Fine and sandy: Making a splash at EP beaches

Minnesota summers may be short, but Eden Prairie residents can make the most of lake life right here in town. 

City beaches officially opened on June 11, and several local families lost no time in hitting the sand. 

At midday the water was warm, clear, and fresh, and the beaches were clean and uncrowded. Plenty of lifeguards were on duty, ready to protect swimmers, ensure lake safety, and keep the beach areas tidy. 

At Round Lake, Lindsey Meyer enjoyed the sun, sand, and water with her daughters Hannah, 4, and Marion, 8. “We live in St. Louis Park, but we heard this was a really nice beach, so we decided to come,” she said. 

The girls enjoyed creating an elaborate mermaid out of sand, stones, and plants and splashing in the lake. Marion said, “The water is really warm and nice, and it’s surprisingly clean.”

Over at Riley Lake, Cristina Tierney took the plunge with her girls Ava, 1, and Faith, 5. “The lake is warmer than I expected, which is nice!” Tierney said. “We jumped right in.”

Tierney and her family moved to the area about a year ago from Long Island, New York. 

“Coming to Minnesota, we didn’t expect the parks and lakes to be so nice,” she said. “We thought of Minnesota as a cold place.”

Tierney says she also enjoys paddleboarding and last summer, started a paddleboarding group for Eden Prairie moms. “It’s a great way to discover new beaches,” she said.

At Riley Lake and Round Lake beaches, lifeguards are on duty at designated swimming areas during open hours. Both beaches also feature nearby pavilions and playgrounds, and Round Lake offers a zero-depth splash pad for kids. 

Before heading to the lake, check out the city’s beach rules. 

Inflatables such as rafts and inner tubes are not permitted in the swimming areas. However, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are allowed on children accompanied by an individual 16 years of age and older, in the water, within arms’ reach of the child.

You can check for updates on water quality at Hennepin County Public Health, which samples and analyzes the water at 31 public swimming beaches.

Riley Lake Park beach

9180 Riley Lake Road

11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Round Lake Park beach 

16691 Valley View Road

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bryant Lake Regional Park beach 

Bryant Lake Regional Park Beach, operated by Three Rivers Park District, is open through Labor Day. The beach is free to use but does not have lifeguards. 

6800 Rowland Road

9 a.m.-8 p.m.