Parks & Public Beaches in Crosslake, Minnesota
Whether you’re visiting with kids, looking for a picnic spot or just want to stretch your legs between stops around town, here are a few places to explore in Crosslake.
Parks & Public Beaches
Looking for a place to swim, play, picnic or simply spend some time outdoors? Crosslake offers several public parks and recreation areas where visitors can enjoy everything from a day at the beach to playgrounds, walking trails, pickleball, fishing and peaceful views of the water.
Cross Lake Recreation Area & Public Beach
35507 County Road 66, Crosslake
Located along Cross Lake on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, the Cross Lake Recreation Area is one of Crosslake’s best spots for a day by the water.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area offers public swimming beaches along with picnic areas, a playground, accessible fishing piers and beautiful views of the lake and Pine River. Visitors can swim and sunbathe, launch a canoe or kayak, fish from shore or enjoy lunch beneath the tall pines.
The recreation area is also home to the Pine River Dam, one of Crosslake’s most recognizable landmarks and a favorite stop for visitors.
Amenities include:
Public swimming beach
Playground
Picnic areas and shelters
Accessible fishing piers
Canoe and kayak access
Restrooms
Walking access to nearby Crosslake businesses
Campground and boat access
Crosslake Community Center
14126 Daggett Pine Road, Crosslake
There’s a little bit of everything at Crosslake Community Park. Located around the Crosslake Community Center and Crosslake Area Library, this is a great stop for families and anyone looking to get active.
Kids can burn off some energy at the playground while the rest of the family takes advantage of the park’s many recreation options. The park is also the trailhead for Nordic Ridge, making it a year-round destination for outdoor recreation.
Amenities include:
- Playground
- 10 pickleball courts
- Tennis courts
- Basketball court
- 9-hole disc golf course
- Dog park with separate small- and large-dog areas
- Baseball and softball fields
- Picnic shelter
- Cornhole and shuffleboard
- Nordic Ridge walking, skiing and snowshoe trails
- Sledding hill and skating rink during the winter
Pine River Overlook Park
35202 Riverwood Trail, Crosslake
For a quieter stop, visit Pine River Overlook Park along the Pine River.
This small waterfront park offers green space, picnic tables and a picnic shelter overlooking the river. A dock and kayak launch make it an especially nice place to get close to the water or begin a paddle.
Amenities include:
- Picnic shelter and tables
- Green space
- Dock and kayak launch
- Paved parking
- ADA-accessible restroom
Pine River Rock Dam
14647 Big Pine Trail, Crosslake
Tucked along the Pine River, the Pine River Rock Dam is a scenic spot to enjoy the river and surrounding Northwoods landscape.
The original rock dam was replaced in 2020 with a series of five rock weirs designed to maintain Big Pine Lake water levels while allowing fish and other aquatic species to move through the Pine River. The project also improved riverbank stability and aquatic habitat.
Today, the area is a unique place to stop and take in the rushing water, enjoy the scenery or incorporate into a paddle on the Pine River—the National Loon Center has even used the Rock Dam as the starting point for guided Pine River paddles.
Good to know: This is a more natural recreation stop than a developed park.
South Bay Park
Off Perkins Road, Crosslake
If you’re looking for something a little more natural, head to South Bay Park. This largely undeveloped 26-acre property includes approximately 2,800 feet of shoreline and offers a peaceful place to walk and enjoy the natural side of Crosslake.
Development has intentionally remained minimal, with walking trails, green space and a viewing area overlooking South Bay.
Amenities include:
- Walking trails
- Green space
- South Bay viewing vista
- Small parking area
Spend the Day Outdoors in Crosslake
From swimming in the Whitefish Chain to an afternoon at the playground or a peaceful walk along the water, you don’t have to go far to enjoy the outdoors in Crosslake.
Pack a picnic, bring your swimsuit or walking shoes, and make one of Crosslake’s parks part of your next day Up North.
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