Cleary Lake Regional Park
A sprawling park offering a serene lake, scenic trails, a beach, boat rentals, and an off-leash dog park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling park offering a serene lake, scenic trails, a beach, boat rentals, and an off-leash dog park.
"A beautiful park with plenty to do for all ages, from hiking and swimming to boating and picnicking."
🚗 Parking Availability
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up quickly.
💧 Bring Water for Dogs
The dog park is large; bring extra water for your furry friends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cleary Lake Loop Trail
Around Cleary Lake
A scenic 3.35-mile paved path offering beautiful lake views and access to the beach.
Swimming Beach
South end of Cleary Lake
A perfect spot to cool off on hot days, with clean sand and shallow waters for families.
Boat Rentals
Near the beach
Rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboats for a fun day out on the quiet, gas-motor-free lake.
Off-Leash Dog Park
Northwest corner of the park
A spacious area for dogs to run and play, with plenty of trails and amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seasons
to serene winter hikes and sunny beach days, each season offers a unique experience. Plan your visit based on your preferred activities, whether it's golfing, skiing, or enjoying the water.Trail Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Availability
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up quickly.
💧 Bring Water for Dogs
The dog park is large; bring extra water for your furry friends.
🛶 Paddleboat Fun
Paddleboat rentals are highly recommended for a relaxing experience on the lake.
🎨 Fall Colors
Visit in autumn for breathtaking fall foliage painting opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Availability
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up quickly.
💧 Bring Water for Dogs
The dog park is large; bring extra water for your furry friends.
🛶 Paddleboat Fun
Paddleboat rentals are highly recommended for a relaxing experience on the lake.
🎨 Fall Colors
Visit in autumn for breathtaking fall foliage painting opportunities.
♿ Accessible Trails
The paved loop trail is excellent for wheelchairs and strollers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cleary Lake Regional Park for its beautiful scenery, well-maintained facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities. The paved trail, beach, and boat rentals are frequently highlighted as enjoyable features. While generally positive, some mention that parking can be challenging during peak times.
"A beautiful park with both paved and grassy trails. We enjoyed hiking in the woods and saw wildlife and birds in the wetlands. The park is well maintained and has clean bathrooms and plenty to do for all ages. You can purchase snacks, rent games, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. The children's playground had a variety of play equipment."
Melissa Strehmel
"Cleary Lake has a nice paved trail that goes around the lake, a beach and offers boat rentals (paddleboat is worth it! ). Lots of picnic tables for get togethers or special events. Would recommend to check it out!"
Tiffany Hinderscheit
"This was our first trip here to fish on the dock. We were so impressed with how clean the area was and how relaxing and pretty it was! There was plenty of shade to enjoy sitting at picnic tables, grills, a nice beach, boat rentals, restrooms, a fishing dock and lots of parking. It was really enjoyable and because they don’t allow gas powered boats on the lake its really quiet. There also isn’t any homes on the lake that I could see, so its really nice! Its a great place to visit and relax!"
Name Witheld
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cleary Lake Regional Park is located in Prior Lake, MN. It's easily accessible by car via major roadways. Ample parking is available throughout the park, though it can fill up on busy days.
Public transportation options to the park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have your own car.
The park has multiple entrances, with the main access points leading to the beach, boat rental area, and golf course. The paved trail loop is accessible from various points around the lake.
Yes, Cleary Lake Regional Park is located about 30-40 minutes southwest of Minneapolis, making it a popular day trip destination for Twin Cities residents.
Entry to Cleary Lake Regional Park is generally free. However, there may be fees for specific activities like boat rentals or golf. Check the park's official website for the most current pricing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to Cleary Lake Regional Park is free. You can enjoy the trails, beach, and picnic areas without purchasing tickets.
The park is typically open from 8 AM to sunset daily. Specific facilities like the beach or boat rental may have seasonal hours. It's best to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, many picnic areas and shelters can be reserved in advance for gatherings and events. This is highly recommended for larger groups or special occasions.
While the park is family-friendly, some activities like boat rentals may have age or supervision requirements. Children should always be supervised, especially near the water.
Pets are allowed in most areas of the park but must be on a leash. There is a dedicated off-leash dog park where dogs can roam freely. Remember to clean up after your pet.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cleary Lake Regional Park offers a wide range of activities including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating (rentals available), picnicking, and golfing. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular.
Yes, the park has a paved 3.35-mile loop trail around the lake, suitable for all levels, including strollers and wheelchairs. Natural trails offer more rugged terrain for experienced hikers.
Yes, there is a designated swimming beach at Cleary Lake, perfect for cooling off during warmer months.
Visitors often spot various birds, including waterfowl, and may see deer or other small mammals, especially in the wetlands and wooded areas.
Absolutely! The park offers beautiful scenery year-round, from lake views and fall colors
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has several picnic areas with grills, making it ideal for bringing your own food. There are also snack bars available seasonally, particularly near the beach and boat rental area.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the picnic sites. This is a popular option for families and groups.
Prior Lake has several restaurants and cafes located a short drive from the park, offering various dining options if you prefer to eat out.
The park offers numerous picnic tables, many with shade, scattered throughout. Areas near the lake and beach are particularly popular for their views and accessibility.
Alcohol policies can vary. It's best to check the official park regulations or contact the park office directly to confirm if alcohol is permitted and under what conditions.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself offers stunning reflections, especially during sunrise and sunset. The paved trail provides scenic overlooks, and the wooded areas are beautiful in fall.
Yes, the wetlands and wooded areas are home to various bird species and small mammals, offering good opportunities for wildlife photographers.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour is particularly magical here.
Drone usage is typically restricted in regional parks to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. Always check park regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
The overlooks along the paved loop trail provide panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The beach area also offers a great perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The paved loop trail is perfect for strollers and little legs, and the children's playground offers a variety of equipment for active fun. ♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Beyond the paved loop, the park features natural surface trails that wind through wooded areas and wetlands. These trails provide a more immersive experience for hikers seeking to explore the park's diverse ecosystems and potentially spot wildlife.
Water Activities on Cleary Lake
For those looking to get out on the water, boat rentals are available, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats.
A Haven for Dogs
The dog park is equipped with amenities to enhance the experience, including ample space for running and benches for owners to relax. Visitors are encouraged to bring water for their pets, as it can get warm, and to always clean up after their dogs.
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