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. 

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

Boat Launch

Boating

two men fishing in a small motor boat.

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.

Campground

Camping

Camping tent and fire

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 / Fishing Pier

Fishing

A man and his son fish from the shore of a lake.

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

Paddling

Three people kayaking on a lake.

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 Area

Picnic Areas

multi-generational family at a picnic table

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 Area

Play Areas

Colorful play area with slides and climbing strutures

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.