Swimming
It’s hot, the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day. Is there any better way to enjoy an unbeatable Minnesota summer than to splash around at the beach? Swimming is a great, low-impact way to exercise your whole body. Better yet, it’s fun for the whole family. Swimming areas in Three Rivers are located near play areas, trails, visitor centers, campgrounds and more so you can make a day of it.
Opened/Closed
Open
Closed for the season.
Closed
Baker Park Reserve (Main Beach)
Baker Park Reserve (South Beach)
Bryant Lake Regional Park
Carver Park Reserve (Lake Auburn Campground)
Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Elm Creek Swim Pond
Fish Lake Regional Park
French Regional Park
Lake Minnetonka Swim Pond
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
Swim Pond Information & Passes
For the perfect mix of a pool and lake, try the swim ponds featuring giant beach umbrellas and filtered, chlorinated water. Swim ponds can be found at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve.
A season wristband or daily wristband is required at swim ponds. Buy your season wristband at the swim pond, online or by calling 763-559-6700 for $20 plus tax! Daily passes can be purchased on site for $6 plus tax.
Beach Information
Swimming beaches are unguarded, free and situated along beautiful Minnesota lakes for scenic views while you make a splash. During the swimming season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, hours are 9 AM–8 PM for all swimming beaches except for Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, which is 9 AM–sunset.
Beach Accessibility
For people who use wheelchairs, floating beach wheelchairs—designed to allow accessibility to areas otherwise inaccessible—are available to use at no cost at the Lake Minnetonka and Elm Creek swim ponds. They can be used on sand and in the water.
Rules
- Children not toilet trained are required to wear swim diapers while in the beach and pond areas.
- Dogs are not allowed to swim in swim ponds or designated swimming areas. Dogs on leashes are allowed to wade and swim in water adjacent to a trail or picnic area. Learn more about bringing your dog to Three Rivers.
At Three Rivers, we believe everyone belongs in the parks. The Recreation Pass Plus includes free equipment rentals and recreation passes, and discounts on programs and events. It is available for families and individuals who are experiencing financial difficulty and live in Hennepin or Scott counties.
Beach Water Quality
In order to ensure a safe swimming experience for park guests, our water quality tolerance standards follow a combination of the MPCA and USEPA standards for primary body contact water. Learn more about why beaches close at Three Rivers.
Other Things To Do
Boating
Three Rivers offers plenty of boating opportunities with over 30 lakes, rivers and streams. With lake access points and trailer parking sites, it’s easy to get the family out on the water to enjoy the ultimate Minnesota pastime.
Camping
Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up with the sunrise. Camping is the stuff memories are made of and at Three Rivers, you’ll find all the fun of camping without the long car trip. Campgrounds are located at Baker, Carver and Cleary Lake.
Fishing
Throw a line for your own catch of the day. In Three Rivers, you might reel in muskie, northern pike, sunfish, bass or even walleye.
Paddling
Recreate on the water with canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Get exercise and fresh air while you explore the shorelines and bays where motorized boats can’t go. Need a boat? Three Rivers offers canoe, kayak, rowboat, paddleboat and stand-up paddleboard rentals at several parks.
Picnic Areas
Make new memories eating al fresco at a Three Rivers park picnic area in a beautiful, natural setting. All sites have picnic tables, and most sites have other basic amenities including water fountains and permanent grills. Look for a peaceful, serene location or set up just steps from a rip-roaring play area.
Play Areas
Create new memories at our play areas. Three Rivers has multiple areas designed for varying ages and abilities where toddlers to teens can let their imagination run wild. Monkey business never sounded so fun.
