The 6 Best Lakes in Minnesota That Have Sandy Beaches

Minnesota has no shortage of lakes. Its nickname “the Land of 10,000 Lakes,” isn’t completely wrong. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the state has 11,842 lakes. This number is higher if you count lakes that cross the U.S. and Canada border. With so many lakes to choose from, you won’t need to spend your summers indoors. In this article, we are diving into the 6 best lakes in Minnesota that have sandy beaches and the fun things to do in each!

1. Cedar Lake

Starting our list of the 6 best lakes in Minnesota that have sandy beaches is Cedar Lake. This lake is in Minneapolis and sits at an elevation of 853 feet. The surface area is 169 acres and the maximum depth of the lake is 51 feet. Cedar Lake has three official swimming beaches. The most popular beach is Cedar Lake East Beach, managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. This beach was previously called Hidden Beach. It’s changed a lot through the years and is now very family-friendly.

Not only can you swim in Cedar Lake but also hike. Along the lake is the Cedar Lake Trail, a 4.3-mile trail connecting downtown Minneapolis to St. Louis Park. It’s mostly flat, easy, and perfect for pedestrians and cyclists. In the lake are also many fish species like largemouth bass, bluegill, green sunfish, and tiger muskie.

2. Schulze Lake

Schulze Lake is another wonderful lake in Minnesota with a relaxing sandy beach. You can find this lake within Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Dakota County. The lake covers about 13 acres of land and has a maximum depth of 15.5 feet. This family-friendly lake doesn’t just have a beach, but also restrooms, parking, grills, and a playground. You can also camp nearby Schulze Lake, hike, and fish. Common fish species in Schulze Lake include largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, black crappie, and yellow bullhead. Instead of swimming, you can also kayak and paddleboard. Rentals are available on the beach. Near the lake is also the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, which offers trail maps, interactive displays, and free Wi-Fi.

3. Lake Harriet

Also in Minneapolis is Lake Harriet. This beautiful lake is in Hennepin County and has a surface area of about 341.22 acres. The mean depth is 29 feet, and the deepest point reaches 87 feet. Lake Harriet offers 2.7 miles of shoreline where you can swim, hike, and fish. Some common fish species in Lake Harriet are black crappie, flathead catfish, common carp, and white sucker. Sadly, you can find an invasive species within the lake, zebra mussels.

Lake Harriet is in Lake Harriet Park, a 470-acre park with 2.74 miles of pedestrian trails and 2.99 miles of biking trails. This lake also has two beaches, North Beach and Southeast Beach. Lake Harriet North Beach has a floating swim deck. Southeast Beach doesn’t offer biking and walking trails.

4. Crooked Lake

In Coon Rapids is the Crooked Lake Park & Beach. Like many of the lakes on our list, swimming is allowed, but at your own risk as no lifeguard is on duty. Crooked Lake also has walking trails, a volleyball and tennis court, a play area, and parking. Although you can swim in this park, it’s more popular as a fishing spot. In this lake, you can fish for crappie, walleye, yellow perch, and channel catfish.

5. Libbs Lake

Another wonderful Minnesota Lake with sandy beaches is Libbs Lake, also in Hennepin County. This 22-acre lake is a main part of Libbs Lake Beach Park. Fishing is available on this lake. You can also use the grill, restrooms, and picnic area. Libbs Lake Beach is a nice and quiet hidden gem and neighborhood beach, perfect for cooling down in the summer. You can spend the day lying in the sand or swimming on the beach. Parking is limited and no lifeguards are on duty.

6. Lake Nokomis Beach

The last Minnesota lake on our list with sandy beaches is Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. It’s part of Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes. This lake sits at an elevation of 814 feet. Its surface area is about 204 acres and the maximum depth is 33 feet. Not only can you enjoy Lake Nokomis Beach, but you can also walk on the 2.7-mile pedestrian trail circling the lake. During the winter, this lake freezes over. Although the lake is mostly shallow, swimmers should enter with caution. Don’t pass the ropes as the lake’s depth increases suddenly.

Summary of 6 Best Lakes in Minnesota That Have Sandy Beaches

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