Bush Lake

Bush Lake offers a variety of amenities, including the popular summertime spot enjoyed by millions of Minnesotans since 1956–Bush Lake Beach.

With a boat launch, canoeing, picnic shelters and a play area, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at the park's many facilities. Plus, you're close to all other year-round recreation opportunities through the rest of the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve.

Rentals and reservations available starting Monday, March 3 for Bush Lake Park facilities, including park shelters and small watercraft rack rentals. 

Daily, 5 AM–10 PM

Cooperative Agreement with the City of Bloomington

As of January 1, 2025, Bush Lake, including Bush Lake Beach, are under the management of Three Rivers Park District as part of a cooperative agreement with the City of Bloomington.

All facilities and amenities included in the cooperative agreement are part of the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve, where both Three Rivers and the City have historically managed parkland and facilities. This partnership agreement will increase operational efficiency and reduce costs to the public by having one agency oversee all operations and maintenance within the park reserve.

Staff from Three Rivers and the City of Bloomington have been meeting regularly to ensure a smooth transition. There are no anticipated interruptions to amenities or services. 

Bush Lake Maps

An interactive map and PDF maps will be available soon for Bush Lake.

Things to Do

Bike Trail

Biking

A bike rider wearing a white short sleeve shirt, dark pants and light-colored helmet rides on a paved biking path. They look to be wearing a backpack, with straps visible from the front. In the background are trees with green leaves and grass.

4.4 Miles of Paved Trail

Pedal along the 4.4 miles of paved trail, perfect for cyclists of all skill levels looking for a scenic ride.

Boat Launch

Boating

Two adults fish from a small motor boat on an urban lake. There is lake grass in the background, with an orange buoy sitting amongst the plants.

Launch your boat (up to 6 horsepower) from the convenient public access point at West Bush Lake and spend a day exploring this clear, shallow lake.

The lake's excellent water quality and peaceful setting make it an ideal destination for a relaxing day of boating.

Fishing / Fishing Pier

Fishing

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

Cast your line into Bush Lake's clear waters, home to diverse fish species including walleye, northern pike and largemouth bass.

The lake's excellent water quality, multiple fishing piers and variety of fish make it a prime spot for anglers of all experience levels.

Hiking

Hiking

A paved walking path leading to a sand volleyball court and playground in the distance. Picnic tables with grills are visible in the shaded area to the left, and the area is surrounded by grass and trees.

4.4 miles of paved trail

Experience nature at your own pace on the 4.4 miles of paved trail, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape throughout all seasons.

Paddling

Paddling

Bush Lake is visible in the background, with a small portion of the sandy shorefront visible at the bottom. In the foreground is a white, red and brown sign that says "canoe, kayak & paddleboard launch area".

Navigate the serene waters of Bush Lake by canoe, paddleboard or kayak, taking in views of the natural shoreline and surrounding park reserve.

A limited number of small watercraft racks can be reserved online starting March 3 at 8 AM.

Picnic Area

Picnic Areas

A picnic table sits on top of a concrete pad next to Bush Lake. Grass surrounds the area and a tree offers partial shade over the table.
Bush Lake offers several scenic picnic areas, perfect for a relaxing outdoor meal with views of the lake.
 
There are also three shelters which can be reserved online starting March 3 at 8 AM.
Play Area

Play Areas

A children's playground structure on a sandy beach at Bush Lake Park, featuring blue and green climbing equipment, slides, and decorative rock-like formations on either end. A park sign is integrated into the playground design.

Near the beach, the park features a play area where kids can enjoy fun and games between trips to the water. 

It’s also great spot for families to relax by the water while children play.

Swimming

Swimming

A sandy beach with an informational sign in the center and yellow markers along the water's edge. The lake stretches out to a tree-lined shore in the background under a clear blue sky. Several seagulls can be seen on the beach.

Bush Lake's swimming beach offers a refreshing spot to enjoy the clear waters of the lake.

One of the most popular beaches in the state, it's perfect for beachgoers looking to relax, swim or soak up the sun.

Reservations & Rentals

Reservations will be available for picnic shelters and small watercraft racks.

Prior Reservations and Rentals

Any reservations for Bush Lake facilities that were made through the City of Bloomington for a date in 2025 are confirmed and will be honored.

New Reservations and Rentals

Reservations for 2025 available starting Monday, March 3.

You can make your reservations online or by calling 763-559-6700.

A Three Rivers account will be required to make any reservations, and can be created online or by calling 763-559-6700.

FAQs

Will Camp Kota still be offered at Bush Lake?

Yes. The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation staff will continue to offer Camp Kota at Bush Lake. 

Registration for this program will be available through the City of Bloomington as it has been previously. 

Learn more and register for Camp Kota

Will there be significant changes to the offerings or operations at Bush Lake?

No. The goal is to keep operations as consistent as possible, making for a seamless transition.

Does Three Rivers now own the Bush Lake park location?

No. This location is still owned by the City of Bloomington.

Under the cooperative agreement, Three Rivers will manage the operations and maintenance of this regional park location.

Is this a permanent operational change?

The current cooperative agreement is for five years with opportunity for renewal.

Similar Areas

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

10145 Bush Lake Road
Bloomington, MN 55438
763-694-7687

Anderson Lakes

9800 Anderson Lakes Parkway
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
763-694-7687

Normandale Lake

8401 Chalet Road
Bloomington, MN 55437
763-694-7687