
Square Lake County Park
Discover pristine, crystal-clear waters and a spacious, sandy beach at Square Lake County Park, a serene natural escape near the Twin Cities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Square Lake County Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover pristine, crystal-clear waters and a spacious, sandy beach at Square Lake County Park, a serene natural escape near the Twin Cities.
"This hidden gem is my new favorite. I can't wait to return!"

🚗 Parking Permit Required
A $7 per car parking permit is needed. Arrive early on busy days to guarantee a spot. :car:
🛟 Lifeguards on Duty
Enjoy peace of mind with lifeguards present during operating hours, though they do take safety breaks. :lifeguard:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine Beach and Crystal Clear Water
Main Beach Area
Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the Twin Cities with incredibly clear, mineral-rich water. Perfect for swimming and enjoying the sunshine.

Abundant Wildlife in the Lake
Lake waters
Swim alongside fish, snails, and mollusks in the clean, vibrant waters of Square Lake. A truly immersive natural experience.

Spacious Restrooms and Picnic Areas
Near the beach
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious restrooms with changing areas and numerous picnic tables, some movable to shady spots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Crystal Clear Waters
Parking and Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
DOES ANYONE KNOW a clean lake right now with no bacteria by Minneapolis / suburbs
🚗 Parking Permit Required
A $7 per car parking permit is needed. Arrive early on busy days to guarantee a spot. :car:
🛟 Lifeguards on Duty
Enjoy peace of mind with lifeguards present during operating hours, though they do take safety breaks. :lifeguard:
Best low-key beaches / swimming area for this hot weekend?
Cleanest beach?
🏖️ Beach Access with Gear
Getting to the beach with strollers or wagons can be a bit tricky. Plan your route and gear accordingly. :baby_carrier:
🛶 Water Activities Galore
Bring paddleboards, boats, or kayaks to explore the expansive lake beyond the beach. :kayak:
Dog safe (Algae) lakes north of the cities?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Permit Required
A $7 per car parking permit is needed. Arrive early on busy days to guarantee a spot. :car:
🛟 Lifeguards on Duty
Enjoy peace of mind with lifeguards present during operating hours, though they do take safety breaks. :lifeguard:
🏖️ Beach Access with Gear
Getting to the beach with strollers or wagons can be a bit tricky. Plan your route and gear accordingly. :baby_carrier:
🛶 Water Activities Galore
Bring paddleboards, boats, or kayaks to explore the expansive lake beyond the beach. :kayak:
☀️ Moveable Picnic Tables
Take advantage of picnic tables that can be repositioned to find your perfect shady spot. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Square Lake County Park's exceptionally clean and clear water, often calling it the most beautiful beach in the Twin Cities. The spacious beach, abundant amenities like picnic tables and grills, and the presence of lifeguards are frequently praised. Some find the park can get crowded, and accessing the beach with gear can be a minor challenge.
"This is one of the best discoveries of our summer. It’s about an hour’s drive from home for us, driving is easy down the interstate. Once there, you pay $7 for a car parking permit. Take your stuff and head out to the beach. There are lifeguards at the beach, they do take safety brakes, kinda like at community swimming pool. The beach is clean, the water is clean and full of life: fish, snails and mollusks. There are spacious restrooms with changing are, no real showers, but you can wash sand and water outside at the fountain. There are many benches with picnic tables at the beach, those table can be moved as the day goes by to a shady area. Lots of people bring food to grill there, there are multiple outdoor coal grills available at this beach. Some folks come with paddle boards, boats and kayaks and enjoy this lake by paddling. We just came to swim. This lake is large enough for everyone and truly the best $7 spent for a day worth of sunshine, wind and water."
Marta Duffer
"I just discovered Square Lake today and think it has the most beautiful beach in the Twin Cities. It's in such a serene setting and although the lake is on the smaller side, the beach is easily one of the largest around. It's apparent the area is rich in minerals and natural resources are a priority; the water is crystal clear and the sand is smooth and soft. There were even lifeguards on duty which is quite rare for lakes these days, especially at 8pm. This hidden gem is my new favorite. I can't wait to return!"
Rachael Ryhn
"Nice clean and clear lake. This is by far my favorite spot to go. You can swim at the public beach or u can pay and go to the little campground area to go swim, I like paying and going to the campground beach less people there. Highly recommend checking the lake out, you will not be disappointed."
