Thomas Beach at Bde Maka Ska
8.0Friend Score / 10#2 of 7 Beaches in Minneapolis
Known forthomas beachbde maka skaswimmingbeach
The main sandy swimming beach on Bde Maka Ska's south shore — free, lifeguarded in summer, with a skyline view across the water that still surprises people. It's where south Minneapolis actually swims. Caveat: it occasionally closes briefly after heavy rain for water-quality checks, so glance at the Park Board's beach status page first.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 06:00–22:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Bus routes along Lake St/Excelsior Blvd; no direct rail — bike or drive is easiest |
| Time needed | 2-4 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday afternoons June-August; lifeguards typically on duty roughly 1-7 pm, extended to 8 pm on hot evenings |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value9.0
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I park for Thomas Beach?
- There are pay lots off Bde Maka Ska Parkway near the south shore plus free street parking in the neighborhood if you're willing to walk. Summer weekends fill fast — arrive before 11 am or bike.
- Can I rent kayaks or paddleboards near Thomas Beach?
- Yes — rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats) operate seasonally on the lake a short walk from the beach. It's an easy add-on if you get bored of the sand.
- Is Thomas Beach good for kids?
- Very — sandy bottom, a gradual entry, summer lifeguards, and restrooms nearby. It gets busy on hot weekends, so mornings are the calm-water, easy-towel-space window.
- Are dogs allowed at Thomas Beach?
- No — dogs aren't allowed on Minneapolis swimming beaches, even leashed. The walking paths around the lake are dog-friendly on leash, so pups get the loop, not the sand.
- What does Bde Maka Ska mean?
- It's Dakota for 'White Earth Lake' — the lake's original name, officially restored in 2018 after being called Lake Calhoun for over a century. Locals now use both, but Bde Maka Ska is the name on the signs.
- Is Thomas Beach free?
- Yes — the beach, the sand, and the swimming cost nothing. Nearby parking is a mix of pay lots and free street spots, and the pay part is the only money you might spend.
- Are there lifeguards at Thomas Beach?
- Yes, in summer — typically on duty from around 1 to 7 pm June through August, extended to 8 pm when it's 85 degrees or hotter in the evening. You can swim any time during park hours (6 am-10 pm), just unguarded.
- Is the water clean at Bde Maka Ska?
- Usually yes — the Park Board tests city beaches regularly and Bde Maka Ska is one of the cleaner urban lakes. Beaches occasionally close for a few days after heavy rain if E. coli spikes, so check the MPRB beach status page before hauling your cooler over.
Nearby in Ask Minneapolis
- Bde Maka SkaPark0.5 km · 6 min walk
- Bakken MuseumMuseum0.69 km · 9 min walk
- Chain of Lakes (Lake Calhoun / Bde Maka Ska & Lake Harriet)Attraction0.79 km · 10 min walk
- Lake Harriet North BeachBeach1.28 km · 16 min walk
- Linden HillsNeighborhood1.32 km · 17 min walk
Where to stay near Thomas Beach at Bde Maka Ska
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