Water Recreation

Minneapolis Parks are home to 75 of the metro area's best beaches, pools and water parks. From swimming to sailing lessons and watercraft rentals, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board offers many summer water recreation opportunities for all ages.

Beaches
With 12 beaches in the park system, you can find your own getaway not far from home. Beaches are open daily with lifeguards scheduled at our busiest beaches during peak use. Most beaches are located near other attractions, such as playgrounds, picnic areas and biking and walking paths.

Wading Pools
Have fun and cool down at 65 wading pools throughout Minneapolis.

Water Parks
Jim Lupient Water Park is our city's largest outdoor water park and features three slides, a log water walk, interactive spray features, water volleyball, swimming lanes and zero depth entry at one end for accessibility. North Commons Water Park, operated in partnership with YMCA Twin Cities, has slides, water playground features, geysers and gadgets.

Swimming Pools
MPRB offers access to two pools: Creekview Recreation Center (through an agreement with the Olson School - currently closed) and Webber Pool (closed for the season).

Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for various ages and skill levels are available at Jim Lupient Water Park, Lake Calhoun Thomas Beach, and Lake Nokomis Main Beach.

Open Swim
Swimmers ages 18 or older can train on courses outside of buoyed swim areas during designated times under lifeguard supervision at Lake Calhoun and Lake Nokomis.

Boating
Summer is a great time to go boating, canoeing and sailing. With a park system that includes access to the Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River, it's hard to resist the call of the water.

Boat & Canoe Launches
Whether it's for fishing a Minneapolis lake or paddling down Minnehaha Creek, MPRB offers convenient boat and canoe launches and canoe racks throughout the park system.

Boat Rental
At Lakes Calhoun, Harriet and Nokomis, single and double kayaks, paddle boats and canoes are available to rent daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends in May, September and October.

Canoeing Programs
Our canoeing programs teach basic paddling techniques. Participants will also learn about Minneapolis lakes, the wildlife they support, and the importance of water quality.

River Cruises
Enjoy spectacular sights of the river and city. The Minneapolis Queen and Paradise Lady yachts dock at Boom Island. For public tours or private charters, visit www.TwinCitiesCruises.com or call 952-474-8058.

Sailing Lessons
Have fun learning the basics of sailing through our adult and youth sailing lessons. Learn the basics of sailing including tacking, gybing, knots, wind, boat rigging, and docking. Everyone gets to skipper the boat and trim the sails of a Lido 14-foot sailboat equipped with both a main and a headsail.

Fishing
From musky to bass and catfish to crappie, shore fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors as you await the Catch of the Day. Our city's lakes and the Mississippi River offer a variety of shore fishing hot spots including docks, bridges, and lagoons.

Logrolling Lessons
Adult and youth sessions at Lake Calhoun will teach you the basics of this lifelong sport and get your heart pumping. Lessons are taught by experienced and elite level logrollers.

Beach Rentals
Planning to bring a group of 10 or more to the beach this summer? Several Minneapolis beaches offer group use permits for special occasions such as birthday parties and recreational swimming events. Call 612-230-6400 for additional information.