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 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 

• The cost for open swimming in Lake Phalen is $50/resident and $62.50/non-resident (includes 29 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

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. 

Interested in storing your canoe or kayak at Lake Phalen for the summer? Reserve your storage space today!

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. (And check out the Teen Lifeguard Academy Summer Camp!)

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

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 include:

• 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.

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 Include:

• Kayaking & Paddle Boarding
• Swimming & Canoeing
• Trail Hiking & Wilderness First Aid
• Water Safety & Rescue Drills
• Nature Exploration & Fishing
• Creative Crafting

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 Include:

• Water games & team challenges
• Swimming & rescue skill development
• Kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing
• Time to enjoy the sun, sand, and nature