Fort Snelling Beach

Huge lake, there is a nice size picnic area close to the lake "beach" access.

This is a sweet little swim beach. It can get a little…mucky as the warm weather goes. And they don’t do a great job of keeping the swim area clear of weeds. Water is so low this year that the designated swim area isn’t deep enough to really swim. But good spot I’d you have kiddos just learning. There is also a small playground.

It was nice to have the whole beach to myself, but it was hard to find, the bathrooms and changing rooms were locked and the swimming area is very small and very shallow. This was in the middle of summer, middle of the day, and 90 degrees. If you don’t already have a state park pass it’s really not worth it.

Nice place to relax but water is not clean for swimming. The park is ideal if you have time before or after a flight and need to relax in nature. Good for kids too. It’s like a hidden world next to an incredibly busy airport. 5 minutes drive from airport. Too far and difficult to walk from airport. Need state park pass. $35 annual pass is the best value in Minnesota.

Great small beach within Fort Snelling State Park. There is a nice grassy area for lounging that is perfect for setting up small sun shelters. Bathrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor showers are easily accessible to make your trip super easy. There is always a ton of open parking between the beach and picnic island. Dogs are not allowed on the beach proper and there is air traffic overhead. Usually a decent amount of families with children as there is a small playground nearby and wading area for kiddos.