Whether it's a refreshing, slightly shiver-inducing dip in early summer or a lukewarm splash in the dog days, Minnesotans try to take advantage of our abundant lakes while we can.
But for a place with thousands of lakes and rivers, it can be surprisingly challenging to find an accessible sandy oasis.
So, KAXE compiled a list of as many publicly accessible beaches in Northern Minnesota as we could and mapped them.
The map stretches from the Erskine County Park on Maple Lake to Whipple Beach in Baxter to the Lake Superior Chicago Bay Boat Launch in Hovland to Ranier Beach on Rainy Lake — and dozens in between.
But our map is far from complete! Help us find more public beaches for us all to enjoy by submitting your favorite.
Fifteen Northland state parks have swimming beaches, accessible with the purchase of a state park pass. Find those parks using the ParkFinder; select "Swimming Beach" under "Recreation facilities."
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also allows swimming at public water accesses, unless otherwise posted. Swimming is not allowed at the North Long Lake and Round Lake accesses in Crow Wing County, unless otherwise posted.
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Chelsey Perkins/KAXEDozens of Northern Minnesota farmers markets make fresh produce and other homemade products available direct to consumers. Find a farmers market near you using KAXE's map. -
Events this week include storytelling at Long Lake Conservation Center and kick sledding at Lake Bemidji State Park. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan reflects on her work covering stories in northwestern Minnesota and beyond in her ninth year as a journalist. -
Bemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan looks back on her work reporting for northwestern Minnesota in 2025 during her ninth year as a journalist.