Angie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Square Lake County Park is approximately an hour's drive from Minneapolis, typically via the interstate, making it an accessible day trip destination.
The park is generally reached by driving down the interstate from Minneapolis. Specific routes can be found using GPS navigation.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Square Lake County Park due to its suburban location. Driving is the most common and recommended method.
While specific routes may vary, driving down the interstate from Minneapolis generally involves standard road usage without significant toll roads. It's always best to check your specific route.
Using a GPS navigation app on your smartphone is the most reliable way to find the park entrance and navigate to the parking areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a $7 per car parking permit required for entry into Square Lake County Park.
Advance ticket booking is not typically required for Square Lake County Park. Parking permits are usually purchased upon arrival.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official park website or local listings for the most current hours, especially for lifeguard services.
Yes, you can pay to access a campground beach area which often has fewer people than the public beach.
Refund policies for parking permits are generally not offered once purchased. It's recommended to be sure of your visit before paying.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim at the public beach, enjoy the clear water, sunbathe, have picnics, grill food, and paddleboard, kayak, or boat on the lake.
Yes, Square Lake is known for its clean and clear water, often praised for its quality and lack of bacteria.
Lifeguards are typically on duty at the main beach during operating hours, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers.
The beach area offers spacious restrooms with changing areas, outdoor fountains for rinsing off sand, and numerous picnic tables.
While there are outdoor coal grills available, bringing your own portable grill might be restricted. It's best to use the provided facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants or cafes within Square Lake County Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, and there are plenty of picnic tables and grills available for use.
Yes, the park features many picnic tables, some of which can be moved to shadier spots, making it ideal for a day of outdoor dining.
The park provides multiple outdoor coal grills for visitors to use, perfect for a barbecue lunch or dinner.
Park regulations regarding alcohol can vary. It's advisable to check the official park rules or signage upon arrival to confirm if alcohol is permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
The expansive beach with its clear water, the serene natural setting, and the wildlife in the lake offer numerous picturesque photo opportunities.
Yes, the park's clear waters teeming with aquatic life and its tranquil environment make it an excellent location for nature photography.
Drone usage is often restricted in county parks for safety and privacy reasons. It's crucial to check the park's specific drone policy before flying.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the lake and beach without harsh shadows.
The main beach itself, with its smooth sand and clear water, is a standout feature. The surrounding natural landscape also provides beautiful backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While getting down to the beach with strollers or wagons can be a bit challenging, the spacious restrooms with changing areas are a welcome convenience. The availability of picnic tables and grills means you can easily pack a family-friendly meal and spend the entire day enjoying the park's natural beauty. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged, saving money on dining out. The park's amenities, like grills and picnic tables, further support a cost-effective visit. Opting for a weekday visit can also mean a more relaxed experience without additional costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Square Lake's Water Quality
The clarity of the water makes it a top choice for those seeking a pure swimming experience, distinguishing it from other lakes in the Twin Cities area. The smooth, soft sand of the beach further enhances the appeal, creating a serene environment that feels miles away from urban hustle.
This focus on water quality and natural beauty makes Square Lake a highly recommended destination for anyone prioritizing a clean and invigorating aquatic adventure.
Maximizing Your Beach Day Experience
For those planning a longer stay, the park offers outdoor coal grills, making it an ideal location for a barbecue. Many visitors also bring paddleboards, boats, and kayaks to explore the lake's expanse, turning a simple beach day into a full aquatic adventure.
While the beach is spacious, it can get crowded, especially during peak summer weekends. Arriving early is key to securing a prime spot and enjoying the amenities without feeling overwhelmed.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit