Beaches & Landings in Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka's 125-mile shoreline encompasses more than 14,000 acres of water. Whether you're looking for a place to launch a boat, take a swim or catch a few fish, numerous beaches and landings around Lake Minnetonka provide access. The lake is open to boats without horsepower limits, but the lake's many secluded bays and coves are also perfect for canoes and kayaks. With a current Minnesota fishing license, you can catch bass, pike walleye and variety of other game fish.

  1. Lake Minnetonka Regional Park

    • Lake Minnetonka Regional Park overlooks the western shore of Lake Minnetonka, where shady forest meets the rocky lake shore. The park includes a paved boat launch site with ample parking that can accommodate boats of all sizes. A nearby fishing pier provides a place to wet a line for the lake's abundant game fish. Areas of open shoreline near the pier and boat launch are ideal for putting in or taking out a canoe or kayak. While the park does not include swimming access on Lake Minnetonka, a separate pond is encircled by a sandy beach where you can swim or soak up some sun. Lake Minnetonka Regional Park also includes picnic areas, hiking trails, bike paths and playground equipment.

    Swimming Beaches

    • Lake Minnetonka has no shortage of swimming locations, and about a dozen public beaches dot the shoreline. Down at the south end of the lake, you can take a dip at the Excelsior Commons Beach, where lifeguards are on daily duty during the summer months. The beach is part of a park that also includes picnic areas, ball fields, a playground and concessions stand. Farther east, the Deephaven area offers a choice between five local beaches, including Robinson's Bay Beach, which includes a swimming dock and picnic tables. Lifeguards are on duty daily. Nearby Walden Beach has no lifeguards, but swimmers can enter the water at their own risk.

    DNR Access Sites

    • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages several boat launch and access sites around the shore of Lake Minnetonka, with paved launch ramps and parking for vehicles and trailers. Sites include the Maxwell Bay Access at the intersection of County Road 51 and County Road 135, which provides access to one of the lake's northernmost bays. You can also launch a boat at the nearby North Arm Access on County Road 51 and at the east end of the Lake at the Grays Bay Access, just off Highway 101. The DNR access sites are suitable for large fishing boats and powerboats as well as smaller craft like canoes, kayaks and jon boats. The Maxwell Bay Access also includes a fishing pier, and all three sites provide shore fishing access.

    Canoe and Kayak Landings

    • If all you need is a place to get a canoe or kayak in the water, the Lake Minnetonka Shoreline is home to quite a few suitable sites. On Halsted Bay, the westernmost of Lake Minnetonka's many bays and coves, a public access site near the end of Kings Point Road has a short stretch of open shoreline where you can launch any boat small enough to carry down to the water. A similar access site is available on the far opposite side of the lake near the Gray's Bay Dam on Gray's Bay Boulevard. You can also put in or take out a canoe or kayak at Excelsior Commons park and at most other parks and large boat ramps around the lake.