This summer’s warm weather has us heading to the lake. With over 1,400 lakes in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area, beaches are a perk to live and vacation here. All of these beaches are free and open to the public. All of them provide ample parking, portable rest areas, picnic areas, and lots of sand. But swim at your own risk because there are no lifeguards on duty. Adult supervision is advised at all times. Many of the beach areas have designated swim areas that are well marked. However, make sure children have life jackets on if they are not strong swimmers. Remember to put on sunscreen and pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water. Just make sure that whatever you bring in, you bring back with you. These beach areas were created for everyone to enjoy. There are waste disposable areas at these locations so that the water and land does not get polluted.

Beach in Town Grand Rapids

Blandin Beach is a public beach area located right in the city limits of Grand Rapids, off of 5^th Street in Grand Rapids. There is ample street parking. At this location there is a playground area, several picnic tables and benches, and a nice sandy beach area. This beach was designated by Blandin Paper Company years ago, and now the City of Grand Rapids maintains the park. The playground is a nice addition to this beach area. There is a lot of green space for kids to run off energy, and also a great place to bring a packed picnic for lunch to enjoy the views. At the south side of the lake there is a nice fishing pier if you want to throw in your fishing pole and a little tackle. This location is close to several restaurants and just a couple of blocks from downtown Grand Rapids. Which makes this location a good place to walk or bike to.

Beach in Cohasset

Tioga Recreation Area is located in Cohasset off of Tioga Beach Road, which is off of County Road 63. This beach offers two pavilions that can be rented from the City of Cohasset for picnics, parties, and group gatherings. If nobody has reserved the spaces, they are open for the public to use. There are two portable restrooms, a playground and a fishing pier. You can access this beach from the bike trail that runs from Grand Rapids to Cohasset. It is also in the Tioga Recreation Area so you can mountain bike, paddle, fish, and swim here. Pokegama Lake is a very clear lake. There is a designated swim area which ranges from a couple of feet to 6 feet. The beach is well maintained and has tiered sections and stairs that lead down to the beach area. There is some green space off to one side to play games. Bring a beach towel or beach chair to sit on the grass or sand area. The beach has no lifeguard so swim at your own risk.

Beach in Deer River

Moose Lake Beach is located off County Road 19 in Deer River. There is a portable restroom, a pavilion area to eat under, and sandy beach area that is open 8am-9pm. This beach area is an off the beaten path location and tends to have less people. Moose Lake is a nice smaller lake. The City of Deer River keeps this beach well kept. Take a little scenic drive to this location, and when you are done at the beach head to the Northern Star Marketplace for ice cream!

Beach in Colearine

Cotton Beach is located next to Longyear Park in Coleraine. There are two dock areas, a fishing pier nearby, and a walking and biking path (that leads to the Mesabi Trail), and sandy beach area. In Longyear Park there is a covered pavilion with picnic tables, and nearby playground equipment for kids to enjoy. Longyear Park has lots of beautiful green space to enjoy. There are several walking and biking paths through the park, and you can access the Mesabi Trail from this location. There are a couple of neat features at this location: the USA flag created on the hillside, the historic site statue, and the covered gazebo where occasional live music is performed. The Locker Room Bar is just a couple of blocks from this beach area, and the coming soon Smoke on the Water for fun places to eat & drink in Coleraine.

Beach in Bovey

Trout Lake Kom-on-in Beach located on Trout Lake in Bovey offers a nice sandy beach area, a playground, and a covered pavilion to enjoy a picnic lunch that is located off County Road 10. This is a little hidden beach area that locals know about. The Trout Lake Township maintains this beach and park area. There are a couple of benches, picnic tables and a sandy area that leads into the water. There is no lifeguard, but a designated swimming area. Next to the beach area is a private campground and RV park. Be mindful that campground and RV park guests utilize the beach as well. While this location is a little remote, it is a quick drive back into downtown Bovey where you can get food at Tavern on the Range, and shop at a couple of great boutique stores, and you can get ice cream at Four Seasons.

Beach in Marble

Twin Lakes Beach is located just minutes south of Marble on County Road 69. There is a nice sandy beach area, a dock area, and a nice playground. This is another hidden gem of a beach. Very nice, maintained beach and park area. Twin Lakes is a smaller lake, and the beach has a designated swimming area. There is a gas station at the corner of County Rd 69 and Hwy 169 to pick up snacks and items to make lunch. There are a couple of picnic tables, but if you prefer to be at the beach bring your own beach chair and beach towel. This beach is a great place if you are looking to take a scenic drive.

Beach in Nashwauk

LaRue Mine Pit is a beautiful hidden gem that only locals typically know about. This area is reclaimed mine pits that created several pools that you can swim, paddle, and fish. There is no designated swim area so swim at your own risk. This beach area is most suited for strong swimmers, and for young children to have adult supervision at all times. The water is a beautiful clear blue green color like the Caribbean. There are many trees and other old mining equipment in this pit, so as you paddle in this area you will discover many hidden treasures. This mine pit does have panfish and trout in it, so it makes it a perfect spot for kayak fishing. There is ample parking, a couple of picnic tables, and a portable restroom. There are several locations to land a kayak, and swim. There are a couple of platforms to cliff jump as well. Again, at your own risk! This location can be found one block north of Wizards Bar on Hawkins Avenue, go all the way to the end, it is a little drive down to the pit.

Beach in Keewatin

Obrien Reservoir is located off of Hwy 169 E in Keewatin. This swimming and boating area received an upgrade last year. A new covered pavilion was installed with new restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground area with direct access to the Mesabi Trail. There is a boat landing at this location as well. This area was created from reclaimed mine land. There are panfish and trout in the lake, and would be a great location for small boat fishing, fish from the pier, or kayak fishing.

Start Planning Your Summer Vacation

As you read there are several beaches in the Grand Rapids, MN area to cool off during the warm summer days of northern Minnesota. There are over 1,400 area lakes in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. This makes Grand Rapids a going to the lake vacation destination. Start planning your summer vacation by downloading the Grand Rapids Visitor’s Guide, and then checking out the Places To Stay in Grand Rapids to book your lodging.