Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Minneapolis, United States
1. Lake Calhoun
A popular Minneapolis lake offering swimming, boating, and beautiful views of the city skyline.
- Swimming Area: Offers designated areas for swimming
- Boat Rentals: Provides boat rentals for a day on the lake
- Cafes and Restaurants: Surrounded by cafes and restaurants along the shoreline
2. Minnehaha Falls
A picturesque waterfall set within a park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and a scenic river.
- Waterfall Hike: Hiking trail leads to the base of the falls
- Picnic Areas: Plenty of spots for a picnic lunch
- Historic Mill Ruins: Explore the historic stone mill ruins nearby
3. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
A unique outdoor museum showcasing contemporary sculptures and the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry.
- Sculpture Collection: Features works by renowned artists
- Walking Trails: Offers walking trails for exploration
- Gardens and Landscapes: Surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscapes
4. Lake Harriet
Another Minneapolis lake with a bandstand, beaches, and a charming Bike & Boat rental.
- Bandstand Concerts: Hosts free band concerts in the summer
- Bike and Boat Rentals: Offers bike rentals for a ride around the lake and boat rentals
- French Regional Park: Connected to French Regional Park for hiking and wildlife viewing
5. Lake Nokomis
A large Minneapolis lake with sandy beaches, fishing, and a popular ice cream stand.
- Sandy Beach: Features a sandy beach for sunbathing
- Fishing Pier: Has a fishing pier for anglers
- Ice Cream Stand: Known for the iconic Islander Ice Cream stand on the lake
6. Mississippi Riverfront
Stretches along the Mississippi River offering parks, walking paths, and stunning river views.
- Riverwalk Sculpture Garden: Features the Riverfront Sculpture Garden
- St. Anthony Falls: Visit St. Anthony Falls, one of only a few waterfalls on the Mississippi River
- Bike Rentals: Offers bike rentals for exploring the riverfront
7. Lake of the Isles
A scenic lake surrounded by residential neighborhoods with a popular golf course and tennis courts.
- Golf Course: Features an 18-hole golf course
- Tennis Courts: Has tennis courts for a game
- Boat Launch: Offers boat launch facilities
8. Minneapolis Riverfront Park
A riverside park with beautiful gardens, a playground, and a promenade for scenic strolls.
- Playground: Features a playground for kids
- Gardens and Landscapes: Surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscapes
- Promenade Walking Path: Offers a promenade for scenic walking along the river
9. Lake Hiawatha
A lake with beautiful gardens, a swimming beach, and a popular boat launch.
- Swimming Beach: Features a designated swimming area
- Boat Launch: Offers boat launch facilities
- Gardens and Landscapes: Surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscapes
10. Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Bde Mka Ska)
A large lake with a sandy beach, kayak rentals, and stunning sunset views.
- Sandy Beach: Features a sandy beach for sunbathing
- Kayak Rentals: Offers kayak rentals for exploring the lake
- Sunset Views: Known for its beautiful sunset views
11. Lake Nokomis Dog Park
A designated dog park located on Lake Nokomis with a separate area for small and large dogs.
- Small and Large Dog Areas: Offers separate areas for small and large dogs
- Dog Wash Stations: Has dog wash stations for cleaning up after playtime
- Scenic Lake Views: Enjoy scenic views of Lake Nokomis while playing with your furry friend
12. Boom Island Park
A small park on the Mississippi River featuring a boat launch, picnic areas, and great views of St. Anthony Falls.
- Boat Launch: Offers boat launch facilities
- Picnic Areas: Plenty of spots for a picnic lunch
- St. Anthony Falls Views: Offers stunning views of St. Anthony Falls
13. West River Parkway Regional Trail
A scenic bike trail running along the west bank of the Mississippi River with beautiful views and plenty of parks.
- Bike Rentals: Offers bike rentals for exploring the trail
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis
- Parks and Attractions: Connects to various parks, attractions, and neighborhoods along the way
14. Lake Phalen
A peaceful lake with a beach, fishing pier, and a popular ice cream stand.
- Beach Area: Features a designated swimming area
- Fishing Pier: Has a fishing pier for anglers
- Ice Cream Stand: Known for the iconic Phalen Park Ice Cream stand
15. Lake Como
A charming lake with a picturesque dam, boat rentals, and a popular summer music series.
- Boat Rentals: Offers kayak and paddleboat rentals
- Summer Music Series: Hosts a popular summer music series at the dam
- Picturesque Dam: Features a picturesque dam for stunning photos