Natural swimming hole
Fort Snelling State Park, Snelling Lake beach
Lake · Minnesota
About this swimming hole
Snelling Lake's wide, sandy beach is the Twin Cities' most accessible natural swim, sitting inside Fort Snelling State Park at the Mississippi-Minnesota river confluence. The accessible beach is staffed by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with restrooms, showers, and changing rooms on a brick patio nearby. Planes overhead and herons along the shore give the city swim a north-woods edge.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | shallow lake (~9.5 ft deep) |
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | MN state park vehicle permit required |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 8am-10pm daily |
| Parking | state park lots |
| Amenities | lifeguards (Memorial Day-Labor Day), swimming beach, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, visitor center |
| County | Dakota County |
| Nearest town | St. Paul |
| Safety notes | unguarded outside lifeguard season |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Fort Snelling State Park, Snelling Lake beach?
Yes — Fort Snelling State Park, Snelling Lake beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Minnesota. Heads-up: unguarded outside lifeguard season. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Fort Snelling State Park, Snelling Lake beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Fort Snelling State Park, Snelling Lake beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Fort Snelling State Park, Snelling Lake beach?
Reported fee info: MN state park vehicle permit required. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Fort Snelling State Park, Snelling Lake beach?
The best season is typically June-August.