Phalen Regional Park Beach

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 from the beach, you swim counterclockwise around the course buoys, and return to the beach after swimming approximately 500 yards.

Participant information

• Must be 18+
• Open Swim sessions will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from June 14 – August 17* from 9-11am (*no session on July 12).
• Open water swim will be held at Lake Phalen Beach; 1400 Phalen Drive.

Registration 

• The cost for open swimming in Lake Phalen is $50/resident and $62.50/non-resident (includes 19 sessions total).
• 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 Parks 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

Day camp in the capital city! This is a new, free camp for ages 12-17. Daily activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, canoeing, trail hiking, first aid wilderness skills, water safety and rescues drills, nature exploration, crafting, and fishing. All experience levels welcome.

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. 

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

This is a drop-in camp and no registration required. Any schedule adjustments or cancellations will be posted on Lake Phalen's Facebook page.

The Lake Phalen Beach has lifeguards on duty daily from June 11-July 31 from 12-8pm, and August 1- September 1 from 12-7pm. Preview weekend lifeguards are on duty May 24-26, May 31-June 1, June 7-8 from 12pm-8pm.

Saint Paul Public Schools provides free meals for youth and teens Monday-Friday from June 20-August 15 from 1:15pm-2:00pm at the Phalen Beach House parking lot (1400 Phalen Drive). 

Join the Lake Phalen lifeguard community! This is a new, free camp for ages 15-17. Connect with other teens and beach mentors for team activities and water games. Develop swimming and rescue skills. Hop on kayas, paddle boards, and canoes. Enjoy the sand, sun, and nature on a Phalen Beach Friday! All experience levels welcome.

Participants aged 15-17 who complete swim skill prerequisites will receive a voucher to complete a free City of Saint Paul Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification Course.

This is a drop-in camp and no registration required. Any schedule adjustments or cancellations will be posted on Lake Phalen's Facebook page.

Saint Paul Public Schools provides free meals for youth and teens Monday-Friday from June 20-August 15 from 1:15pm-2:00pm at the Phalen Beach House parking lot (1400 Phalen Drive). 

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.

Guarded Beach Hours

Weather permitting, the beach will also be guarded from 12pm-8pm on May 24-26, 31, June 1 & 7-8.

June 11 - July 31

Daily: 12pm-8pm

August 1 - September 1

Daily: 12pm-7pm

Splash Pad Hours

June 11 - September 1

Daily: 9am-9pm

Watercraft Rentals

Watercraft rentals are available at Phalen Regional Park Beach through Whenever Watersports. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard via their self-serve rental kiosk operation located on the beach. 

Learn how to sail, row, paddle or scull on Lake Phalen. 

Sailing, Rowing, and Paddling

Interested in storing your canoe or kayak at Lake Phalen for the summer? Watercraft storage rack reservations open on May 20, 2024.

Reserve Storage Rack Space

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.

Phalen Park Beach
1400 Phalen Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55106
ParksAquatics@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Map

Phalen Regional Park (PDF)

General Customer Service:
Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm
Ph: 651-266-6400
ParksCustomerService@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Park Security:
Ph: 651-646-3535