Long Lake Public Beach

Long Lake Public Beach is a cozy nature spot located in the regional park of the same name in the suburb of New Brighton, just a stone's throw from Minneapolis. This USA destination is famous for its glacial history: the lake formed about 10,000 years ago and today delights visitors with crystal-clear water filtered through underground layers and deep-water springs.

The beach occupies part of a 2.4 km shoreline and offers ideal conditions for family getaways. Thanks to its high rating and excellent infrastructure, it is considered one of the most popular recreational areas in Ramsey County. Here, you can not only swim but also enjoy views of neighboring Rush Lake, which is part of the park's protected natural area.

The main feature of Long Lake Public Beach is its excellent amenities. Guests can enjoy a modern beach house with showers, changing rooms, and restrooms, as well as a small snack bar. Spacious picnic areas equipped with pavilions make this place a wonderful choice for spending a weekend outdoors with friends.

To check the latest information on visiting rules and to book picnic pavilions, you can use the official contact details of the park service.

The main draw for visitors is undoubtedly the swimming season, which officially runs from late May to early September (from Memorial Day to Labor Day). During this period, professional lifeguards are on duty, making it safe even for families with young children. A special sandy play area is set up for little ones, while volleyball courts and open playing fields are provided for active sports enthusiasts.

If you prefer active recreation on land, you'll love the 5 kilometers of paved trails. They are perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, connecting different parts of the regional park. Nature lovers often head to the southern part of the area to observe birds and wild flora around the protected Rush Lake.

For those who can't imagine a holiday without fishing, a special fishing pier is installed on the lakeshore. There is also a concrete boat launch in the southern part of the park, allowing you to head out onto the water in your own craft. After a full day, you can host a barbecue: the picnic areas are equipped with tables and convenient grills, perfect for gathering a large group under the shade of the trees.

Getting to the beach from downtown Minneapolis is quite easy, as it is located just 15–20 minutes away by car. The main route follows I-694 eastbound to the Long Lake Road or Old Highway 8 exit. The exact address of the site is 1500 Old Hwy 8, New Brighton. For navigation, it is convenient to use the coordinates POINT(-93.1995213 45.0745283).

For those who prefer public transportation, Metro Transit bus routes (such as #250 or #852) to New Brighton are available. From the nearest stop to the beach itself, you'll need to cover about 2–3 km, which can be done by taxi or by taking a stroll through the park area.

Free parking is available for motorists, located directly by the beach area and picnic spots. There is also a separate entrance to the boat launch from Long Lake Road, where 15 parking spaces are designated for vehicles with trailers. On hot summer weekends, the parking lot can fill up quickly, so it is recommended to arrive in the first half of the day.

The history of this picturesque spot dates back to ancient times. Long Lake itself was formed about 10,000 years ago by the powerful force of melting glaciers. In the mid-18th century (approximately 1755–1760), the shores of the lake were a favored spot for the Sioux tribe, who set up their camps here. Later, in 1859, the area of what is now Teepee Hill served as a campsite for the Chippewa people.

European settlers began to establish themselves here in May 1855. The Fleming and George Knettles families, arriving from Pennsylvania, founded the settlement of Cumberland Town. The area developed rapidly: a sawmill, the first school, and a post office appeared, which was originally named Tamarack after the local marshes. By the late 19th century, the region became famous as a berry-growing hub for strawberries and raspberries, and the local fruit growers' association was renowned throughout Minnesota.

In the 1920s, Long Lake Public Beach became a highly popular summer resort for residents of the nearby twin cities. People from Minneapolis and St. Paul built cozy summer cottages here to enjoy fishing and swimming. Over time, private estates gave way to a well-maintained regional park, while preserving the atmosphere of peaceful country relaxation that the first vacationers valued a century ago.

To fully enjoy a visit to the beach, a typical visitor will need between 2 and 4 hours. This is quite sufficient for swimming, sunbathing, and a short walk along one of the scenic trails surrounding the lake.

If you plan to host a family barbecue in one of the picnic areas, go fishing on the pier, or walk all 5 kilometers of the park's paved paths, you should set aside half a day. Many locals prefer to spend the entire Saturday or Sunday morning here, enjoying the peace and natural beauty of the area.

The beach and its surrounding regional park are open to visitors daily. The official opening hours are from 05:30 to 20:00 (Monday to Sunday). This allows guests to enjoy both the early morning hours by the water and picturesque sunsets.

It is important to note that the full beach infrastructure and lifeguard duties are only active during the summer season (from late May to early September). During the rest of the year, the park remains accessible for walks, jogging, and fishing. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official park website for any possible changes in the schedule due to holidays or events.

The surroundings of Long Lake offer many opportunities to continue your active day. Exploring nearby locations will allow you to complement a peaceful beach holiday with dynamic entertainment and shopping in the best Minnesota traditions.