Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Minneapolis, United States
1. Lake Calhoun
A large urban lake offering snorkeling opportunities during the Minnesnowda event.
- Ice Dive Experience: One of the few places to experience snorkeling under ice in the US.
- Unique Events: Hosts special events like Minnesnowda, attracting divers from around the world.
- Lake Accessibility: Easy access to lake and gear rentals available nearby.
2. Lake Harriet
A picturesque urban lake with snorkeling opportunities during the Minnesnowda event.
- Ice Dive Experience: Offers a different perspective on ice diving in Minneapolis.
- Unique Events: Participates in Minnesnowda and other community events.
- Lake Accessibility: Easy access to lake and gear rentals available nearby.
3. Minnehaha Falls
A park featuring a waterfall with opportunities for snorkeling during the warmer months.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the stunning beauty of Minnehaha Falls while diving.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to encounter various aquatic and bird life.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy snorkeling access points along the river.
4. River's Edge Convention Center
Hosts an annual Underwater Hullabaloo dive event in the Mississippi River.
- Dive Events: A unique opportunity to participate in a large-scale dive event.
- River Diving Experience: Experience diving in a large, dynamic body of water.
- Professional Instruction: Offers professional instruction for both beginners and advanced divers.
5. Lake Nokomis
A family-friendly lake offering snorkeling opportunities during the summer.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Great for families and beginners due to calm waters.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy access to lake and rental gear available nearby.
- Community Events: Participates in various community events throughout the year.
6. Lake Hiawatha
A small lake offering snorkeling opportunities during the summer.
- Quieter Environment: Ideal for quiet, relaxing dives away from the crowds.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy access to lake and rental gear available nearby.
- Community Events: Participates in various community events throughout the year.
7. St. Anthony Falls Lab
Offers snorkeling opportunities during the warmer months in the St. Anthony Falls.
- Historic Atmosphere: Dive in a historic, industrial setting.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to encounter various aquatic and bird life.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy snorkeling access points along the river.
8. Twin Cities Scuba Club
A local club offering guided dives and instruction for both beginners and advanced divers.
- Local Expertise: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of local divers.
- Guided Dives: Join guided dives to explore new dive sites.
- Dive Community: Connect with other divers and learn from their experiences.
9. Minnesota Underwater Sculpture Garden
An underwater garden located in Lake Superior, accessible via a boat trip from Two Harbors, MN.
- Artistic Experience: Explore an underwater art exhibit featuring local artists' works.
- Boat Trip Adventure: Embark on a boat trip to reach the sculpture garden.
- Lake Superior Diving: Experience diving in the largest freshwater lake in the world.
10. Afton State Park
Offers snorkeling opportunities in the spring-fed Afton River.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy diving in clear, spring-fed waters.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to encounter various aquatic and bird life.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy snorkeling access points along the river.
11. Interstate Park
Offers snorkeling opportunities in the St. Croix River.
- Historic Atmosphere: Dive in a historic, industrial setting.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to encounter various aquatic and bird life.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy snorkeling access points along the river.
12. Potato River Snorkeling
Snorkeling opportunities in the Potato River during the summer.
- Natural Beauty: Experience diving in a pristine, natural environment.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy snorkeling access points along the river.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to encounter various aquatic and bird life.
13. St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Offers snorkeling opportunities in the St. Croix River.
- Natural Beauty: Experience diving in a pristine, natural environment.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to encounter various aquatic and bird life.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy snorkeling access points along the river.
14. Twin Cities Snuba Tours
Offers Snuba tours for shallow water diving experiences.
- Shallow Water Diving: Great option for those not certified to scuba dive.
- Guided Tours: Join guided tours to explore new dive sites.
- Dive Community: Connect with other divers and learn from their experiences.
15. Lake Pepin
Offers snorkeling opportunities in the Mississippi River during the summer.
- River Diving Experience: Experience diving in a large, dynamic body of water.
- Snorkeling Accessibility: Easy access to lake and rental gear available nearby.
- Community Events: Participates in various community events throughout the year.