Best Beaches

Everyone knows about Calhoun, Harriet, and Lake of the Isles. But when it comes to soaking up the local waters, Twin Citians have a host of less-congested, more original options. Whether you’re looking to cast a line, walk the waterfront, or paddle a crystalline surface, we’ve sleuthed the best lakes, rivers, and swimming holes for every purpose under the sun.

If the Minneapolis lakes were compared to guests at a dinner party, then little Brownie Lake would surely be the wallflower. The lake is no less lovely than its larger, louder neighbors. However, it takes patience and a little perseverance to uncover its virtues. Situated to the northwest of Cedar Lake—just a hop, skip, and jump beyond a railway and the Kenilworth bike trail—Brownie is an excellent destination by canoe (through a canal from Cedar) or by foot (descend the wooden stairs from Theodore Wirth Parkway). Once there, a sojourner is treated to lily pads, dirt walking paths, and relatively lush tree cover. The idyllic scene is cut with just one dissonant element: the sound of cars speeding along nearby I-394. 1500 Cedar Lake Pkwy. and Brownie Rd., Mpls.

Many of the smaller lakes in the metro area suffered this year from fish kill as a result of an abnormally cold, long winter. So if you want to catch fish—especially big fighting fish—your best bet is to stick to larger lakes where the lunkers are still alive and hungry. Como Lake is a great place to dunk a worm, especially if you’re after channel catfish. The lake was stocked with some 4,500 catfish yearlings last year—more than any other lake in the metro—and plenty of larger monsters are skimming Como’s bottom as well. Other fish you’re likely to land are largemouth bass, northern pike, the usual crappie and bluegill, and—allegedly—a few walleye. A newer, longer fishing dock was built on the lake’s south side a few years ago. If you don’t want to fish from shore, there are paddleboats to rent at the Como Lakeside Pavilion. The age-old walking paths offer another lovely lake experience. 1360 Lexington Pkwy. N., St. Paul, 651-488-4920

For a quintessential Lake Minnetonka beach experience, our favorite is Excelsior Commons Beach. It’s actually a two-for-one, with separate beaches at each side of a bend, partitioned by playground equipment and grass. Spend the peak hours at the beach of your choosing—both feature swimming docks and lifeguards—or take cover under one of the many large shady trees in the area. Come late afternoon, the adjacent picnic area offers a great perch to those who want to watch the boats bobbing on the open waters. Best of all, the outing costs no more than the few quarters it takes to plug the parking meter. Water and Lake Sts., Excelsior, 952-474-5233

If you want to dangle a line with the kiddies and catch bluegills by the dozen, the fishing piers on the north and east side of Lake Nokomis are a sure bet. But Lake Nokomis is also the place to head when there’s a more formidable challenge in mind. The lake is home to a surprisingly large population of tiger muskies, many of which are more than three feet long. Lake lore has it that the big-’uns can be caught from the dock with the right gear, but you’ll have better luck from a boat. Ample walleye are also swimming in these waters—and you can, too, at either of Nokomis’ two supervised beaches. 4955 Lake Nokomis Pkwy. W., Mpls., 612-370-4923

The second-largest lake in the metro area (behind Lake Minnetonka), Medicine Lake gets a lot of attention for its excellent ice fishing, but the summer catch here is better and bigger than most. Besides the usual bluegill and crappie, the lake’s main sport fish are northern pike and largemouth bass. Thanks to a 10-year walleye-stocking effort, it has become one of the better walleye lakes as well. Fishing by boat is the best way to catch them, but there’s plenty of good shoreline to cast from as well. For land-lovers, there’s an excellent sandy beach, wooded walking paths, and lush maple tree cover to explore at the adjacent French Regional Park. Near Olson Memorial Pkwy. and Hwy. 169

Hermits and cranks can recharge their batteries at the riverfront park and beach at Lake St. Croix Beach. This large sandy beach, located just east of Woodbury, runs along the St. Croix River and allows plenty of privacy—no rambunctious kids, no hormonal teenagers. The water is cool and clear, and it’s easy to find a secluded place to swim. Keep in mind: The sand and sun are free, but there is a $5 parking fee. S. 20th St. and Ramada Ave., Lake St. Croix Beach,651-436-7031

SandVenture Aquatic Park offers all the benefits of a lake and pool, but the fish-phobic will be doubly pleased: This man-made beach-pool hybrid features critter-free chlorinated water along with a sandy bottom and almost an acre of white beaches. There’s even a waterpark featuring four slides and a diving board—something a reveler won’t find on the average lakefront. $3–$7 admission. 1101 Adams St., Shakopee, 952-233-3840