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.
Swimming lesson registration is now open!
Learn new swimming techniques and how to stay safe in the water this summer at Lake Minnetonka Swim Pond!
Lessons span from an introduction to the water to stroke development and using water stay fit. All instructors are lifeguard-certified through the American Red Cross to teach swimming lessons.
Where To Swim
Legend
Trails and Roads
Amenities
Recreation Areas
Natural Areas
Boundaries
Swim Pond Information & Passes
Swim ponds open for the season on Saturday, May 23.
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.
Season Wristbands
Buy your season wristband for $25 (tax included) at the swim pond, online or by calling 763-559-6700.
Daily Passes
Daily passes can be purchased on site at Elm Creek Swim Pond for $9 (tax included).
Opened/Closed
Closed
- Baker Park Reserve (Main Beach)
- Baker Park Reserve (South Beach)
- Bush Lake
- 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
Last updated: September 22, 2025
Swimming 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.
Swimming Area 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
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.
Experience the joy of camping close to home with Three Rivers as you spend nights at our traditional campsites, group camping areas, a bike-in site, a horse camp or camper cabins, including ADA accessible options.
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.
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.
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.
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.
