There’s something about toes in the sand and the sun sparkling off the water to really make it feel like summer! Rochester has three great public beaches to keep you and your family cool all summer long. All three beaches are open 7 days a week, and FREE to the public.
Rochester MN Area
Cascade Lake Park
88 23rd Avenue SW
Price: FREE
Hours: Open 7 days a week during daylight hours, 6 AM- dusk
Cascade Park is the newest gem in the Rochester area, offering a large beach area, picnic shelter, paved bike trails, a large natural playscape with water features, fishing, and more!
For more information about everything, Cascade Park has to offer, see our Guide to Cascade Lake Park.
Notes:
- No lifeguard on duty. Children must be supervised at all times.
- Cascade Park does not have permanent restroom facilities at this time. Port-a-potties are on site, but there are no changing rooms.
- No dogs are allowed in the beach area
- No glass or alcohol is allowed in the beach area
Foster Arend Beach
4051 E. River Road NE
Price: FREE
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 12 PM- 8 PM
Foster Arend has been a Rochester favorite for decades! This large park offers a great sandy beach with a swimming area, a beach house with restrooms, fishing, paved bike trails, unpaved hiking trails, a picnic shelter, a playground, and so much more to explore.
Notes:
- No lifeguard on duty. Children must be supervised at all times.
- No dogs are allowed in the beach area
- No glass or alcohol is allowed in the beach area
Water Parks of Minnesota @ Foster Arend Beach
Water Parks of Minnesota have brought their inflatable waterpark back to Foster Arend Beach. This totally unique waterpark is a fantastic addition to the Rochester summertime fun scene. Kids of all ages and adults will have a blast!
Prices:
$20/ 1 Hour
$25/ 2 Hours
$35/ All Day
*Group rates available for outings and birthday parties
– Lifejackets are required for all participants
– Parents must accompany kids under 8 years of age
Chester Woods
8378 Highway 14 East, Eyota, MN
Price: FREE
Hours: Open 7 days a week. 10 am- 6 pm Sunday- Thursday; 10 am- 8 pm Friday- Saturday
This Spring, it was announced that Chester Woods is now permanently free to the public! A quick 10-minute drive east of Rochester on Hwy 14, Chester Woods has everything in one great place. Visit the swimming beach with beach house and showers, fishing piers, canoe/kayak/paddleboard/paddleboat rentals, hiking trails, and camping sites, and check out the many other great outdoor offerings for the whole family.
Notes:
- No lifeguard on duty. Children must be supervised at all times.
- No dogs are allowed in the beach area
- No glass or alcohol is allowed in the beach area
Surrounding Area
Whitewater State Park – Oxbow Beach
19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910
Price: $ 7/one-day vehicle permit, $35/annual pass
Hours: Daily, 8 am – 10 pm
After a long hike, park visitors can cool off at the beach! This area features a stone beach house built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Cool off in spring-fed waters alongside a sandy beach. The Whitewater State Park is known to be much less prone to mosquitos due to the lack of standing water. Access the beach with a one-day entrance fee or purchase a Minnesota State Parks annual pass for $35.
Notes:
- No lifeguard on duty. Children must be supervised at all times.
- No dogs are allowed in the beach area
- No glass or alcohol is allowed in the beach area
Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Playground
2500 U.S. Hwy 61, Lake City, MN 55041
Located just one short mile north of Lake City on Highway 61, Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Campground is open year-round for daily use.
The park features a 252-acre municipally owned and operated park located on Lake Pepin. This park offers amazing views of the Mississippi River, Lake Pepin, and the surrounding bluffs. Swim in the waters of the Mississippi River on Hok-Si-La Beach!
Notes:
- No lifeguard on duty. Children must be supervised at all times.
- No dogs are allowed in the beach area
- No glass or alcohol is allowed in the beach area
