
Meet Hidden Beach, formally known as Cedar Lake East Beach, a mecca for the hipsters, the drifters, and the punks of Minneapolis.
Hidden Beach is located within Kenwood, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Minneapolis, which is what makes it all the more special. It used to have a seedy past, as the only nude beach in Minneapolis, albeit an illegal one. It hosts a strange mud pit just beyond the beach where the misfits of the city would wrestle in the mud, sit back, drink, and relax. The beach has been a place for outsiders since at least the Great Depression. There's a lot of history in this beach along the Chain of Lakes.
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Hidden Beach has changed quite a bit. There are now lifeguards on the weekend. Minneapolis Police are frequent visitors to monitor illegal activity. A swimming area has become a safe place for people to take their dog; the water is clean and pure. It's still not the cleanest beach in the city, but it has character from its past. It remains a great lakeside hangout.
Some Minneapolitans are grateful that Hidden Beach has cleaned up its act, but others miss the authenticity of the beach. Undeniably, it's a Minneapolis must-see.
Hidden Beach is the perfect spot to view a Minneapolis sunset.
If you're interested in exploring the authentic spaces of Minneapolis, head to Hidden Beach and give it a try. Love it or hate it, the beach is here to stay. What are your favorite beaches to visit in Minneapolis during the summer? Tell us in the comments.
Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, even if in reality the state is home to exactly 11,842 lakes. For a significant part of the year, the land's lakes are frozen, making them perfect for ice fishing, ice skating, and makeshift hockey tournaments. Lakes in the summer, however, are a Minnesotan's best friend! Many folks flock "up north" every summer weekend to their cabin on a lake, possibly as far as three hours away. In Minneapolis-Saint Paul, we're quite lucky. You'll barely have to leave your backyard to splash in and enjoy these nine gorgeous lakes, for they're definitely some of the best lakes near Minneapolis:
In the spring of 2017, The Minneapolis Parks Board decided to reintroduce Lake Calhoun to its original name, Bde Maka Ska (pronounced be-DAY mah-kah skah), a Dakota phrase that means "white earth lake." While this brings the lake back to its roots, we can celebrate the lake for its stunning sunsets, beaches, and how easy it is to kayak around the lake. With its proximity to Uptown, Bde Maka Ska is the lake for everyone. Some would say it is the best lake in Minneapolis, but there are plenty more in contention.
If you are looking for a great walking lake near Minneapolis this is a fantastic spot. Enjoy a tour of beautiful Bde Maka Ska in Uptown Minneapolis in this video from Walking Minnesota:
Home of the not-so Hidden Beach, this lake is an incredible place for a Minneapolitan. It features bike paths, designated picnic areas, as well as many other amenities. Spending time at the lake, especially at Hidden Beach, will give you an idea of what Minneapolis weird is all about.
This is just another part of Minneapolis' splendid chain of lakes. Lake of the Isles is located in the Kenwood neighborhood of the city and has a stately fountain for all to see. The bike and walking paths will help you see this lake from every gorgeous view. If you must, take to the water and kayak along.
Near the Como Conservatory and Como Zoo in St. Paul, this quaint lake is just one of many things the city has to offer. You can rent paddle boats to explore the water yourself or you can stroll around the lake and take in the sights.
Enjoy a walk around Como Lake in Saint Paul, MN in this video from Semper Cognita:
Powderhorn Lake sits within Powderhorn Park in South Minneapolis. The Department of Natural Resources maintains the stock of fish within the lake and you can fish at the designated fishing pier. This lake is a little underrated and deserves your love.
Lake Harriet has everything you'd ever need in a city lake. It has a beautiful, popular beach, rentable kayaks and paddle boats, a killer food stand or two, and a bandshell for outdoor movies and concerts. It's easy to make a whole day at Lake Harriet. Be sure to take in the elegance that is a sailboat floating along the waters. It's downright gorgeous.
Lake Nokomis is the site of many winter activities, but it's just as exciting in the summer. The beach of Lake Nokomis in Minnesota has a lifeguard on duty so you and your family can always swim safely. Youth swim lessons are taught within the lake. Nokomis also holds a variety of events during the summer, including music and movies in the park.
Located in Saint Paul, Lake Phalen within Phalen Regional Park is filled with fun summer events year after year. One of the most prominent is the annual Dragon Festival - a festival aimed at celebrating those of Asian-Pacific ethnicity and sharing their culture and history. The event has excellent local food, many sights to see, dragon boat races, and a 5k!
A West Metro icon, Lake Minnetonka is a marvel. It's a great lake to have fun and take in all of the possibilities that Minnesota summers have to offer. Lake Minnetonka is an incredibly special and beautiful lake in the Greater Twin Cities area. It's definitely boat friendly and is home to a large number of luxury homes.
Let's take a virtual tour of Lake Minnetonka, one of the best lakes near Minneapolis, in this video from ViaTravelers:
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We know that any lake you visit in Minneapolis-Saint Paul will be a wonderful experience. What's your favorite lake in the metro area and why? Share your favorite lakes near Minneapolis in the comments!
Want to know more about Minneapolis' beaches? Read our feature article about a Minneapolis beach that's unlike any other in the world!
Minnesota summers always feel much too short, especially since the winters in Minnesota are so long and harsh. No matter where you live, one of the most beloved ways to enjoy warm summer days is to splash in the water. While you may be quick to consider hopping in the pool come summer, we have also rounded up some of the best secret swimming holes near Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
This lake is the largest and deepest lake in all of Minneapolis, and North Beach is one of the most popular in the entire city, maybe only surpassed by Lake Harriet. The Bde Maka Ska North Beach is clean and family-friendly, making it the perfect spot for fun in the sun.
Lake Minnetonka is easily the most high-profile lake in the entire state. Every summer, the lake is full of boats of visitors enjoying watersports and lake parties. The Shady Oak Beach features 76 feet of shoreline, with two sand play areas and a concession stand to make it the perfect swimming hole for all day fun.
The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes knows how to do swim-friendly beaches right. Cedar Lake has three beaches for you to choose from. Our favorite spot is Cedar Lake Beach, also known as the "Hidden Beach." It’s a bit more secluded, a perfect spot to swim, and is a huge component of Minneapolis’ counterculture history.
Some of the best swimming holes are man-made, as with the case with Elm Creek Park Reserve’s swim pond. The pond is well-maintained by the park and is a family-friendly spot that features large umbrellas to beat the heat, as well as a concession stand to keep you hydrated while you splash in this lake. This is also home to one of the best hikes in Minnesota.
Do you want to go chasing waterfalls in Minnesota? In Saint Paul, you can find Hidden Falls. Immerse yourself in the cool water of the falls... it’s a magical experience.
Lake Harriet has it all: a pristine beach, sailboats floating on the horizon, a bandshell for free outdoor movies and concerts, and an immensely popular concession stand called the "Bread and Pickle," which makes a beachside to-go meal tastier than you thought possible. If you haven't been there yet this summer, you need to pay a visit as soon as possible!
If you only go to one beach in Saint Paul, this is it. The lake is perfect for swimming and is also a cool spot for a variety of multicultural events throughout the entire summer. Lake Phalen belongs on your to-do list this season for sure.
It's safe to say that the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes has the absolute best beaches. The view from Nokomis' Beach is extraordinary. It's the perfect place to swim on your final days of summer. This is definitely one of our all-time favorite waterfront spots in Minnesota!
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When we are in the dog days of summer, it's hard to think that Minnesota winter will be upon us again before we know it. Soak up the sun and hit the water when you can! What are some of your favorite swimming holes near Minneapolis? Let us know in the comments section!
