Phalen Regional Park Beach

Last Edited: September 10, 2026

About Phalen Regional Park Beach

Phalen Park Beach is Saint Paul's family-friendly summer destination, featuring free admission, free parking, a guarded sand beach, splash pad, changing rooms, restrooms, watercraft rentals, sand volleyball courts, and seasonal programming. Nearby, you can access a picnic area, playground, fishing areas, 3-mile paved walking/biking loop and all that Phalen Regional Park. has to offer.

2026 Season Updates

Phalen Park Beach is now closed for the season. We will see you next summer!

Guarded Beach Hours

Youth under the age of 12 must always be accompanied by an adult. A parent or guardian must first check-in with an aquatics supervisor if a youth ages 12-14 intends to stay at the beach without a parent or guardian.

All hours are weather permitting

Dates	Time
May 23-25	12pm-8pm
May 30-31	12pm-8pm
June 6-7	12pm-8pm
June 13 - July 31	12pm-8pm
August 1 - Sept. 7	12pm-7pm

Splash Pad Hours

Dates	Time
June 13 - Sept. 7	9am-9pm

Lake Phalen Activities & Information

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Enjoy open water swimming this summer in Saint Paul’s Lake Phalen!
- The course is marked with buoys and staffed by waterfront certified lifeguards.
- The course begins and ends at the beach. Swimmers swim counterclockwise, keeping to the right of the buoys. The short course is approximately 500 yards and the long course is about 1,200 yards. Participants can take as many laps around the course as time allows.
Participant information
- Must be 18+
- Open Swim sessions will be held on Saturdays and Sundays at 12-1:30pm and Mondays from 6-7pm, from June 13 – August 17. (No session on Saturday, July 4)
- Open water swim will be held at Lake Phalen Beach; 1400 Phalen Drive.
Registration
- Starting Saturday, July 25, Open Water Swim enrollment drops to $20 for Saint Paul Residents and $30 for Non-Residents. Due to low end-of-season inventory, participants may be issued a latex cap and must provide their own waist-harnessed swim buoy or U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Pass holders are issued and required to wear an official participant swim cap (included in registration fee) as well as a swim buoy.
- Participants must enroll online prior to swimming, and there is no onsite enrollment at Lake Phalen. If you would prefer to register in-person, please visit the Como Regional Park Pool or the Highland Park Aquatic Center.
*In case of inclement weather or water quality closure, pass holders will be notified via Lake Phalen’s Facebook social media page.
Register for Open Water Swim
Interested in becoming a lifeguard at Lake Phalen Beach? Lifeguarding certification can be obtained though our training programs. To apply for a summer lifeguarding position, call 651-642-0390. (And check out the Teen Lifeguard Academy Summer Camp!)
Already a trained lifeguard? Great! We are always seeking new guards and instructors to join our team. Our main hiring period for the summer season runs from mid-April to June. To join the team call Great River Water Park at 651-642-0390 and speak with a supervisor.

Lake Phalen Summer Camps

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About Saint Paul City Day Campers

A Minnesota Up-North experience in our backyard! Join us for an active summer at Camp Phalen! Campers will enjoy outdoor adventures, sports, creative activities, and time with friends at beautiful Phalen Lake. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and footwear (suitable for trail walking). Participants should bring swimwear/swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses or a hat. All other equipment is provided.

Meals & Snacks

Campers receive a morning snack and lunch at 1:15 PM at no additional charge.

Activities

Paddle sports: kayaks, paddleboards, and water rescue challenges
Outdoor skills: fire building, map reading, and water safety
Nature hikes and ecosystem exploration
Beach games and swimming
Arts, crafts & creative challenges

All activities are led and supervised by City of Saint Paul Aquatics instructors who are American Red Cross waterfront certified lifeguards.

Details and Registration

Dates	Days	Time	Ages	Cost	Registration	Location
June 22 – June 25	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	9am-3pm	8-12	Resident: $195 Non-Resident: $244 Some scholarships available.	Camp Phalen: Session 1	Phalen Lakeside Activity Center (1530 Phalen Drive)
July 13 – July 16	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	9am-3pm	8-12	Resident: $195 Non-Resident: $244 Some scholarships available.	Camp Phalen: Session 2	Phalen Lakeside Activity Center (1530 Phalen Drive)
July 27 – July 30	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	9am-3pm	8-12	Resident: $195 Non-Resident: $244 Some scholarships available.	Camp Phalen: Session 3	Phalen Lakeside Activity Center (1530 Phalen Drive)
August 10 – August 13	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	9am-3pm	8-12	Resident: $195 Non-Resident: $244 Some scholarships available.	Camp Phalen: Session 4	Phalen Lakeside Activity Center (1530 Phalen Drive)

About Paddle Sports and Outdoor Adventures
Join us for fun-filled outdoor Wednesday afternoons at Lake Phalen — designed for teens who love water, nature, and adventure! Bring comfortable clothes, trail-ready shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen & sunglasses. All other equipment is provided.
Activities
- Kayaking & Paddle Boarding
- Swimming & Canoeing
- Trail Hiking & Wilderness First Aid
- Water Safety & Rescue Drills
- Nature Exploration & Fishing
- Creative Crafting
Details and Registration
No pre-registration required. Check in with staff upon arrival.
Dates Days Time Ages Cost Registration Location
June 24 – August 5 Wednesdays (7 sessions) 3:30-5:30pm 12-17 Free Drop-in Phalen Lakeside Activity Center (1530 Phalen Drive)
About Teen Lifeguard Academy
Fridays at the lake – sand, sun & lifesaving fun! Join the Lake Phalen community and take your summer to the next level! Be a leader, build your skills, and have a blast at the beach! No equipment needed – just bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
Activities
- Water games & team challenges
- Swimming & rescue skill development
- Kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing
- Time to enjoy the sun, sand, and nature
Details and Registration
No pre-registration required. Check in with staff upon arrival.
Dates Days Time Ages Cost Registration Location
June 26 – August 7 Fridays 3:30-5:30pm (7 sessions) 12-17 Free Drop-in Phalen Beach House (1400 Phalen Drive)