- Home
- Departments
- Parks
- Recreation
- Swimming Beaches
Swimming Beaches
Last Content Update:
-
Swim Pond at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve
-
Beach at Big Marine Park Reserve
-
Beach at Square Lake Park
-
Beach at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
-
Beach at Point Douglas Park
Natural Beaches
Washington County Parks natural beaches are open Memorial Day to Labor Day annually.
Natural beaches are open from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.
Swim Pond at Lake Elmo Park Reserve
The Swim Pond is closed for the 2025 season.
Group Swims
Organized groups that will be swimming must request group swim and obtain prior approval at least seven days before your park visit.
- Restrooms are open at Big Marine Park Reserve beach and playground, Square Lake Park beach, and Point Douglas Park beach.
- Vehicle permits are required and enforced.
- If no lifeguards are present, safety breaks will not be called. Please remember to take breaks on hot days to get out of the sun, re-apply sunscreen, and drink water.
- If thunder or lightning is observed exit the water immediately and do not re-enter until at least 30 minutes has passed since last observation.
| Park | Lifeguards | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Big Marine | Unguarded | On the gentle grade of Big Marine Lake, which makes this beach great for families. |
| Lake Elmo Swim Pond | Lifeguards daily noon - 8 p.m. | A man-made two-acre swimming pond that is chlorinated and filtered. |
| Point Douglas Beach | Unguarded | 510 feet of sandy beach and many scenic views of the St. Croix River. |
| Square Lake Beach | Lifeguards daily noon - 8 p.m. | 690 feet of sandy beach on the clearest and cleanest lake in the seven-county metro area. |
| St. Croix Bluffs Beach | Unguarded | A small, unguarded beach on the waters of the beautiful St. Croix River. |
To protect park resources and facilities, and for the enjoyment of all visitors, please observe all regulations throughout the park and beach areas.
Children and safety
- All children must be supervised by an adult.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult in the water.
- Please use swim diapers.
Life jackets and flotation devices
- Coast Guard approved life jackets are allowed.
- All flotation devices, including water wings, air mattresses, kickboards, tubes, and noodles are not permitted.
Life guards (only at the Lake Elmo Swim Pond and Square Lake Beach)
Safety breaks are every hour between noon and 8 p.m. Please listen for lifeguard directions.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on beaches or picnic areas. They are allowed on hiking trails only and must be on a leash.
Prohibited
- Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, including 3.2 beer, is prohibited.
- Glass containers are not permitted.
- Smoking is not allowed on the sand, but is allowed in the grassy areas.
Metal detecting
A permit is required for Metal Detecting in Washington County beaches. Submit an online application for a permit.
Trash and recycling
Please throw away all of your waste in a garbage or recycling bin during your stay.
Organized Group Swim
Organized groups that will be swimming must obtain prior approval at least seven days before your park visit.
Lifeguards are not guaranteed for group swims and must be requested in the Group Swim Request.
Bus Permits and Vehicle Permits are required and can be obtained at the office or pay stations. Daily Vehicle Permits are $7 and Daily Bus Permits are $20.
Request
For group swim requests, please review Group Swim for Beach Policy and to submit an online request form.
For questions, please email staff or call 651-430-8370.