Looking for swimming beaches near Fargo? We’ve got you covered!
Summer time in Fargo means lake season! We’ve compiled a list of swimming beaches near Fargo (within 2 hours) so you can plan a fun day trip the whole family can enjoy.
Swimming Beaches Within 1 Hour
Blue Eagle Beach
Blue Eagle Lake is located in Barnesville just 30 minutes from Fargo. There is a beach with a bath house (open daily from 12:00-6:00 p.m.), a fishing dock, and port-a-potty available.
Buffalo River State Park – SWIMMING WILL NOT BE OPEN IN 2023
This state park is only 30 minutes from the FM area and has a swimming hole surrounded by beach. Lifeguards are on duty and bathrooms are available. Take a break from swimming to enjoy the many trails the state park has to offer!
Middle Cormorant Lake
Middle Cormorant Lake Beach is located 45 minutes from Fargo on County Highway 5 on the eastern shores of Middle Cormorant Lake in southwestern Becker County. They have a lifeguard on duty and public restrooms available.
Brewer Lake
Bewer Lake is a short 45 minutes away and located at a County Park and Campground in Cass County, ND. It is a close spot to enjoy some beach time!
Mooreton Pond
Mooreton Pond is a small swimming area located just under and hour south of Fargo in Richland County. Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the pavilions (or even grill!) Restrooms are available on site.
City of Detroit Lakes Public Beach
The city of Detroit Lakes has a mile-long sandy beach on the shore of Little Detroit Lake, just under one hour from the FM area. The beach runs along West Lake Drive and offers swimming activities for the public and there are two public accesses for launching boats. There is a handicapped accessible fishing pier on the beach providing fishing access to everyone. The beach is also next to a park, where the kids can take a break to play and use the restrooms.
Maplewood State Park
Maplewood State Park is located one hour southeast from the FM area. There are numerous picnic tables and grills available for visitor use, as well as a large picnic shelter that is available for group or family gatherings. On a warm summer day you can go for a swim and relax at the sandy beach on Lake Lida. The park entrance is 7 miles east of Pelican Rapids, MN on State Highway 108. Visit the Maplewood State Park website for more information.
Pebble Lake Beach
Pebble Lake Beach is located one hour southeast from Fargo near Fergus Falls, MN. Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week from 1:30-5:30 p.m. and picnic tables available for use.
Lake Elsie Public Beach
This quiet lake is located an hour south of Fargo near Hankinson, ND and has a public beach on the south side of the lake.
Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake Public beach is located just over an hour from Fargo on the eastern shore of Eagle Lake west of the city of Frazee, MN. The park contains picnic shelters, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, and a public boat launch. Note: There are no public restrooms or lifeguards on duty.
Long Lake Swimming Beach
Long Lake is located just over an hour from Fargo near Vergas, MN and has a public beach with docks and the World’s Largest Loon for a fun photo op! It also has bathrooms and a small playground for littles when they need a break from the water.
Town Lake Public Beach
Town Lake Public Beach is located just over an hour from Fargo on Co. Hwy. 29 on the northeast shore of Town Lake in the city of Frazee, MN. The park also contains picnic shelters and a public boat launch. Public restrooms are available.
Swimming Beaches Within 90 Minutes
Wolf Lake Public Beach
Osage Beach
The Osage Public Beach is located on hour and 20 minutes west of Fargo on the southern tip of Straight Lake in the community of Osage in eastern Becker County. No public restrooms are available, so plan accordingly!
Glendalough State Park
Located one hour 25 minutes from the FM area, Glendalough State Park allows you to swim, canoe, kayak or cast a line for legendary pan fish on clear Annie Battle Lake. Take a break from the lake to enjoy a hike, or rent a bike!
Larimore Dam
Located one hour and 30 minutes northwest of Fargo, Larimore Dam is a great place to spend the day! There is a public swimming beach, picnic areas, horsehoe pits, volleyball nets, hiking and biking trails, and a playground.
Lake Latoka
Located one hour and 30 minutes from the FM area, Lake Latoka has a public swimming beach with lifeguards on duty and picnic tables available.
Menahga Beach
Menahga City Beach is located one hour and 30 minutes from the FM Area. The city maintains a public beach on Spirit Lake, and is known for its white sugar-sand. It is open everyday during the summer months, with lifeguards on duty. A large fishing pier is also available for public use.
Swimming Beaches Within 2 Hours
Jamestown Reservoir
This recreational area is located just 1 hour and 35 minutes west of Fargo near Jamestown, ND. This beach is free and open to the public — just make sure to bring your umbrella for some shade!
Alexandria City Park Beach
Located one hour and 40 minutes from Fargo on the northeast side of Lake Agnes and Lake Henry, you can enjoy a public swimming beach, playgrounds, picnic areas, grilling stations, fishing spots, and more at this relaxing shore spot.
Lake Belle Taine Public Beach
Located one hour and 45 minutes from Fargo, Lake Belle Taine has a public swimming beach with nearby picnic tables and shelters.
Lake Carlos State Park
Located an hour and 45 minutes from Fargo, Lake Carlos State Park has a variety of recreational activities revolve around the lake. Clear and deep, Lake Carlos offers swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and horseback riding.
Lake Le Homme Dieu
Lake Le Homme Dieu is located one hour and 45 minutes from Fargo, and is part of the Alexandria Chain of Lakes. Navigable connections exist to Lake Carlos and Lake Geneva. This is a popular lake for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Public access docks are also available. There are two swimming beaches: Rotary Beach, located between Lake Carlos and Lake Le Homme Dieu on County Road 42 (no lifeguards present) and Lake Le Homme Dieu Beach, located on the southern end of the lake (lifeguard staff is present at this location).
Itasca State Park
A local favorite, Itasca State Park is located one hour and 50 minutes from Fargo. Enjoy the cool water of the Mississipi River at the headwaters, or spend an afternoon at the nearby swimming beach. There’s a playground nearby and plenty of grass space for a picnic lunch!
Did we miss any swimming beaches near Fargo? Contact us and let us know!
Looking for more summer fun? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer to find all the fun events and activities happening in our area!
