Minnesota is a beautiful state known for its landscape filled with forests and lakes. Many tourists flock to the state to take part in its outdoor activities such as hiking or ziplining. But the state is also home to a number of warm, sunny beaches.

What is Minnesota Known For?

Minnesota is known for its stunning naturescape that features a variety of plant and tree species, from towering Hemlock trees to familiar Pine trees. If you like to be amongst nature, it’s the perfect place to explore.

For an up-close and personal experience, visit Voyageurs National Park. There, you can go canoeing, kayaking, or camping. And in the winter, you can also enjoy winter activities like snowmobiling and skiing.

The Mall of America is another widely popular tourist attraction. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, the mall features more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, seven acres of rides at Nickelodeon Universe, a SEA LIFE aquarium, and so much more. It’s a fun, family-friendly place to spend a full day in the city.

Best Beaches in Minnesota

When people think of Minnesota, they might think of the Mall of America or even its 10,000 lakes. But that’s not all that the state has to offer.

Minnesota is also home to a number of great beaches that attract locals and tourists alike. The beaches in Minnesota provide a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. And even though the state isn’t exactly known to be a tropical getaway, you can still catch some waves while you’re there. Here are five of the best beaches in Minnesota:

1. Cedar Lake East Beach

Cedar Lake East Beach is a quiet, public beach in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The beach is known for its family-friendly vibes, making it the perfect place to spend a holiday.

At Cedar Lake East Beach, you can relax on the sand or go for a dip in the waters. And if your child(ren) doesn’t know how to swim, the beach provides youth swimming lessons for young learners.

Take a stroll along its walking path for a romantic sunset walk for two. Or if you’re traveling with a large party, you can host a picnic or celebrate a birthday. Check out the official website for more information on how to obtain a permit for groups of 10 or more.

2. Afton State Park Beach

Afton State Park is a lush, green park that boasts several plant and flower species. If you enjoy hiking, the park offers a number of hiking trails that wind throughout it. Afton State Park attracts families from all over the world who come to experience this natural landscape and its wildlife.

While not exactly a beach, the St. Croix River is a popular feature for tourists at the park. There, you can do various water activities like canoeing, boating, and swimming.

The river is also home to many fish, including Sturgeon, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye. It’s the perfect place to spend a day fishing with friends. Be sure to visit the official website for more information about fishing guidelines and safety.

3. Black Beach

Located on the North Shore of Minnesota is Black Beach. Black Beach is an aquatic wonderland featuring an enormous rock formation decorated with trees. And as its name implies, the beach is known for its black sand, making it the only black sand beach in the entire state.

You can unwind by sunbathing or having a picnic at the beach. This picturesque destination also provides the perfect backdrop for Instagram selfies.

Or for more physical activities, many people like to swim in its cool waters. If you’re daring, you can climb the large rock formation at the beach. But be careful; it’s a long way down!

4. Thomas Beach

Thomas Beach is a popular beach in Minnesota that people from all over the state visit. The beach offers numerous recreational activities that the whole family can enjoy, from biking to swimming.

Get a workout in on the volleyball court located directly on the sand. Or you can float along the water in a paddle board or canoe. The beach even offers youth swimming lessons for those who want to learn or just brush up on their existing skills.

Because there are so many things to do at the beach, it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, plan your visit in the early morning or weekday.

5. Park Point Beach

If you enjoy cool breezes and blue waters, Park Point Beach is the beach for you! Located on the world’s largest sandbar, Park Point Beach is a great place for soaking up the sun.

Surfing is a popular activity among the locals. If you decide to surf, be sure to check the conditions on the official website to ensure that it’s safe to do so.

You can watch as the giant ships float back into the nearby harbor. Or enjoy incredible views of Duluth as you sunbathe on the warm sand. No matter what you decide, Park Point Beach has something for everyone.